That’s right – when I saw the word of this new release from Zenith, that Michael Jackson tune is what immediately came to mind. Then again, that’s a message that these watches aren’t coming anywhere near. It just so happens that the Zenith Defy 21 and Defy Classic Black & White seamlessly combine the two hues.
When it comes to doing things in a monochrome palette, it never looks bad, per se. But for it to be something that looks really right, it’s got to be done, well, right. Here, Zenith has leveraged their ceramics to set the foundation for the black-and-white look. This is further enhanced by the rubber strap (which has a white inset that has a texture reminiscent of cordura).
The additional layering of color on these Zenith Defy models comes in via the open-worked dial. These sorts of dials I tend to view negatively, as they are often quite difficult to actually use to tell the time. You know, the main purpose of a watch. Here, with the white chapter ring, indices, and hands strongly offset the black finish of the open-working, and still gives you a view of the movement underneath.
For the Zenith Defy Classic, you’ve got the three-hander movement, while the Defy 21 has the very-well-received El Primero 9004 movement. If you opt for the chronograph, you’ll be set back $13,600 while the three-hander comes in at $8,200. If you’re looking for a clean luxury watch that will never clash with what you’re wearing? These Zenith Defy Black & White models are where it’s at. zenith-watches.com
Tech Specs from Zenith
DEFY 21 BLACK & WHITE
- Reference: 49.9007.9004/11.R923
- Key points: 1/100th of a second Chronograph movement. Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second. 1 escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH – 5 Hz); 1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz). TIME LAB Chronometer certified.
- Movement: El Primero 9004 automatic
- Frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
- Power reserve approx. 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 hand, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 60-second counter at 6 o’clock
- Price 13,600 USD
- Material: Black matte Ceramic with white ceramic bezel
- Case: 44mm
- Dial: Openworked with two different-coloured counters
- Water resistance: 10 ATM
- Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super- LumiNova?SLN C1
- Hands : Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super- LumiNova?SLN C1
- Bracelet & Buckle: Black rubber with white “cordura effect” rubber. Titanium double folding clasp with Black DLC coating.
DEFY CLASSIC BLACK & WHITE
- Reference: 49.9005.670/11.R943
- Key points: 41mm Black Ceramic case. In house Elite skeletonised movement. Silicon escape-wheel and lever.
- Movement Elite 670 SK, Automatic.
- Frequency: 28,800 VpH (4Hz)
- Power-reserve: min. 48 hours
- Functions Hours and minutes in the centre. Central seconds hand. Date indication at 6 o?clock
- Price 8,200 USD
- Material: Black matte Ceramic with white ceramic bezel
- Case: 41mm
- Dial: Black Openworked
- Water resistance: 10 ATM
- Hour-markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova? SLN C1
- Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova? SLN C1
- Bracelet & Buckle: Black rubber with white ?cordura effect? rubber. Titanium double folding clasp with Black DLC coating.
