The new Defy Extreme Mirror from Zenith is a bold statement, and as they say, the best place to hide is in plain sight, which is what the Defy Extreme Mirror does!
Zenith’s new Defy Extreme Mirror is a watch like no other. Built to blend into its surroundings by reflecting the light from all angles, the Defy Extreme Mirror aims to both hide in plain sight, as well as stand out from the crowd. Zenith’s Defy Extreme collection has always taken its inspiration from nature and the elements, and whilst the Defy Extreme Mirror doesn’t take inspiration from one element, it aims to take it from all the elements within its reflective surface.
The Defy Extreme Mirror is the same Defy Extreme that you’ve come to know and (possibly) love, with the 45mm case and the 1/100th second chronograph function allowing you to time what ever you want to time with much more accuracy than a conventional chronograph.
The high polish mirror finish is not only on the outer surfaces of the watch, but the open multi-layered dial features a central element in sapphire crystal with a metallic mirrored finish that’s translucent yet reflective via the mirrored tint. With a combination of polished mirrored surfaces on the hands, star and indices, satin-brushed finishing on the 1/100th chronograph scale and sand-blasted finishing on the plates, it makes for a striking-looking dial and movement!
Inside the Defy Extreme Mirror is the Zenith El Primero 9004, with two independent escapements beating at the rates of 5Hz (36’000 VpH) for the timekeeping part and 50Hz (360’000 VpH) for the chronograph function, which has its own barrel and power reserve which is manually wound via the crown.
For those that want options, Zenith includes both a rubber strap and velcro strap with the Defy Extreme Mirror in addition to the mirror polished steel bracelet. This means if the mirror gets to be too much, you can bring it down a notch with the black straps. It’s also perfect for those that want to get out and about with the watch and not worrying about scratches. However you wear it, it’s sure to stand out!
Final Thoughts
Zenith are a brand that like to push the boundaries of convention. And the Defy Extreme Mirror is certainly this. At 45mm it’s not for the faint of wrist, but these pieces wear well, and very comfortable on rubber. The El Primero 21 movement is well known and tried and tested. It’s also a great party trick when you see that central chronograph hand spin around the dial every second. Just ask my daughter!
Whilst we’ve not seen this specific model in person, the sight of a fully mirrored watch on the wrist will be something else. This is a statement piece for sure, and whether or not worn on the steel, rubber or velcro, it’s sure to turn heads. This is one aspect of Zenith that is great, the inclusion of multiple straps with their Defy range and the quick change mechanism to change it. Given it’s a proprietary system and no after market straps can be added, it’s nice to know you can buy a piece and change its looks up when you want in about 30 seconds!
Reference: 03.9102.9004/90.I001
Specification
- Case: 45mm
- Case Material: Mirror polished steel
- Dial: Mirror Tinted sapphire with three silver-colored counters. Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated hands and indices with SuperLuminova SLN C1
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides
- Water resistance: 200m (20ATM)
- Movement: El Primero 21 – Calibre 9004 Automatic winding with 2 barrels and escapements (Main power and chronograph power) Main movement beating at 36,000 VpH/5 Hz and 1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz).
- Power reserve: 50 hours (watch) and 50 mins for the chonograph
- Bracelet/Strap: Full interchangeable strap system including polished metal bracelet with folding clasp. In addition, a rubber with folding buckle & 1 Velcro strap.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $39,400
Availability: Available now through Zentih Boutiques, Authorised Retailers or online at Zenith-watches.com
