Zenith’s High-frequency Precision Returns In The Defy 21 Chroma II

Through the DEFY collection, the Manufacture not only showcases its unrivalled technical prowess and most cutting-edge developments, but also its modernistic and edgy design language. Whether through gem-set pieces or artistic collaborations, ZENITH expresses the notion of high-frequency precision through an entire range of colours and contrasts. Always seeking to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues, ZENITH has developed a unique expertise when it comes to applying striking colours where least expected. With the new DEFY 21 Chroma II limited editions, ZENITH is demonstrating how colours can be used without limits – even on the world’s most innovative high-frequency chronograph.

First unveiled during LVMH Watch Week in 2022, the DEFY 21 Chroma limited edition was an instant hit. Its combination of a white ceramic case, a wide palette of colour accents and the world’s only serially produced high-frequency 1/100^th of a second automatic chronograph calibre made it a compelling and outstanding offering. Now, ZENITH has revisited this unique recipe to create two editions of the DEFY 21 Chroma II in black and white ceramic – each with its own range of colours.

More than just a difference in materials, the two versions of the DEFY 21 Chroma II take on different tones within the same spectrum of colours. The black ceramic version brings forth a range of tones based on the primary colours, while the white ceramic version features brighter accents with an emphasis on blues and pinks. The ceramic case gives way to a refracted rainbow spread evenly across the open dial, the tips of the hands and the movement, all in a perfectly transitioning gradient of colours spanning the entire spectrum. The meticulously applied colours on the markers and 1/100 of a second scale extend beyond the dial and out of the case, with the crown’s rubber grip ring as well as the cordura-effect rubber straps’ stitching following the colour arrangement of the dial.

The open dial features raised chronograph counters matching the cases’ colours, beneath which the extraordinarily decorated movement shines through. Each bridge is finished in a different metallic colour, again following the gradient of the dial’s markers. Visible through the dial as well as the sapphire case back, one can admire the uniquely constructed El Primero 21 automatic high-frequency 1/100th of a second chronograph that’s at the peak of performance and precision, featuring two independent regulating organs and gear trains for the timekeeping and chronograph functions, operating at frequencies of 5Hz (36’000 VpH) and 50Hz (360’000 VpH), respectively.

The DEFY Chroma II in white ceramic is limited to 500 pieces and available at ZENITH boutiques and selected retailers around the world, while the black ceramic edition of 500 pieces is available at all ZENITH authorized points of sale.

ZENITH: TIME TO REACH YOUR STAR.

ZENITH exists to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and make them come true – against all odds. Since its establishment in 1865, ZENITH became the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, and its watches have accompanied extraordinary figures that dreamt big and strived to achieve the impossible – from Louis Blériot’s history-making flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-setting stratospheric free-fall jump. Zenith is also highlighting visionary and trailblazing women by celebrating their accomplishments and creating the DREAMHERS platform where women share their experiences and inspire others to fulfil their dreams.

With innovation as its guiding star, ZENITH exclusively features in-house developed and manufactured movements in all its watches. Since the creation of the El Primero in 1969, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre, ZENITH has gone on to master high-frequency precision and offers time measurements in fractions of a second, including 1/10th of a second in the Chronomaster collection and 1/100th of a second in the DEFY collection. Because innovation is synonymous with responsibility, the ZENITH HORIZ-ON initiative affirms the brand's commitments to inclusion & diversity, sustainability and employee wellbeing. ZENITH has been shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking since 1865, accompanying those who dare to challenge themselves and reach new heights. The time to reach your star is now.

• DEFY EL PRIMERO 21 CHROMA II
  

Reference: 49.9014.9004/01.R953

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.
Movement: El Primero 9004
Frequency: 36’000 VpH – 5Hz (Watch) and 360,000 VpH - 50 Hz (Chronograph)
Power reserve: min. 50 hours (Watch) and approx. 50 min (Chronograph)
Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at 9 o'clock. 1/100th of a second Chronograph: Central chronograph hand, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, 60 second counter at 6 o'clock, Chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o'clock (approx. 50 min).
Finishes: "Rainbow" PVD-coated bridges + Special blue colored oscillating weight with satined finishings.
Price: 15500 CHF
Material: Matte White Ceramic
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Case: 44mm
Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Dial: White Openworked
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with "Rainbow" varnish.
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with colored varnish.
Bracelet & Buckle: White rubber strap with rainbow stitching. Titanium double folding clasp.

• DEFY EL PRIMERO 21 CHROMA II
  

Reference: 49.9013.9004/21.R952

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.
Movement: El Primero 9004
Frequency: 36’000 VpH – 5Hz (Watch) and 360,000 VpH - 50 Hz (Chronograph)
Power reserve: min. 50 hours (Watch) and approx. 50 min (Chronograph)
Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at 9 o'clock. 1/100th of a second Chronograph: Central chronograph hand, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, 60-second counter at 6 o'clock, Chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o'clock (approx. 50 min).
Finishes: "Rainbow" PVD-coated bridges + Special blue colored oscillating weight with satined finishings.
Price: 15500 CHF
Material: Black microblasted ceramic
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Case: 44mm
Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Dial: Black Openworked
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with "Rainbow" varnish.
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with colored varnish.
Bracelet & Buckle: Black rubber strap with rainbow stitching. Titanium double folding clasp.