LVMH WATCH WEEK: Zenith 2022 novelties overview
Zach BlassDefy Skyline
Zenith is well known for their mastery of hi-beat technology, with calibres capable of measuring incredibly fine increments. When the Zenith Defy Revival A3642 was introduced last week, Zenith made it very clear in their assets that it was just the beginning of what was to come for the Defy line – the spark that would usher in the next evolution of the model. Blending the aesthetic elements of the original 1969 Defy watch and modern models, the brand now presents the new Zenith Defy Skyline collection. With its new “starry sky” patterned dial, all-new 1/10th of a second counter (a first for a Defy time and date model), and refined case form with octagonal profile and 12-sided bezel, there is a lot for those in the market for a stainless-steel sports watch to enjoy. You can check out our full hands-on coverage already on the site here.
Key Points | El Primero 3-hand watch. High frequency indication : 1/10th of a second subdial at 9 o’clock. Silicon escape-wheel and lever. Starry sky pattern on the dial. Screwed-in crown. Full Interchangeable strap system. |
Case Material | Stainless Steel |
Case Dimensions | 41 mm in diameter, 11.6mm thick, and 46.3mm lug-to-lug |
Water-Resistance | 100m, screw-down crown |
Dial | Black, Blue, and Silver-toned sunburst dials with “starry sky” pattern |
Movement | El Primero 3620 (adapted from El Primero 3600 Chronograph Movement) |
Power reserve | 60 hours |
Complications | Hours and minutes in the centre. 1/10th of a second counter at 9 o’clock, Date indication at 3 o’clock. |
Straps | Stainless steel bracelet and folding clasp. Comes with a rubber strap with starry sky pattern and folding clasp. |
Price | $8,400 USD |
Defy 21 Chroma
The new Zenith Defy 21 Chroma is a bright, bold celebration of the entire spectrum, wrapped in a matte white ceramic case that evokes pure white marble. High-tech ceramics are notoriously difficult to work with, but the pay-off is worth the effort, with incredible scratch resistance, uber-sharp case lines, and the noticeably lighter weight. The 44mm case is also water resistant to 100 metres, which is rather exceptional for a chronograph without screwdown pushers. But the Chroma’s case and rainbow varnished dial is only part of the story. This limited edition of 200 pieces also boasts a 50Hz escapement for the 1/100th of a second chronograph and 5 Hz Hi-Beat escapement for the time indications. Stay tuned for more live pics and a full introduction soon.
Key Points | 1/100th of a second Chronograph movement. Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the Chrono hand. 1 escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH – 5 Hz); 1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz). Certified Chronometer. |
Case Material | Matte White Ceramic |
Case Dimensions | 44 mm in diameter, 14.5mm thick, and 50mm lug-to-lug |
Water-Resistance | 100m |
Dial | White Openworked |
Movement | El Primero 9004 |
Power reserve | 50 hours |
Complications | 1/100th of a second chronograph functions. Chronograph Power Reserve indication at 12 o’clock. Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at 9 o’clock, Central chronograph, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 60-second counter at 6 o’clock |
Straps | White rubber with white “Cordura effect” rubber and multicolored. Titanium triple folding clasp. |
Price | $14,500 USD (Limited Edition 200 pcs.) |
Defy Extreme Carbon
The strongest and boldest of the Zenith 2022 novelties of LVMH Watch Week, the Defy Extreme Carbon is lightweight on the wrist – but a serious heavyweight when it comes to specifications. The 45mm carbon and micro-blasted titanium case is quite large and in charge, but incredibly light on the wrist. Its diameter is mitigated by a reasonable 51mm lug-to-lug measurement, and it is not too thick either at 15.4mm. If the Defy is Zenith’s capable contender to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, then the Defy Extreme is very much a strong alternative to the Royal Oak Offshore. Our full hands-on review will follow soon.
Key Points | Stronger, bolder and more powerful design. 1/100th of a second Chronograph movement Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the Chrono hand. 1 escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH -5 Hz); 1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz) Certified Chronometer. Screwed-in crown. Full Interchangeable strap system. 2 straps included: 1 Rubber strap with a black microblasted titanium folding buckle & 1 Velcro strap with carbon buckle. |
Case Material | Carbon & Micro-blasted Titanium |
Case Dimensions | 45 mm in diameter, 15.4mm thick, and 51mm lug-to-lug |
Water-Resistance | 200m, screw-down crown |
Dial | Tinted sapphire with three black-coloured counters |
Movement | El Primero 9004 |
Power reserve | 50 hours |
Complications | 1/100th of a second chronograph functions. Chronograph Power Reserve indication at 12 o’clock. Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at 9 o’clock, Central chronograph, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 60-second counter at 6 o’clock |
Straps | 2 Rubber Straps (Black & Red) and 1 Velcro Strap – each with folding buckles |
Price | $25,100 USD |
Defy Midnight Borealis and Sunset
When the Defy Midnight first launched with its starry sky motif, gradient dial, and compact sizing, many men were highly envious of the woman-billed novelty. I was certainly in that camp myself, the only subjective detraction being the diamonds, but even then it was a tempting proposition. Today, the Defy Midnight gets bolder and fiercer with lively Borealis and Sunset dials that will add some much-needed colour into our lives. You also have the bonus of three bundled interchangeable straps to accompany the bracelet, allowing one watch to wear like four. A full introduction, accompanied by live pics, will be coming to the site soon.
Key Points | 36mm case. Gradient dial. Full interchangeable strap system. Strap box included: 3 different colors straps + an interchangeable folding buckle |
Case Material
|
Stainless Steel |
Case Dimensions
|
36mm in diameter, 10.35mm, 44mm lug-to-lug |
Water-Resistance | 100m |
Dial
|
Red to yellow (Sunset) or blue to green (Borealis) gradient & guilloche |
Gemsetting | Carats 1.48 cts. Bezel – 44 VS brilliant-cut diamonds. Dial – 11 VS brilliant-cut diamonds. |
Movement
|
Elite 670 SK |
Power Reserve | 50 hours |
Complications | Time, Date |
Strap
|
Bracelet + 3 different colored straps. Interchangeable strap system |
Price
|
$11,400 USD |
Zenith Defy Revival A3642 Limited Edition
Zenith reminded enthusiasts and buyers this week that they were well ahead of the octagonal steel sports craze, resurrecting their very own 1969 octagonal design that is unlike any other: the Zenith Defy Revival A3642 Limited Edition of 250 pieces. Head here for the full introduction.
Key Points | Original Revival of the 1969 Reference A3642. Octogonal case with iconic 14-sided bezel. Limited edition of 250 pieces. |
Case Material
|
Stainless Steel |
Case Dimensions
|
37mm in diameter, 13.6mm, 39mm lug-to-lug |
Water-Resistance | 300m, screw-down crown |
Dial
|
Gradient Brown |
Movement
|
Elite 670 |
Power Reserve | 50 hours |
Complications | Time, Date |
Strap
|
Ladder Bracelet |
Price
|
CHF 6,900 (Limited Edition 250 pcs.) |