White light – the Zenith Defy Classic in white ceramic

Time+Tide

Editor’s note: Who knew that a fully white ceramic open-worked watch would be one of this year’s freshest looks? No one, that’s who. But that’s OK, a surprise hit wouldn’t be a surprise if everyone saw it coming. Which is somewhat ironic as everyone will see you coming if you’re rocking this bad girl on the wrist … 

I’m not sure if Lou Reed would have liked this watch (I hope he would have), but I know I certainly do. The modern sports line that is the Defy is an increasing priority for Zenith – a key, future-facing pillar for the brand that is both distinctive and incredibly versatile.

This new version, all 41mm of blinding white ceramic, proves this point. Do me a favour: take a minute and check out another version of this self same design. Now, look at the watch below. It’s a marked difference. With the matt ceramic case, open-worked dial (replete with that signature star motif) and textured white rubber strap, there’s little argument that this is a watch intended to make a statement. Legibility, for example, is not the aim of the game.

Having said that, in the few minutes I wore this piece (a few minutes more than I should have — I was a little smitten), I was quite taken at how wearable it was. Maybe not a daily suit-and-tie watch, but if you rock a more casual style, it’s certainly a viable regular rotation contender — especially if you were to swap the strap out for something a little more sedate, thereby toning down the overall package.

This is not something I would say about all ceramic watches. In my time I’ve had the joy of strapping on a few Miami specials, and typically the finish runs to super glossy, which serves to amp up the effect of the case material. By going matt, Zenith have reframed white ceramic almost into the realm of design, as opposed to fashion. And I dig it.

Zenith Defy Classic 41 in white ceramic Australian pricing

Zenith Defy Classic 41, $10,500