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Zenith, Phillips and Voutilainen revive historic competition Calibre 135 with observatory limited edition
Zenith, Phillips and Kari Voutilainen have teamed up to reinvigorate the historic 135 chronometer movement.Zenith Calibre 135 Observatoire
Decades ago, before the introduction of the quartz watch, observatory experiments were extremely important. Beyond the science of timing, the marketing benefits associated with these timing trials are considerable. For decades, the Observatory has witnessed and guaranteed the level of precision that watchmakers have been able to achieve. Well aware of the prestige they can gain, high-end brands submit specially prepared movements to these trials. Of these brands, Zenith movements have won over 2,300 chronograph awards over the years! Half a century after the Observatory trials, based on an idea initiated by the Phillips Watch Company (specifically Aurel Bacs and Alex Ghotbi), Zenith presents a series of 10 watches, powered by the historic Observatory Calibre 135, powered by One of the most respected and talented independent watchmakers Kari Voutilainen brings to life. Let's take a closer look at the Zenith Calibre Observatoire.
Zenith CALIBRE 135 While the El Primero chronograph is the name that comes to mind when thinking about Zenith and its movement, the Calibre 135 may be just as symbolic and significant. Introduced in 1948, the Caliber 135 was created by Ephrem Jobin, led by Zenith Technical Director Charles Ziegler. This chronometer movement was developed to meet the specifications of the Neuchâtel Observatory competition. Back then, at the height of the battle in the Observatory Trial, such a competition was extremely important. Beyond the science of timing, the marketing benefits associated with these timing victories are considerable.wholesale replica watches
With trials in mind, the Zenith Calibre 135 is designed to be 30mm in diameter (the largest size to enter the watch category competition) and 5mm in height. Its design is based on the idea of having an oversized 14mm balance wheel for increased precision and rate stability, and a large barrel that provides steady power to the regulator. This requires rebuilding the motion architecture through multiple updates. For example, offset the split wheel to free up space. The balance wheel vibrates at 18,000 vibrations per hour and is equipped with a Breguet upper coil spring and gooseneck adjuster for optimal adjustment.
All this makes Caliber 135 a movement of exceptional quality. 11,000 units will be produced by 1962, the vast majority of which will be Observatory certified. Since the Neuchâtel Observatory was unable to provide so many certificates in time, the certification was carried out in conjunction with Le Locle Technicum. The movement has also won the brand numerous timekeeping awards: the Calibre 135 has received 230 accolades, many of them first prizes. With this movement, Zenith set an unprecedented and impressive record, winning five consecutive timekeeping champions in the watch category (from 1950 to 1954) certified by the Neuchâtel Observatory.Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Carolina Bucci 77350CE.OO.1266CE.02
PHILLIPS X VOUTILAINEN X ZENITH CALIBRE OBSERVATOIRE LIMITED EDITION In all the different versions of the Zenith Calibre 135, the 135-O movement was specially designed to participate in the timekeeping tests at the Observatories of Neuchâtel, Geneva, Cheutdington and Besançon. It is 10 of these 135-O calibres, the original chronometer-tested calibres that belong to the historical 1950-1954 serial award years, for Zenith's modern limited edition watch in collaboration with Phillips and Kari Voutilainen repair. The movements were race-ready and fine-tuned for a year by Zenith "timekeepers" Charles Fleck and René Gygax. Each of them won the first category award.
The iconic 30mm hand-wound movement decorated in collaboration with Kari Voutilainen has received a new look. The finish is sober but brilliantly executed. As Phillips' Alex Ghotbi explains: "These movements are made for competition. They are not designed to be worn or to look good. So who should we ask if we're going to make a watch with this legendary movement? What about taking it to the next level? Let’s say right away, Kari Voutilainen. He’s an absolute master.” In this regard, the idea is to remove as little material as possible from the movement, with tires, hand-chamfering or Features such as snails. There are even subtle differences between the different movements, such as their engraving or their indexes (single-arrow or double-arrow indexes).high quality replica watches
The limited edition watch featuring these redecorated historic movements is an elegant, understated 38mm dress watch. Crafted from 950 platinum, this 38mm case features short tapered lugs and a relatively large fluted crown adorned with the modern Zenith logo. Beneath a box-shaped sapphire crystal, the black dial is crafted in Kari Voutilainen's Comblémine workshop in sterling silver. Slightly dome-shaped with guilloche scales, triangular hour-markers and polished dot markers. The large small seconds dial at 6 o'clock features a guilloche pattern of concentric circles. It is engraved with the serial number of the movement. Finally, the Neuchâtel title at 6 o’clock is a tribute to the Observatory Test and Guangzhou, where the Zenith factory is located.
Zenith Calibre Observatoire comes on a black calfskin strap. It is housed in a walnut box with brass fasteners, inspired by the container that transports the time trial movement from the Zenith Manufacture to the Neuchâtel Observatory. JACOB & CO ASTRONOMIA DRAGON
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - ZENITH CALIBRE OBSERVATOIRE LIMITED EDITION Case: 38mm diameter - 950 platinum case, brushed sides, polished lugs and bezel - box sapphire crystal - sapphire case back - 30m water resistance Dial: Dial made by Kari Voutilainen's Comblémine atelier - sterling silver dial with black matte finish and fish scales hand guilloche pattern - dotted minute markers applied - rhodium plated and faceted German silver triangular hour markers - rhodium plated and faceted gold hands Movement: Handcrafted historic Zenith calibre 135-O, restored and decorated with Kari Voutilainen - 30mm x 5mm - 18,000 vibrations/hour or 2.5 Hz - Power reserve approx 40 hours - 6 o'clock Hours, minutes and small seconds in position Strap: Black calfskin strap with white gold pin buckle Reference: 40.1350.135/21.C1000