The last time we spoke to you about the Zenith Defy line, it was about the adaptation of the El Primero movement into a three-hander (seen here). While I tend to lean towards those, there was one chronograph in the recent releases that truly caught my eye – the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma.
The Zenith Defy 21 Chroma starts from a crisp clean foundation made of a matte white ceramic case. White carries over into the rubber strap and the bits of the open-worked dial that remain. To dazzle that all up you’ve got an explosion of color happening. You’ve got four different colors of contrast stitching happening on the strap, for starters.
Looking through the dial of the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma, you’ll see more color showing up in the PVD-coated bridges, and the blue of the rotating weight of the movement. What’s cool about those coated bridges is that they coordinate with the indices and numerals printed on the dial. Rather than being a random assortment of colors, here, we’ve got an orderly flow of the colors, with the good old ROYGBIV starting right at noon, and marching it’s way around.
For those worrying that those indices are gems, bring the sparkle (and cost) that go with those, have no fear. The indices on the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma are actually lacquer, which I think works to great effect with the richness of color. It also means it’s definitely more of a unisex watch, as us fellows don’t need to worry about if they like wearing gems or not. Myself, I just like how crisp the $14,500 Zenith Defy 21 Chroma looks, and how sharply the colors jump from the dial. Check it out over at zenith–watches.com
Tech Specs from Zenith
- Reference: 49.9010.9004/01.R947
- Key points: 1/100th of a second Chronograph movement. Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the Chrono hand.1 escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH – 5 Hz) ; 1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz). Certified Chronometer. Limited edition of 200 pieces.
- Movement: El Primero 9004 automatic
- Frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
- Power reserve min. 50 hours
- Functions : 1/100th of a second chronograph functions. Chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o’clock. Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at 9 o’clock, Central chronograph, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 60-second counter at 6 o’clock
- Finishes: “Rainbow” PVD-coated bridges + Special blue colored oscillating weight with satined finishings
- Price $14,500 USD
- Material: Matte White Ceramic
- Water resistance: 10 ATM
- Dial: White Openworked
- Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with “Rainbow” varnish
- Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with colored varnish
- Bracelet & Buckle: White rubber with white “Cordura effect” rubber and multicolored. Titanium triple folding clasp.
