Introducing: The Zenith Defy 21 Ultraviolet

June 01, 2020

What we have here is a colorful new version of the Defy 21, a super-high-frequency chronograph from Zenith, a company with deep historical knowledge about making chronos tuned to beat fast. Looking at the strap, and then a bit more closely at the dial and movement, one sees that the color violet has been paired with a faceted, matte titanium case.?The violet hue of the dial is actually on the movement, and on top of that movement has been placed what amounts to a partial dial C really just the flange and seconds/minutes track, some hour markers, and the three solid subdials. Is the color a bit loud? Sure. But it's not bluster. The name of this watch hints at the frequency of light just beyond human perception, fitting for such a high-frequency chronograph mechanism. The Defy 21 is the highest-frequency chronograph in regular production today, capable of timing events to within 1/100th of a second. This is achieved through the use of two escapements: There's one for the watch, which beats at 36,000 vph, and there's also one for the chronograph, which beats ten times as fast, at 360,000 vph. The watch has much of the architecture of the original El Primero while adding a second gear train for the chronograph.?And when you start that chronograph, well, the central seconds hand whips around the dial once per second. It's pretty wild to witness it running. Initial Thoughts Though this violet-clad execution is new, the Defy 21 chronograph isn't a new watch per se. It was launched back in 2017 with input from Guy Semon, a former rocket scientist (seriously) whose contributions to the modern mechanical chronograph in this young century are likely unparalleled. Semon's series of high-frequency chronographs made at TAG Heuer started coming out about a decade ago, setting the bar for what could be done in this arena in the modern era. Remember the Microgirder with its "linear oscillator?" Zenith is one of the most important contemporary watchmakers with a focus on chronographs. I think that much is a given. The El Primero may have launched more than 50 years ago (51 to be exact),?but how many calibers of any kind can you think of that have been with us for so long, remained relevant, and continued to power compelling and highly desirable watches?? I'm a fan of Zenith's current approach. The company is not afraid to move in two different directions simultaneously. What I mean is that today's Zenith is capable of dropping watches like the Chronomaster Revival Manufacture Edition and ?Chronomaster Revival 'Shadow,' which offer super in-the-weeds takes on prototypes from 50 or so years ago C real catnip for die-hard enthusiasts and those familiar with Zenith's history. But they also make watches like the Defy 21 Ultraviolet, which has a completely different, and I would argue much more contemporary, aesthetic and seems clearly aimed at a different collector. One gets the sense that Zenith won't stop looking back to its archives for inspiration C there's just too much good stuff there C but it also intends for those archives to continue to grow in creative new directions. The Basics Brand: ZenithModel: Defy 21 UltravioletReference Number: 97.9001.9004/80.R922Diameter: 44mmCase Material: Titanium with sandblasted finishDial Color: Grey chronograph subdials and openings onto violet-finished movementIndexes: Rhodium-plated, faceted, and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1Lume: Super-LumiNova SLN C1Water Resistance: 10 ATMStrap/Bracelet: Black rubber strap with violet fabric-effect insert, microblasted titanium double folding clasp. The Movement Caliber: El Primero 9004 automatic with Ultraviolet finishingFunctions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, 1/100 second chronograph with chronograph power-reserve display at 12 o'clock, central chronograph hand, 30-minute counter at three o'clock, 60-second counter at six o'clockPower Reserve: Approximately 50 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 36,000 vph (5 Hz) for watch; 360,000 vph (50 Hz) for chronographJewels: 53Chronometer Certified: Yes, by TIME LAB Pricing & Availability Price: $13,100Availability: August 2020For more, click here.