Zenith has brought the Defy 21 Chroma back in black and white editions with a very colourful touch. Both timepieces are unveiled as limited editions, with 500 models being allocated for each ceramic version.
The Zenith DEFY 21 Chroma (short for Chromatic) are colourful timepieces based on the brand’s DEFY 21 models. Previously we saw Zenith release 8 different colourways for the DEFY 21 Chroma collection, which included navy, pink, green, aqua, purple, orange and black. What makes these timepieces stand out is that with the DEFY 21 being a skeletonised dial, Zenith has used coloured main plates for the movement, so that even though it’s an open-worked dial, there is still a whole lot of colour to be seen.
The timepieces are then finished off with dial-colour-matching straps. Another key visual feature is that, while it’s a skeleton dial, the tri-sub counter layout is not skeletonised and is done in the same material finish as the watch’s case. During LVMH Watch Week back in 2022, Zenith released the DEFY 21 Chroma limited edition, which came with a white ceramic case, and a range of colour accents. Beating inside the watch was the world’s only serially-produced high-frequency 1/100th of a second automatic chronograph calibre movement. Continuing on the back of the success of the DEFY 21 Chroma limited edition, Zenith now brings two new editions of the DEFY 21 Chroma II to the table.
The two models released are black and white ceramic models. The black microblasted ceramic version brings forth a range of tones based on the primary colours, while the matte white ceramic version features brighter accents with an emphasis on blues and pinks. The 44mm cases offer a nice backdrop for the colour spectrum on show around the dial. The matte white ceramic case’s colours start with light blue at the 12 o’clock marker and finish on an orange/green shade. The movement plates underneath the sub-counters reflect the colour tones on the adjacent hour indices. On the case back of the matte white ceramic model, the oscillating weight is done in blue colour, which stands out quite beautifully against the white surroundings.
The only downside to this timepiece can be the readability of the watch. While the hour indices stand out due to the colours, the hour and minute hands can somewhat blend within the white sub-counters. It would’ve been a nice touch if Zenith had coloured SuperLuminova on the hands much like the hour indices, allowing the hands to stand out much more clearly. The matte white ceramic version is offered with a white rubber strap with rainbow stitching that matches the colour of the adjacent hour indices on the dial. This matte white ceramic version reflects a more outdoor/summer fun timepiece, especially with the white strap.
Zenith’s black microblasted ceramic version however reflects a timepiece for the more formal occasion. The colours on this black version stand out a lot more clearly, and obviously so as the black acts as a natural contrast against the colours. The colour spectrum for this black micro-blasted ceramic version starts with an orange tone at the 12 o’clock position and goes through the colour gradient until it finishes on pink. The PVD bridges of the movement sitting underneath the sub-counters are colour-matched to reflect the adjacent hour marker.
The readability of the dial on the black micro-blasted ceramic model is so much more crisp when compared to the white version. The sub-counters are done in black and with the black minute track as well, it helps to add that perfect contrast against the rhodium finished hour and minute hands. The oscillating weight on the case back of this watch is done in blue as well, although doesn’t provide the same beautiful colour-contrasting effect as the white ceramic model. Like the white model, the black comes with a black rubber strap with rainbow stitching that matches the adjacent hour indices on the dial.
Both models are fitted with Zenith’s high-performing calibre movement El Primero 9004. This movement has dual escapements, which allow the watch to operate the 1/100th of a second chronograph movement. The first escapement which powers the time functions operates at a high-frequency of 36,000 VpH (5Hz), while a second escapement to power the 1/100th of a second chronograph operates at a staggering frequency of 360, 000 VpH (50Hz). What this translates to in terms of power efficiency is that the watch gets a power reserve of approximately 50 hours, while the 1/100th of a second chronograph can run for a total of 50 minutes.
While both versions of this new DEFY 21 Chroma II are limited editions, the two models are available for purchase from different points of sale. The matte white ceramic DEFY 21 Chroma II is limited to a number of 500 models, and can only be purchased from Zenith boutiques and selected retailers around the world. The black micro-blasted ceramic DEFY 21 Chroma II is also limited to 500 models, however, can be purchased from all Zenith-authorized points of sale.
Reference: 49.9014.9004/01.R953 (Matte White Ceramic)
Specification
- Case: 44 mm diameter
- Case Material: Matte White Ceramic
- Dial: White Open-worked with”Rainbow” PVD-coated bridges + Special blue colored oscillating weight with satined finishings.
- Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
- Water resistance: 100m / 10 ATM
- Movement: El Primero 9004
- Power reserve: Approx. 50 hours
- Strap: White rubber strap with rainbow stitching. Titanium double folding clasp.
Availability: Limited to 500 models worldwide. Points of sale from Zenith boutiques and selected retailers around the world.
Australian Recommended Retail Pricing: AU$ 23,600.00
Reference: 49.9013.9004/21.R952 (Black Micro-Blasted Ceramic)
Specification
- Case: 44 mm diameter
- Case Material: Black micro-blasted ceramic
- Dial: Black Open-worked with”Rainbow” PVD-coated bridges + Special blue colored oscillating weight with satined finishings.
- Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
- Water resistance: 100m / 10 ATM
- Movement: El Primero 9004
- Power reserve: Approx. 50 hours
- Strap: Black rubber strap with rainbow stitching. Titanium double folding clasp.
