Introducing: The Zenith Defy 21 Urban Jungle

January 25, 2021

Last year, Zenith defied the odds by releasing three new iterations of its Defy range. Well, new year, new Defy. Where 2020 brought standouts like the Zenith Defy 21 Ultraviolet, 2021 brings things a little more down to earth(tone) by way of the new Zenith Defy 21 Urban Jungle. This watch features a green ceramic case, green strap, and an open-work dial showcasing the very, very impressive El Primero 9004 automatic movement. While nothing about the watch is new in terms of the case design, movement, or even the strap, this piece does represent a first for the brand: It's the first time Zenith has housed the 9004 movement inside of a green ceramic case. Initial Thoughts To describe it in Gordon Gecko parlance, green is good. Zenith is calling this a khaki green, and the color is featured on the case, caseback, and cordura-effect rubber strap. The strap is actually grey, with a green rubber insert that adds some contrast. The skeletonized dial surface features matte black and matte silver counters, adding to the Urban Jungle's toolish matte aesthetic. And it's all the better to see the Zenith El Primero 9004 movement that plays a big part in what makes this watch so interesting. It's the highest-frequency chronograph in production today, with a timing capability of 1/100th of a second, which is no small feat. The movement has two escapements: One for the watch, and one for the chronograph (which beats ten times faster than the movement itself). Similar to the colorful exhibition caseback on the Defy 21 Ultraviolet, this watch features a khaki green mainplate and oscillating weight with a satin finish. While this release is really an aesthetic design upgrade rather than a mechanical one, it is nonetheless cool to see the brand continuing to produce models that house this monster of a movement. On top of that, green ceramic is no joke, and this watch is definitely one we'll want to check out in the metal. The Basics Brand: ZenithModel: The Zenith Defy 21 Urban JungleReference Number: 49.9006.9004/90.R942Diameter: 44mmCase Material: Khaki green ceramicDial Color: Open-workedIndexes: Applied markersLume: YesWater Resistance: 100mStrap/Bracelet: Cordura effect rubber strap The Movement Caliber: El Primero 9004Functions: 1/100th of a second chronograph functions. Chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o'clock. Hours and minutes in the center. Small seconds at nine o'clock, Central chronograph hand, 30-minute counter at three o'clock, 60-second counter at six o'clockPower Reserve: 50 hoursWinding: Automatic Frequency: 5 Hz for the movement and 50 Hz for chronographJewels: 53Chronometer Certified: Yes Pricing & Availability Price: $14,500Availability: Immediately Limited Edition: NoFor more, click here. LVMH Watch Week is an annual launch event for the LVMH watch brands. Some of last year's coverage on HODINKEE can be found here and here. Although?LVMH Luxury Ventures recently became a minority investor in HODINKEE, we maintain complete editorial independence.