Zenith’s Defy 21 collection is certainly one of their popular ranges in recent times, with the Defy 21 watches being released in a variety of colours and limited editions. Now, arguably the fastest chronograph model in the watch industry gets a brand new outfit; a bold colourway in shades of green. Zenith has named this latest timepiece the Defy 21 Urban Jungle.
For those not aware, the Defy 21 models set the standard for not only precision but also avant-garde design. The Swiss manufacturer used innovative and high-performance materials to create ground-break movements and stylish designs for the dial. All the models in the Defy 21 collection feature the exceptional 1/100th of a second chronograph that push the limits of what we know as high-frequency precision.
Design:
As a first for the brand, Zenith has given the Defy 21 Urban Jungle a green ceramic armour. This new case is highly scratch-resistant while also being intensely coloured. The khaki green ceramic case is made entirely of a matte surface, which although gives it a subtle look, is certainly noticeable to the lucky wearer. The ceramic case has a water resistance rating of 100m (10 bar).
The dial is just as audacious as the casing. To split the colours up and make the different parts of the dial stand out, Zenith has used matte silver on various parts of the dial. The 1/100th of the second counter on the outer part of the dial has a silver matte finish, which breaks up the green colour from the case to the green on the dial nicely. The two counters on the dial also have different finishing, from matte silver on the 3 o’clock sub-dial to the black counter ring on the 6 o’clock sub-dial.
As we would expect from Defy 21 models, the dial is skeletonised as much as possible (including the sub-counters) to show as much of the movement underneath. The main plate on the movement has been given a Khaki green finish. The oscillating weight on the back also has a special khaki green colour with satined finishings.
Movement:
The movement used inside the Defy 21 Urban Jungle is Zenith’s in-house El Primero 9004 automatic movement. The El Primero 9004 automatic movement features 1 escapement for the Chronograph which has a frequency of 50 Hz (360, 000 VpH), and another escapement for the watch, which has a frequency of 5Hz (36, 000 VpH). Both of these escapements can be seen from the dial side (displayed on the left side of the watch). The El Primero 9004 automatic movement can produce a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.
The new Defy 21 Urban Jungle carries on the Defy 21 collections legacy of having audacious designs with an incredible movement. Zenith summed up this piece nicely by stating that “This special rendition of the DEFY 21 is made for those who see the sprawling metropolis as their playground; where a horizon of towering concrete, steel, and glass opens up a world where every day is an adventure full of dreams and infinite possibilities.
