Introducing: The Zenith Defy 21 Land Rover Edition

January 13, 2020

Designed in tribute to the Land Rover Defender, this is the new Zenith Defy 21 Land Rover Edition. Opting for a closed dial and a matte finish for the matching grey case, this new Defy 21 is a limited edition that manages to form a style connection with the tough, stately, and always cool Defender. For those not all that interested in prestige British SUVs, the Defender was produced by Land Rover from 1983 until around 2016 and a brand new model was announced last year and will be on the roads soon. Traditionally the brand's answer to the likes of the Jeep Wrangler or even the Mercedes G-Wagon, there is a cult following surrounding these handsome and toolish off-roaders. This new Zenith limited edition is meant to connect with the next-gen Defender, which makes sense as the entire Defender concept has been updated, with much of the original agricultural appeal swapped for increased luxury and tech.? Initial Thoughts This isn't the first time that Zenith has made a Land Rover-inspired model, how many of you remember 2016's El Primero Range Rover Special Edition? This is a very different watch, for a different sort of Land Rover, and mechanically, the Defy 21 is a wild thing, as offering a chronograph that runs at 50 Hz is no small feat. For this Land Rover-specific LE, the combination of a flat grey titanium case and matching matte grey dial really take the format in a different direction when compared to the skeleton dial examples of the Defy 21. At 44mm wide, while certainly a bit large for my tastes, its price point puts this limited edition close to Omega's Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon (which is of a similar size).?With a very subtle linear power reserve display tucked just below the "Zenith" on the dial and a light smattering of orange details, this is likely the most low-key Defy 21 that Zenith as ever created.? Whether this is a model that will actually connect with Land Rover Defender owners is open to question, but I do rather like the coloring and execution for this model and if you have the wrist to manage the case size, it's certainly a handsome and legible design (especially on the rubber strap). Furthermore, I like that Zenith has opted to forgo any specific Land Rover or Defender call-outs on the dial of the watch (we have yet to see an image of the case back), ensuring that the Defy 21 Land Rover Edition isn't of exclusive interest to those with a Land Rover in their garage.? The Basics Brand: ZenithModel: Defy 21 Land Rover Edition Reference Number: 97.9000.9004/01.R787?Diameter: 44mmCase Material: Grey titaniumDial Color: Matte greyLume: Yes, Super-Luminova SLN C3Water Resistance: 100 metersStrap/Bracelet: Grey rubber and additional supplied fabric strap, both with microblasted titanium double-folding buckle.? The Movement Caliber: El Primero 9004 automatic Functions: 1/100th of a second chronograph, linear power reserve display, hours, minutes, running seconds. Power Reserve: 50 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 36,000 vph for time, 360,000 vph for chronographChronometer Certified: TIME LAB certified? Pricing & Availability Price: CHF 13,900Limited Edition: 250 piecesFor more, click here.