Zenith Defy 21 UltraBlue
The Zenith Defy 21 UltraBlue shares much in common with the Defy 21 Ultraviolet of 2020, save for its eye-catching colourway. In recent years, the esteemed Swiss Manufacture has demonstrated its willingness to look to the past as well as an eagerness to embrace the future.
In recent years, Zenith, the Swiss Manufacture has viewed new product development from two perspectives. On one hand it has looked to its past, releasing revival models, often endowed with tried and trusted mechanical know-how. Conversely, the brand has shown a willingness to embrace new technology. Indeed, in 2017, the luxury marque unveiled the Zenith Defy Lab, a watch that eschewed the ubiquitous Swiss lever escapement in favour of a high-frequency oscillator.
At the same time, the brand also released its Aeronith case made from aluminium foam. This latter material features open pores which are subsequently filled with a light polymer. By adopting this approach, Zenith has been able to produce a material significantly lighter than solid aluminium, carbon fibre or titanium.
The Defy nomen has become synonymous with innovation and avant-garde aesthetics. In recent times, Zenith has been especially prolific, releasing a number of brightly-hued Defy 21 models. The Defy 21 Urban Jungle, the Defy 21 Black & White and the Zenith Defy 21 Ultraviolet have each been housed in a 44mm case, formed of ceramic or neoteric microblasted titanium. Every model has featured an openworked dial and two escapements. One escapement, operating at 5Hz, is responsible for the timekeeping functions, while a second escapement, running at 50Hz, is dedicated to the chronograph.
In the last few days, the esteemed Maison has unveiled the Zenith Defy 21 Ultrablue, a model which shares much in common with the aforementioned Zenith Defy 21 Ultraviolet, albeit this time the watch is liberally suffused with blue shades. This model is presented in a 44mm titanium case sporting a matte sandblasted finish.
Unusually, most watch brands either choose tradition or favour avant-garde styles, but few brands embrace both philosophies at the same time. Zenith’s dual approach to watchmaking is an unusual strategy, but in my opinion, it has result in some eye-catching models.
The brand’s press release
Never afraid to express its singular vision of watchmaking of the future, Zenith continues to highlight the concept of high-frequency precision through striking creations in its 1/100th of a second chronograph, the DEFY 21. This translation of high oscillation frequencies into single regions of the visible light spectrum began with the DEFY 21 Ultraviolet in 2020, which features the world’s first violet- coloured chronograph movement, standing out against the entirely muted case in matte sandblasted titanium. Now, Zenith applies the same striking effect in cool tones of deep indigo and electric blue in the DEFY 21 Ultrablue.
The colour blue holds a special place in Zenith lore. It was the backdrop to the starry night sky from which the manufacture’s founder Georges-Favre Jacot was inspired to name his award-winning calibre and eventually, his brand. In more recent times, it was one of the defining colours of the A386, one of the first watches to be equipped with the legendary El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre. It is also a colour that has been extensively explored by the Manufacture in its most intricate watches, becoming a mark of futuristic haute horlogerie by Zenith.
The partially open dial features slightly overlapping closed chronograph counters, finished in a grey tone matching the deep grey of the case with contrasting white markings for legibility. The vividly blue movement is accentuated by the DEFY 21’s uniquely avant-garde movement conception and design with open and angular bridges. A white-tipped central 1/100th of a second chronograph hand makes a complete revolution above the dial in one second.
Allowing the blue bridges of the movement to truly stand out while providing a more striking contrast, the faceted 44mm titanium case of the DEFY is given an entirely matte sandblasted finish, bringing out its darker metallic nuances and absorbing much of the light that hits its surface. Complementing the tones of the open movement, the black rubber strap features a blue cordura-effect rubber insert with tone-matching stitching.
The DEFY 21 Ultrablue will be available at Zenith Boutiques around the world as well as its regional online boutiques from March 2021.
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