Zenith presents a fireworks display of new products at the end of the year.

The LVMH brand Zenith is bringing its 160th anniversary year to a particularly multifaceted close with numerous new products: seven Defy models and a Chronomaster – all equipped with the legendary El Primero – will delight lovers of mechanical watches during the Christmas season: „Defy Extreme Lapislazuli“, „Defy Extreme Chroma Limited Edition“, „Defy Skyline“ in yellow gold and „Chronomaster Revival“.

Zenith – 160 years of innovative watchmaking

One vintage: Defy and El Primero from Zenith

Another movement was also formative for the brand. This is the El Primero (Spanish for "The First"), the world's first automatic chronograph movement, which operated at a high frequency (5 Hz = 36,000 semi-oscillations per hour) and was equipped with a ball-bearing rotor, column-wheel control and horizontal clutch.

Connoisseurs of mechanical watchmaking describe the caliber, first used in a chronograph in 1969, as legendary, revolutionary, and phenomenal. To this day, Zenith continues to refine this movement, which is now available in various versions and remains the star among the manufacture's calibers.

The launch of El Primero was a milestone for Zenith. That same year saw another debut with the first "Defy," which would have a lasting impact on the brand's history and is now one of its core collections.

„Since its bold debut in 1969, the ‚Defy‘ line has represented the most innovative and uncompromising side of Zenith, challenging traditional rules in design and watchmaking. What makes ‚Defy‘ so special is its ability to evolve with the times while remaining true to its original spirit. ‚Defy‘ is more than a collection; it’s a mindset. One that continues to resonate with a new generation of watch enthusiasts who value substance and vision,“ explains Zenith CEO Benoît de Clerck.

The „Defy“ by Zenith

The first two "Defy" models from 1969 were extravagant designs with their octagonal cases and a 14-sided, bidirectional rotating bezel. Their water resistance to 30 and 60 bar respectively was also remarkable for the time.

The "Defy" models are still known today for their robust construction and rightly bear their name: The English word "defy" means something like to resist or defy. Zenith founder Georges Favre-Jacot had the name Defi trademarked as early as 1902 for durable pocket watches. The spelling Defy was then used for wristwatches from 1969 onwards.

The Defy collection currently consists of the Defy Skyline, Defy Extreme, Defy Revival, and Defy Zero G lines. These watches for men and women combine modern in-house movements with striking design and high durability. They feature either an Elite or an El Primero movement.

New Defy models to conclude the anniversary year

Zenith concludes its 160th anniversary year with models including the Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli, Defy Skyline in yellow gold and Defy Extreme Chroma Limited Edition (embargo 2.12.).

Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli – Precision in Blue by Zenith

Visually, each of the 50 models of the "Defy Extreme Lapislazuli" is unique thanks to its gemstone dial. Inside, however, they all boast the same precision in the form of the El Primero 9004 caliber, a further development of Zenith's legendary high-frequency chronograph from 1969. It is the only mechanical chronograph in continuous production with 1/100th-second measurement.

This is made possible by two independent escapements: the one for timekeeping beats at 5 Hz (36,000 semi-oscillations per hour) and the one for the chronograph at 50 Hz (360,000 semi-oscillations per hour). The latter drives the central chronograph hand, which completes a full rotation of the dial every second to perfectly display intermediate times accurate to the hundredth of a second.

Defy Extreme Chroma Limited Edition – high-frequency mechanical in rainbow colors by Zenith

The „Defy Chroma,“ limited to 100 pieces, combines the high-frequency timing of an El Primero with a luminous design. Following the „Defy 21 Chroma“ in white ceramic from 2022 and the „Chroma II Editions“ in white and black ceramic from 2023, this fusion now returns, executed in two vibrant color variations.

Here too, the El Primero 9004 ensures precision with 1/100th of a second measurement. This is made possible by two separate escapements: one at 5 Hz (36,000 semi-oscillations per hour) for timekeeping and one at 50 Hz (360,000 semi-oscillations per hour) for the chronograph.

A striking visual feature of this El Primero is its PVD-coated bridges in spectral colors and a green oscillating weight. This mechanical rainbow is partially visible through the skeletonized dial, whose indices and markings reflect the vibrant palette. Each movement boasts its own unique chromatic composition.

Defy Skyline – an elegant quartet in gold

These four „Defy Skyline“ creations combine the characteristic octagonal geometry as well as functionalities and complications of the line – from the pure time display to a high-frequency chronograph, skeleton watch to the tourbillon with the noble shimmer of gold: from the case to the bracelet.

Defy Skyline in yellow gold

Defy Skyline Chronograph in rose gold

Defy Skyline Skeleton in rose gold

Defy Skyline tourbillon in rose gold

The „Chronomaster“ from Zenith

The „Chronomaster Sport“ line has taken over the legacy of Zenith’s „A386“ from 1969 – one of the first chronographs with the legendary high-frequency El Primero caliber in stainless steel.

In 2019, Zenith presented a very special model: the „Chronomaster A384 Lupin The 3rd.“ Inspired by the watch worn by Daisuke Jigen – Lupin’s loyal partner in the famous Japanese anime series – it marked the beginning of a series of limited editions. Now, the fourth chapter of this homage is being released: the „Chronomaster Revival Daisuke Jigen Edition.“.

Chronomaster Revival Daisuke Jigen Edition by Zenith

The limited-edition reissue of the "Chronomaster A384 Lupin The 3rd," restricted to 200 pieces, is even closer to the watch shown in the manga than its predecessor. Among the iconic characters, it was the elegant sharpshooter Daisuke Jigen, Lupin's loyal companion, who wore a Zenith watch in two episodes. This watch, clearly based on the "A384," was a creation of the animators—it never actually existed. Interestingly, it appeared first with a black dial and later with a silver one. (©Monkey Punch/TMS/NTV)

zenith-watches.com