Haute Horlogerie in a Sapphire Crystal Case: Zenith DEFY 21 Double Tourbillon And DEFY Zero-G
Zenith presents two special models in the DEFY line that combine unique mechanics with sapphire crystal cases. The Zenith DEFY Zero-G has a mechanism that keeps the balance constantly in the horizontal position. This is to avoid the negative effects of gravity. The DEFY 21 Double Tourbillon has a tourbillon for the main time and another for the high-frequency chronograph. Both models, however, take up the space theme with the recurring star motif, which the Manufacture has made its hallmark.
The Zenith DEFY Zero-G Sapphire
The watch appears in a 46 mm case made of sapphire crystal. This allows a view of the mechanics from all sides. Only the crown is not made of sapphire crystal. The off-centre dial is handmade from meteorite, aventurine and Grand Feu enamel on a gold base. The small seconds, meanwhile, represents our neighbouring planet Mars and is partially covered by the main time. Last but not least, Zenith gives the watch a power reserve indicator between two and three o’clock.
Overriding Gravity
The highlight of the watch is the “Gravity Control” mechanism of the El Primero 8812 S calibre. The balance sits in a suspension so that it always remains in a horizontal position. This prevents the negative effects of gravity. For the first time, the Manufacture is embedding this technology in an open movement. In reference to the starry sky, the blue movement is decorated with white stars in various sizes. The back of the regulating organ is also reminiscent of the moon with its rough texture and craters.
The Zenith DEFY 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire
This watch appears in a 46 mm case that is also made entirely of sapphire crystal. In addition, however, there are pushers on the side that control the high-frequency chronograph. The two star-shaped tourbillons dominate the front. Furthermore, there are many small stars on the openworked dial. Here, however, luminous hands also indicate the time. In addition, the ring has faceted hour indices and a minute track on the periphery. The dial also has a scale for measuring hundredths of a second.
Movement With Two Tourbillons
Inside the Zenith DEFY 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire is the El Primero 9020 calibre, which offers two escapements with different frequencies. This allows the chronograph to measure hundredths of a second. Here, however, these two balances are embedded in two tourbillons. The tourbillon responsible for regulating the main time completes one revolution in 60 seconds. The tourbillon of the chronograph, on the other hand, completes one round in 5 seconds. The central chronograph hand testifies to the extremely high frequency of 50 Hz by circling the dial in just one second.
Last but not least, the DEFY 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire offers automatic winding with a power autonomy of 50 hours. The manufacture continues the space theme on the movement. Engraved stars adorn the blue PVD coating. The watch also bears the chronometer certificate of the COSC. This means that, despite the technical refinements, it achieves a maximum rate deviation of -4/+6 seconds per day.
Price & Availability of The Zenith DEFY Zero-G Sapphire and The Zenith DEFY 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire
The watches come on a rubber strap with a blue “Cordura effect” and a double-folding clasp made of titanium. They are available now exclusively in the company’s own boutiques and are limited to 10 pieces each. However, Zenith invites the proud 20 owners to a parabolic flight in France to create the effect of weightlessness. The Zenith DEFY Zero-G Sapphire costs 155,000 euros. For the DEFY 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire, Zenith is calling up a price of 175,000 euros.
In keeping with the season, OMEGA is presenting three new variants of the Globemaster Annual Calendar in subdued colours. The first watch has a trendy green dial. The second has a burgundy dial and a bezel in OMEGA's Sedna Gold. Lastly, the Manufacture presents a variant with a Sedna Gold case paired with a dial…
A year after the first generation of the Tissot Heritage 1973, the brand now launches a second series of its barrel-shaped chronograph. This new timepiece is presented as part of the partnership that unites Tissot and the ‘Kessel Classic’ vintage car racing team. In developing the Tissot Heritage 1973, the brand was inspired by a…
With the Pelagos FXD GMT, Tudor expands its FXD line of watches to include a model designed for the Aéronautique Navale, the French Naval Aviation. The watch was developed to meet the specific needs of aviators and features a GMT function that displays Zulu time, the standard reference time in global aviation. This watch is…
The Big Bang – the watch that disrupted traditional notions of luxury timepieces upon its launch in 2005 and has since become a core part of Hublot’s portfolio – celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. A trajectory that not only reflects the longevity of the collection, but also its continuous evolution in both design and…
Audemars Piguet is introducing the Royal Oak Offshore Flying Tourbillon Flyback-Chronograph into its recently updated Offshore collection. The watch combines a flyback chronograph with a flying tourbillon. Furthermore, it is a limited edition of only 100 pieces. Revised case The case of the new model is titanium, and measures 43 mm in diameter. Interestingly, to…
Audemars Piguet has unveiled the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon in sand gold. This watch, featuring a 38mm case, marks the first time the brand offers the complication in this diameter. It showcases the ultra-thin Calibre 2968 (RD#3) movement, which was introduced in 2022 in small Royal Oak models. The watch is crafted from 18-carat…
Last year, Blancpain and Swatch released five watches dedicated to the world's five oceans as part of their collaboration. Just in time for the new year and the day of the new moon, another timepiece has now been added to the existing Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms collection. The Ocean of Storms was inspired by the new moon, also known…
TUDOR is introducing two brand new Black Bay Chrono models with either a black or opaline dial, plus contrasting subdials. The new fast-paced pieces are housed in a highly sporty stainless-steel case. Furthermore, they now come with a five-year guarantee, for which registration is not necessary. The Case The 41 mm case of the new…
The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar white ceramic offers a slim case which nonetheless houses a complete perpetual calendar. The 41 mm case is made of white ceramic. Furthermore, the watch is equipped with non-reflective sapphire crystal on the front and back. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar White Ceramic Ref. 26579CB.OO.1225CB.01…
Swiss manufacture Audemars Piguet is adding a limited edition complicated watch to the Code 11.59 collection. The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Chronograph Automatic combines a flying tourbillon with a flyback chronograph. The watch is a limited edition of 50 pieces. The case of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Chronograph Automatic measures…
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963 celebrates the connection between the two brands and motorsport. The watch is inspired by the Porsche 963, a hybrid sports car renowned in the motorsport world for its performance and technology. This shows in the design elements of the watch, which echo the race car's aesthetics. For…
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…
On the Swiss watch fair SIHH 2019 the Geneva luxury watch brand Vacheron Constantin officially extended its 2018 'Fiftysix collection' by two new models. The watches of the collection, which is inspired by a model from 1956, are the more casual designs of the 264-year-old brand. The new models Fiftysix Complete Calendar (Ref. 4000E/000A-B548) and Fiftysix Self-Winding (Ref. 4600E/000A-B487) as well…