WHAT were they THINKING? Why So Expensive? Zenith Calibre 135 Observatoire - Atelier DE GRIFF

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The Zenith Calibre 135 Observatoire looks mighty fine at first glance, but what makes it so special requires a lesson in horological history. Beating inside this watch is one of the original Caliber 135-O movements. These are essentially museum-worthy movements, once created for the sole purpose of winning chronometry competitions at a time when the high accuracy of a watch was still a reason for high praise. The 135-O was created for the sole purpose of competing in observatory chronometer competitions. The Oscars of the accuracy world back in the day.
With the O movements, the sole focus was on the accuracy, it was never really decorated, never meant to be cased in a watch, and well, never meant to be sold for more significant production runs either. The horological equivalent of a formula 1 race car. As a side note, there was also a regular production caliber 135, produced from 1949 until 1962, now these O movements are quite a different breed. This 135-O caliber is not just a competition caliber however, no, it was basically the GOAT back in its day. The Caliber 135-O won over 230 chronometry prizes, making it the most highly awarded observatory chronometer ever made.
Tip: View the full launch documentary from Zenith right here: • Zenith x Kari Voutilai...