Editor’s Note: Need a quick watch fix? This preview of the new Zenith Defy 21 Chroma is a GET TO THE POINT (GTTP) review with all the info you want / need to know QUICK. For our usual detailed hands-on reviews, please head to our dedicated reviews section here.
What Is The Zenith Defy 21 Chroma
Presenting the new 44mm diameter Zenith Defy 21 Chroma; if the Zenith Defy Extreme Carbon Fibre — read preview here — with the darker Yin, that completing it is the lighter yang. For those serious Zenith collectors who like to have a masterpiece collection, both these timepieces will defy conventional collection norms and feature a solid horological powerhouse package.
Why, Where, and When
The ref. 49.9010.9004/01.R947 is released as limited edition release of 200-pieces and retails for 14’400 CHF or 20’980 AUD and was first announced as part of the third edition of the LVMH Watch Week 2022 (January 24 – 28, 2022).
In Sydney, both Gregory Jewellers and Swiss Concept are/used to be the Authorised dealers. Globally, the new Zenith Defy Extreme should be available at Zenith physical boutiques and online boutiques around the world.
Basic Specs of The Zenith Defy 21 Chroma
Inside the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma ticks at the same automatic El Primero 9004 movement as found in the new Defy Extreme Carbon Fibre.
This 32.8 x 7.9mm movement comprises 293 components and 53 jewels, beats at the high frequency of 5Hz for time and super fast 50Hz — a separate escapement beating at a 360’000 vph that can measure nearest 1/100 of a second — for the chronograph, and provides a decent (min.) 50-hour power reserve.
Light Delight
Even though it is simpler than the Defy Extreme Carbon Fibre, at 44mm the new Zenith Defy 21 Chroma is still not fitting slim wrists. But sometimes, the bigger, the better.
Just like the Defy Extreme Carbon Fibre one of the major impressive feats of the watch is the exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the Chrono hand that for watch at this price range is pretty rare.
More impressively, on display on large scale is the light coloured and even light-hearted white ceramic case with a movement that has impressively been given the rainbow-coloured treatment and is visible through the open dial set with markers in a gradient of tones.
I do like the watch, though given LVMH owns both Hublot and Zenith, with pieces like these, it’s getting a bit hard to blur the lines between which is which.
At the end of the day, watchmaking can use a bit more of a playful and vibrant colour — red at 12’o clock, followed by orange, yellow, green, blue, violet and pink in a clockwise manner — palette, and the Defy 21 Chroma shows how it can be done without looking tacky.
To find out more about the new Zenith Defy 21 Chroma and other Zenith watches, please head to their website here. All images unless otherwise stated are courtesy are ©Zenith. All rights reserved.
