Introducing: The Zenith Defy El Primero In Titanium With A Closed Panda Dial (Live Pics & Pricing)

January 22, 2018

The Defy El Primero 21 Chronograph debuted at last year's Baselworld show and got quite a bit of attention. It's the latest in Zenith's long line of high-frequency chronographs, and adds a central chronograph hand that spins once per second to give you a readout to the closest 1/100th of a second around the dial's perimeter. Powering this is a pair of high-speed escapements, one for the main timekeeping function and one for the chronograph (you've even got a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock specific to the chronograph function). Technically, this is identical to last year's releases, but with some aesthetic updates. The brushed titanium case is paired with a classic panda dial instead of one of the highly openworked dials we've seen previously. Overall, it's a slightly more classic take on a thoroughly modern watch. Why This Watch Matters Zenith has a serious pedigree when it comes to making high-frequency chronographs. This of course stretches back to 1969 with the introduction of the original El Primero, and while there have been quite a few other innovations along the way, the new Defy collection proves that the manufacturer is still flexing its design and engineering muscles to push chronograph technology forward. For those who might have found the earlier editions of this watch a little too sci-fi looking, this new version offers them a way to experience the movement in a more approachable way. Initial Thoughts I have to say, the first time you activate the Defy movement and that central hand starts whirring around the dial, it's totally captivating. Also, Zenith has done a nice job with the ergonomics of this watch, especially when the angular 44mm titanium case is paired with the matching titanium bracelet. Sure, it's a big watch (there's no getting around that), but it's one that sits nicely on the wrist. Panda dials are hot right now C and Zenith clearly already knows this C so this addition to the collection makes perfect sense. The Basics Brand: Zenith Model: Defy El Primero 21Reference Number: 95.9001.9004/01.M9000 (titanium bracelet), 95.9001.9004/01.R782 (rubber strap)Diameter: 44mmThickness: 14.5mmCase Material: TitaniumDial Color: Silver sunray with black sub-dialsIndexes: Applied rhodium-plated batonsLume: Yes, on hands and markersWater Resistance: 100 metersStrap/Bracelet: Titanium bracelet or rubber strap The Movement Caliber: El Primero 9004Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, high-speed chronograph with 1/100th of a second, 60-second, and 30-minute totalizers, and chronograph power reserve indicatorDiameter: 32.8mmThickness: 7.9mmPower Reserve: 50 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 5 Hz (36,000 vph)Jewels: 53Total Components: 293Additional Details: The main timekeeping function and chronograph has two separate escapementsChronometer certified by Time LAB Pricing & Availability Price: $10,200 with a rubber strap; $11,200 with titanium braceletAvailability: By FebruaryFor more click here. Many readers have noted that the pre-production model shown here has the Zenith logo on both the dial and the crystal. HODINKEE's confirmed with Zenith that the final production watch will have a plain crystal C no Zenith logo. -Ed.