In 1969, Zenith introduced the first fully integrated column wheel automatic chronograph movement El Primero with an accuracy of 1/10 seconds. This year, the Zenith Defy El Primero 21 was inspired to re-launch the six new styles of the new style, which became the legend of rebirth. This time, Zenith subverted the traditional concept, challenged the limit, and led the watch enter the precision field of 1/100 second. The new watch injects a new blood into Zenith, interprets the spirit of innovation, and transforms the modern style with a skeleton dial. Next, let’s take a look at one of the six new watches, the Zenith DEFY El Primero 21 Titanium Skeleton Men’s Chronograph Automatic Watch 95.9002.9004/78.R584.
Subverting the Tradition
One of the biggest highlights of the Defy El Primero 21 is the one-hundredth-second display, which is highly developed both in terms of performance and mechanical design. The watch has a scale from 1 to 100 on the bezel, and the central seconds hand rotates around the scale at a speed of one revolution per second, achieving an amazing visual effect and making people have a wonderful experience about the passage of time. This is also thanks to the newly upgraded movement of the watch, which oscillates 360,000 times per hour (50 Hz), ten times that of its predecessor El Primero, thus enabling a timing accuracy of 1 /100 seconds.
The watch case is made of titanium and is inspired by the original El Primero watch from the early 1970s. The case is finished with a brushed and polished process that presents two different visual perceptions.
This watch features a skeleton dial and does some changes in detail, adding a blue element to the movement for a more powerful visual impact. The dial is complemented by the iconic features of its legendary original, with a star-shaped lightning bolt at the end, a large luminous bar pointer and a hourly hour markers, adding a three-dimensional feel to the entire dial. There is a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a second counter at 6 o’clock, a small second at 9 o’clock, and a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock. The brand is equipped with a new patented timing control mechanism that ensures that the 1 second, 1/10 second and 1/100 second hands are simultaneously activated and reset, enhancing the accuracy of the watch’s chronograph.
The crown at 3 o’clock position is engraved with a star logo and a non-slip texture design that allows us to adjust the time. On both sides are the chronograph buttons, which can be timed by two buttons.
The clasp is also engraved with a star logo to showcase the brand’s unique design aesthetics.
The watch is equipped with an El Primero 9004 self-winding movement with a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour and a 50-hour power reserve when the chain is full. The movement is certified by the COSC to ensure accurate timekeeping, and it uses two patented hairsprings with superior diamagnetic and temperature-changing properties. Through the sapphire crystal glass on the back of the watch, the automatic oscillating weight of the star-shaped cut is very beautiful.
Summary: The new Defy El Primero 21 watch launched by Zenith has set a new milestone in the history of watchmaking, which explains the new innovative concept. This Zenith new chronograph has an accuracy of one hundredth of a second. It is presented in front of us with a skeleton process, subverting tradition and surpassing itself.