After presenting the colourful DEFY 21 Chroma Limited Edition at LVMH Watch Week last year, Zenith has now launched two new limited editions with their own colour concept. Technical precision and chromatic design meet once again in the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma II, which is housed in a black or white ceramic case.
The case
Coming in either micro-blasted black or matte white, the DEFY 21 Chroma II’s ceramic case serves as a canvas for the colourful spectacle displayed on the skeletonised dial and movement. The 44 mm case, with a height of 14.5 mm, is water-resistant to a depth of 100 m. The bezel and crown of both versions match the case in colour, while a rubber ring on the crown adds a blue accent to the white version and a yellow accent to the black one. The pushers for the chronographs go with the black DEFY 21 Chroma II case colour, while Zenith opt for grey on the white version. The radiant movement can be viewed from the front as well as the caseback through the anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
The dial
With its skeletonised dial, Zenith’s DEFY 21 Chroma II displays a broad spectrum of colours as well as the vibrant movement below. However, the colour palette on display depends on the design of the limited edition. For the black version, the various nuances are based on the primary colours. The colour selection for the white version, however, relies on lighter accents with a primary focus on blue hues. Despite their differences, both timepieces showcase a carefully balanced rainbow pattern.
Chromatic time indication
Each rhodium-plated, faceted hour index is coated in a different coloured lacquer to match the numerals on the 1/100th of a second scale. The hands for the hours, minutes, and chronograph are also rhodium-plated and faceted, with Zenith’s star emblem decorating one end of the chronograph hand .
In contrast to the central hands with their neutral design, the tips of the regulator hands each bear a different colour. While the 30-minute counter sits at 3 o’clock, the 60-second counter is at 6 o’clock. The small seconds are at 9 o’clock, and the chronograph power reserve indicator is displayed at 12 o’clock. The regulators are black or white, depending on the model’s version. The hands provide an easy-to-read blot of colour through their brightly-coloured tips.
Zenith DEFY 21 Chroma II: The movement
Behind the openworked dial, the automatic El Primero 9004 calibre’s shine through. Each of its bridges are coated with PVD in a different metallic colour. They thereby correspond to the colour gradient of the respective version. In addition, the star-shaped oscillating weight is specially blued and benefits from a satin finish.
High frequency
In 2022, the DEFY 21 Chroma Limited Edition was equipped with the world’s only high-frequency chronograph movement manufactured in a series: the El Primero 9004 calibre, displaying 1/100th of a second. With its two regulating organs and gear train, the movement is now also put to use in the DEFY 21 Chroma II. The system oscillates at a frequency of 5 Hz and has a power reserve of at least 50 hours. True to its name, the chronograph movement beats at a high frequency of 50 Hz (360,000 vibrations per hour). Meanwhile, the chronograph hand achieves one rotation per second. The chronograph’s power reserve lasts approximately 50 minutes and is chronometer certified.
Strap, price, and availability
A matching black or white rubber strap with a Cordura effect, rainbow-coloured stitching, and a titanium double-folding clasp complements the timepiece. Limited to 500 pieces each, both versions of the DEFY 21 Chroma II can be purchased for 16,800 euros. That said, there is a difference when it comes to availability. Zenith boutiques as well as authorised dealers offer the white version worldwide. However, the timepiece with a black case is only available in Zenith boutiques and the brand’s online boutique.
Cartier is introducing a platinum version of its Tank Cintrée, in a special edition that makes up part of the brand's Les Rééditions. Les Rééditions are sought-after watches that Cartier creates with its collectors in mind. Following re-editions such as the Pasha Calendrier Perpétuel and last year's Pebble watch, this 2023 piece makes a return…
Montblanc captures the highest mountains in a watch Even though Montblanc is named after the supposedly highest mountain in Europe - Elbrus, over in the border region to Asia, is 836 metres higher, but its European geography is disputed - the Hamburg-based brand, founded in 1906, also dedicates its expertise to other peaks on our…
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore is a watch that has been around for over 25 years. It was introduced in 1993 as a larger and more robust version of the Royal Oak. Since then, it has become a symbol of the brand’s innovation and creativity. One of the materials that Audemars Piguet has been…
In 1994, Swiss manufacture Audemars Piguet presented its first Grande Sonnerie wristwatch. In 2020, AP reintroduced the complication and has presented a trilogy in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection every year since. This year, the horology house launches three new models: Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie. They all showcase…
The watchmaker Roger Dubuis is well-known for its unconventional, ingenious creations. Now, the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Twofold is furthering the horology house's reputation. The 45mm skeletonised timepiece displays a unique 'ultra-white' design and a double flying tourbillon. The case is made out of a mineral composite fibre and is presented on a matching white…
Carl F. Bucherer is introducing a new version of its Heritage Tourbillon DoublePeripheral. Previously seen in rose gold, the new edition is now available in white-gold. The new version is a limited edition of only 88 pieces. The Heritage Tourbillon DoublePeripheral White Gold features an uncluttered dial, while the tourbillon aims to have a 'floating'…
With the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante, the Glashütte manufacture is presenting a new split-seconds chronograph with a platinum case. It proudly bears the traditional design features of the 1815 collection, but surprises with an atypical placement of the subdials. The 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold "Homage to F. A. Lange" was introduced earlier, but it…
A. Lange & Söhne is introducing three new LANGE 1 TIME ZONE models. With fifteen years having passed since the launch of the original, the manufacture has decided to equip the 41.9 mm models with the in-house calibre L141.1. As a result, all models of the LANGE 1 watch line originally equipped with the L901…
Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet has unveiled three new models in its Royal Oak Offshore collection. These Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph novelties come in 37 and 43 mm sizes, demonstrating a range of materials such as colored rubber, stainless steel, 18-carat pink gold, and black ceramic. These timepieces introduce fresh bronze, ivory, and blue…
OMEGA is introducing a new OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Numbered Edition, this time in platinum-gold. The new watch is this year's follow-up from the James Bond 007 Limited Edition Omega Seamaster 2019 edition, introduced to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The new edition celebrates the Swiss…
For more than 20 years this line is part of the classics of the Geneva manufacture. Now Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces three further models of the 'Master Ultra Thin Collection' on the watch fair SIHH 2019. The new models are available with different special complications: a moon phases, tourbillon or perpetual calendar. The dial of these limited versions are made…
A modern timepiece powered by an original movement from 1913 OMEGA is a company known for its craftsmanship. Now, for its latest creation, the brand has reintroduced a piece of technology from its past. The “First OMEGA Wrist-Chronograph Limited Edition” is a new collection comprising of just 18 watches, which house an original “18’’’ CHRO…
Nivada Grenchen has introduced a new version of the Antarctic Diver. The Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Diver Green features a new dial and some minor design updates, but the case and overall specifications remain the same. Throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Nivada Grenchen, a renowned tool-watch brand, released numerous editions of its Antarctic watch. Some…