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Date 6. 9. 2023
Category Watchmaking
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Although the Zenith brand is best known for its El Primero high-frequency chronograph, it has been offering more and more in recent years. The manufacture based in Le Locle, Switzerland, has strengthened its expertise in chronographs and also showcased a completely new modern look.
The latest limited edition DEFY 21 Chroma II presents bold and highly technical watch models with unforgettable performance and design that define a new direction in luxury watchmaking.
Through the DEFY collection, the Zenith brand not only showcases its unrivalled technical prowess and cutting-edge developments, but also its distinctive design language. With a relentless drive to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues, Zenith presents a new limited edition that demonstrates how colours can be used without limitations -- even on the world's most innovative high-frequency chronograph.
The Zenith Defy collection was created in response to the Manufacture's need to create a platform for the boldest watchmaking innovations. Since its inception, this model range has surprised watch lovers with its futuristic design and technological pioneering.
Zenith Defy has quickly become synonymous with avant-garde watchmaking that respects tradition while boldly looking to the future.
The limited edition DEFY 21 Chroma was first unveiled during LVMH Watch Week 2022 and immediately became a hit. Perhaps it was the distinctive combination of the white ceramic case and the wide range of colour accents, perhaps it was the presence of the world's only mass-produced high-frequency automatic chronograph with a calibre of 1/100th of a second. In any case, a collection of watches was created that foreshadowed the development of other Zenith models.
The unique concept of the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma showed that even in the conservative world of luxury watches, there was room for playfulness and experimentation. Here, Zenith has managed to combine technical excellence with design daring, earning the appreciation of both traditional collectors and the younger generation of watch lovers.
The new look of the DEFY 21 Chroma watch represents a difference not only in colours but also in materials. The two versions of the watch take on different tones within the same colour spectrum. The black ceramic version brings a range based on the basic colours, while the white version builds on lighter accents with an emphasis on blue and pink. The ceramic case combines a refracted rainbow, evenly spread over the open dial, the tips of the hands and the movement. All this creates a perfect colour transition.
Technically speaking, the chronograph of the Zenith Defy 21 is a masterpiece of modern watchmaking. The El Primero 21 movement operates with two independent flywheels and inertia springs - one for normal timekeeping with a frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations/hour), the other specifically for the chronograph with a staggering frequency of 50 Hz (360,000 vibrations/hour). This unique design allows time to be measured to 1/100th of a second - a performance unrivalled in the world of mass-produced mechanical watches.
It is the combination of this technical marvel with the bold colour scheme that makes the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma II an exceptional piece. The central chronograph seconds hand describes the entire dial in a single second, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle. When the chronograph is activated, the watch literally plays out in a rhythm of colours that underlines its technological maturity.
The colourful rubber ring on the crown for better handling and the colourful stitching of the rubber straps with a cordura effect complement the carefully painted hour markers. The chronograph counters on the dial are matched to the colours of the case, while the exceptionally decorated movement shines through underneath. Each bridge is finished in a different metallic colour. Through the dial and the sapphire caseback, you can admire the uniquely designed automatic high-frequency chronograph El Primero 21 with a frequency of 1/100th of a second, which provides peak performance and precision.
Within the world of limited edition watches, the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma II represents a truly exceptional feat. While many luxury watch manufacturers settle for minor tweaks to the design or materials for their limited editions, Zenith here comes up with a game-changing concept. The colour treatment is not a mere aesthetic addition, but an integral part of the design philosophy of this watch.
Every detail has been carefully considered - from the colour scale on the dial to the individual components of the movement. This precision and attention to detail underscores the status of this watch as a collector's piece that has the potential to become a sought-after rarity among connoisseurs.
At the heart of the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma II is the legendary El Primero 21 chronograph, which represents the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking. This 1/100th of a second automatic movement uses patented technology that has pushed the boundaries of precision in mechanical chronographs.
The technical specifications are truly stunning:
This chronograph watch is a unique combination of innovative movement, durable materials and bold design. The ceramic case is not just an aesthetic element - this material stands out for its hardness, scratch resistance and hypoallergenic properties. In addition, the weight of ceramic is lower than that of steel, ensuring a comfortable wearing experience despite the watch's more robust dimensions.
Both Zenith DEFY 21 Chroma II models are available in limited quantities of 500 pieces each. While the white ceramic model is only available at Zenith boutiques and selected retailers worldwide, the black ceramic model can be found on the shelves of all authorised Zenith retailers.
For collectors of limited edition watches , these models represent an exceptional opportunity. History has shown that Zenith's exceptional and bold limited editions not only retain their value over the long term, but often become sought-after collectors' pieces whose price on the secondary market increases significantly.
The exclusivity of these models is underlined not only by their limited availability, but also by their unique design concept, which is unparalleled in contemporary luxury watch production. For investors and collectors looking for watches with the potential to increase in value, the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma II models are an extremely attractive choice.
Founded in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot, the Zenith brand is one of the most respected watch manufactures in the world. Since its founding, Zenith has profiled itself as a pioneer of precision and innovation, as evidenced by the more than 300 patents it has obtained over its history.
The greatest milestone in the brand's history was the introduction of the El Primero calibre in 1969 - the world's first integrated automatic chronograph with a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. This legendary movement, which is still considered one of the finest chronograph movements of all time, became the foundation of Zenith's technological DNA.
In the new millennium, Zenith continues its tradition of innovation through bold collections such as the Defy. These watches combine the latest technology with the craftsmanship for which the manufacture is renowned. Models like the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma II show that even a traditional Swiss manufacture can come up with revolutionary concepts that push the entire industry forward.
TheZenith Defy 21 Chroma II represents the perfect synergy of technical excellence and design courage. These limited edition watches offer their owners much more than just precise timekeeping - they are an expression of individuality, taste and an appreciation of exceptional watchmaking.
Whether you are a seasoned collector looking for the next extraordinary piece for your collection or a lover of technical innovation fascinated by the precision of mechanical chronograph watches, the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma II models have something to offer. Their bold colour concept, cutting-edge technology and limited availability make them one of the most exciting watchmaking achievements of recent times.
Visit one of the BENY boutiques in the centre of Prague and see the luxury watches for yourself.
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