Zenith is rather proud of the fact — and understandably so — that they hold the trademark for the “Pilot” name on watches, so it makes sense for them to proudly emblazon the name on the dials of their aviation-inspired pieces. This latest limited edition is extra special (also mentioned on the dial), because of its uncommon construction. The design of this Pilot is — well — pure pilot, with its large, classically shaped 45mm case, even bigger onion crown, stylised Arabic numerals and cathedral hands, replete with a suitably rugged calfskin strap (with an extra, somewhat mysterious, layer of leather on the bottom). Where things start getting interesting is the case material. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was steel, or perhaps even white gold. But no, you’re looking at sterling silver. Silver, while very traditional in jewellery, isn’t frequently seen in watches, largely because it tarnishes over time. However, in this age of forced patina, a silver case offers a dressier alternative to de rigueur bronze. The dial is also noteworthy. Made to resemble the riveted hull of a plane, it also features a very cool, randomised brush finish, again evoking the industrial finishing of early planes. It’s a… Read More
INTRODUCING: Evoque’d – the Zenith Defy Classic Range Rover Edition
Zenith hold a certain affinity for mechanical machines – and not just of the time-telling variety. From pilot watches that celebrate all things planes and motorbikes, to El Primero-powered chronographs that take their open road inspiration from the world of classic cars. For the past three years the Swiss manufacturer has also enjoyed a partnership with British 4WD vehicle manufacturer Land Rover. To celebrate the introduction of the next-generation Range Rover Evoque, Zenith have once again partnered with the iconic UK carmaker and released this limited-edition version of the modern and sporty Defy Classic Skeleton. The very first extension of the Defy Classic line that we’ve seen since it was released back at Baselworld 2018, to the untrained eye, the differences might take a minute to recognise. However, once you know what to look for, the subtle changes, and even the watch’s Evoque inspiration, become immediately apparent. There’s still the same incredibly versatile — and frankly, good-looking — 41mm titanium case that’s water resistant to 100 metres, and inside, displayed in all its glory, is the brand’s 50-hour Elite 670 SK automatic movement with its silicon escape-wheel and lever. What has changed, though, are the colourful highlights found on the front and… Read More
INTRODUCING: The three amigos – Zenith’s Defy Zero G dons Mexican affair
Around these horological parts, we really love a good four-letter acronym – SIHH, GPHG, COSC … I think you get the idea. In fact, have a conversation with any random watch enthusiast, and chances are that at least one of these terms will come up. However, one that we don’t hear a lot about on this side of the world is SIAR. It stands for Salón Internacional Alta Relojería — the Latin American luxury watch show, which has been held in Mexico City for the past 12 years. Taking place right now, from October 16 to 18, every year sees a convergence of some of the biggest names in the industry, as well as more and more watches dedicated to the Mexican and Latin American markets. And this year is no different, with Zenith releasing a set of exclusive special-editions of their mind-boggling Defy Zero G. In all, there are three different takes of the Zero G, and each one is available in a choice of titanium, yellow gold, or rose gold. They all feature the same 44mm case with a matching bracelet and clasp, and all still house the manually wound El Primero 8812 S calibre, with its 50-hour… Read More
HANDS-ON: Historical pedigree – the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero 42mm
Here at Time+Tide we are constantly finding ourselves getting caught up in what’s new and improved – taking it upon ourselves to keep you guys updated on the latest in watch releases (it’s a tough job, I know, but someone has to do it). Every once in a while, however, we like to look back and catch up on the ones we missed. And, well, frankly we also love a chronograph, so we couldn’t resist getting our hands on Zenith’s Chronomaster El Primero 42mm. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned collector or a fresh-faced newcomer to the world of watches, the history of Zenith’s El Primero high-beat chronograph will forever be a fascinating story to tell. Released in 1969 as one of the world’s first three automatic chronographs (alongside Breitling/Heuer’s Chronomatic and Seiko’s Speedtimer), the famed high-beat calibre is today as iconic as the watches it features in – ranging from Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang to Bulgari’s Octo Chronograph. Perhaps the most well-known partnership, however, is the calibre’s adoption by Rolex, which saw modified versions of the El Primero used inside the newly modernised Daytonas of the 1990s. In fact, if it wasn’t for the El Primero, the… Read More
IN-DEPTH: Luxury sports done right – the Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton
The story in a second: Contemporary design and classic size make this a winning combination. It’s no secret that the Defy is Zenith’s darling this year. Baselworld 2018 saw them release a swag of different versions, including the crazy Zero G, the impressive chronograph, and this watch, the comparatively simple Classic. And while it may lack some of the fancy functionality of its bigger brothers, for me the Zenith Defy Classic – particularly this open-worked dial option – is the real winner. The dial You have to start with the dial, don’t you: a modern open-worked number with a bold star motif, inspired indirectly by the brand’s star logo, and more obviously by the epic Defy Lab limited edition from last year. And while these sort of dials tend to lean towards illegibility, it’s not really an issue here, as the quite large, lumed hour markers are anchored by the contrasting colour of the outer chapter ring, and the hands are bold enough to stand out against the busy background. The date at six (and indeed the whole date wheel) does get a little lost, though, and frankly I think that’s more of a pro than a con, blending seamlessly… Read More
VIDEO: The Zenith Defy El Primero 21 – a cutting-edge chronograph
Earlier this week we had a look at Zenith’s entry point into the Defy family, the solid-dialled Defy Classic. Well, today we’re going to kick it up a notch with something the brand is particularly famous for — a chronograph. And not just any chrono, but the Defy El Primero 21, a watch that marries the modern silhouette and skeletonised look of the Defy with an awesome movement. The El Primero 21 is an evolution of the revolutionary El Primero, which debuted way back in 1969, when Woodstock was the place to be and Vietnam was not the recreational travel destination it is today. And while coupling an automatic movement with a chronograph was a big deal back then, we’ve moved on a little. The EP 21 still marks time but it does so using two regulators, one for timekeeping and the other for the chronograph. The latter beats at a whopping 50Hz, allowing you to time events up to an accuracy of a hundredth of a second. In turn this means that the central chronograph hand makes a revolution every second. And yes, we know we didn’t capture that in the video – we’re kicking ourselves. All told, the Defy… Read More
VIDEO: Solid sports style from Zenith – the Defy Classic
In recent times, Zenith have made a marked change of tack — away from the oversized heritage pieces that have been their main focus. The Pilot watches are still there, of course, but now the Defy shares top billing as a contemporary alternative. And while the Defy is dominated by the aggressively skeletonised look that we know and love, this solid-dialled Defy Classic is perhaps my number one pick. The dial does a great job of toning down the statement aspect of the Defy, and letting the excellent case and bracelet shine. To my mind this is a really interesting option for a daily watch; it’s a fairly novel design from an interesting brand, it’s comfortable, practical and lightweight. It also looks great on the wrist. The case shape and titanium construction make it a slightly less conventional offering, but that’s not a bad thing. If you still want to run with the pack, but at the outskirts, this sporty, sleek Defy Classic could be just what you’re after. Zenith Defy Classic Australian pricing Zenith Defy Classic, titanium on bracelet, $9600
HANDS-ON: The Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton — a Defy Lab-inspired entry level to the collection
It sort of feels like all we’ve been hearing about from Zenith through the last year leading up to Baselworld 2018 has been all things Defy. And fair enough, the Defy Lab is technically the biggest thing since the horological equivalent of sliced bread (the winding rotor perhaps?). As we got closer to the fair, it was clear that there’s no way a production version of the Defy Lab could be ready in time. Instead, Zenith have treated us to a couple of new models in the collection, including an entry-level offering that takes a healthy dose of design cues from its groundbreaking sibling. Vital statistics A star-like pattern resting above an open dial really couldn’t be a more blatant attempt to draw parallels between the Defy Classic and the Defy Lab, though the two watches couldn’t be more different from one another, other than their shared case design. The Defy Classic is powered by the Elite 670 SK self-winding movement, rather than an El Primero — no doubt to be able to push a lower entry price. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the Zenith Elite calibers, so this isn’t really a con. The big selling feature on the Defy… Read More
