Defy Gravity
While we as human beings are in the constant force of gravity, it is not true for mechanics in watch making and is quite the effort for time piece design and manufacturing. The simple pull of gravity on a watch movement will eventually translate to inaccuracies over time and why watch makers have developed solutions that counteract gravity effects within the tourbillon escapement. While every brand has a solution they have developed, Zenith has used methods that have been crafted over time to counter act gravity as well they have a novel approach utilizing gyroscopic stabilizers. The brand feels that by combining both methods these newly designed limited edition watches Defy Zero G Sapphire and Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire, showcase the horological excellence they have developed.
Defy Excellence
These two stunning timepieces unveiled by Zenith share a full sapphire case design that measures 46mm wide. They feature a sharply faceted planar form that is shared within the series. This sapphire material that the brand used in these models really puts emphasis on the sporty and futuristic design the brand wants to establish. Working with Sapphire is not easy and many designs fail. The elegance established here on these narrow bezels that taper on the side chamfer, and provide flat semi-hooded lugs that define the watches are true examples of craftsmanship from the brand. The dials on both of these timepieces, the Zenith Defy Zero G Sapphire and the Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire are detailed ornate skeleton designs that showcase the brand movements that are exquisite. While each model has taken a different approach, each of them provides the opportunity for the brand to provide a brilliant view of the magnificent work.
The Defy Zero G Sapphire certainly is more of a clean design, providing an open and airy layout allowing the wide diameter case to seem simple in comparison, but that is not at all the truth. The materials and finishes used on this beauty range from aventurine glass to exposed meteorite, and features miniature painting, and engraved midnight blue PVD as well as stainless steel skeleton bridges. The placement of the hand finishing by an expert miniature painter provides the look of the planet Mars and that navy blue PVD gives that starfield effect. The eye is drawn to the signature element at 6 o’clock, the gyroscopic module. Impressive, eye catching and totally unique in the design, this timepiece is a statement for the brand. While the dial layout on the Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire seems a bit more traditional for the brand, as they used it on other designs. The skeleton design is separated into three distinct visual layers, each color-coded for ease of legibility. Engraved in the blue PVD is the top layer of the skeleton bridges and 3 o’clock chronograph minutes sub dial. The lower level bridges as well as the minutes track, the 12 and 6 o’clock indicators and sub dial were crafted in a granular silver tone. The bottom layer is done in a midnight blue PVD but the outer decimal scale is certainly a signature feature and dominates the motion for those to watch. When that chronograph is engaged and the second tourbillon starts into action, the sense of speed is spectacular.
Defy Detail
These watches are both amazing in design and craftsmanship, so understanding the power inside them should be no surprise. The in-house El Primero 8 812 S hand-wound skeleton movement powers the Defy Zero G Sapphire. If you are looking at the case back side on the timepiece the movement contrasts the simplicity of the side view with the raised geometric web of the engraved blue PVD skeleton bridges and showcases the rhodium-plated gear train elements. This 8 812 S offers 50 hour of power reserve and 36000 bph.
For the Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire the brand provided the in-house El Primero 9020 automatic tourbillon chronograph movement. As we discussed the dial side has the layered color coded bridge structure and those double tourbillons, the case back side is a little more simplistic with engraved blue PVD bridges that are cut to reveal gear train elements. Like the other design the 9020 offers 50 hours of power reserve and 36000 bph. Both of these dynamic timepieces have been paired with navy blue Cordura textured rubber straps that offer a black lining to give a little contrast.
Defining Defy
Zenith has done an outstanding job on providing two very different but equally exquisite timepieces. The Zenith Defy Zero G Sapphire and Zenith Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire are both expertly crafted. An added bonus for these designs the buyers are invited to a exclusive zero-gravity parabolic flight with Novespace, scheduled for Bordeaux, France in February 2022.
