Boutique
ZENITH
Defy El Primero Double Tourbillon
This dramatic watch, which was a Baselworld
2019 highlight for many observers, starts with
the high-speed regulation (360,000 bph)
developed for the Defy El Primero 21 and ups the
horological ante. Zenith adds two tourbillons – a
first for the watchmaker. One of the tourbillons
(at 10 o’clock) is coupled with and regulates the
chronograph that displays hundredths of a
second. This tourbillon beats at 50 Hz (360,000
bph) with its carriage rotating every five
seconds, which Zenith says is the world’s fastest.
While that high-speed tourbillon regulates
the chronograph hand, which turns once per
second, the second tourbillon (at 8 o’clock)
operates at 5 Hz (36,000 vph) with a carriage
that rotates once per minute. This tourbillon
regulates the rate of the hours, minutes and
seconds. With this doubled up arrangement,
you’ll find dual mainsprings with a fifty-hour
power reserve for the both the time and for the
chronograph.
This model, measuring 46mm by 14.5mm,
is available in two limited editions: a ten-piece
platinum version and a fifty-unit carbon inter-
pretation. Price: $141,000 (platinum case) and
$113,000 (carbon case). See Zenith watches at
the following Leading Watch retailers:
Cellini, New York / CH Premier, Santa Clara /
Feldmar, Los Angeles / Manfredi Jewels, Green-
wich / The Timepiece Collection, Englewood /
IW Marks, Houston
IW RATING
Design: 8 (out of 10)
Industrial watchmaking traditions on display.
Innovation: 9
Dual barrels, dual tourbillons including high
speed tourbillon for 1/100th per second chrono
regulation.
Finissage: 7
Well done combination of colors and finishes.
Legibility: 7
Strong baton hands with lume stand out from
complex background.
Rarity: 9
Only 10 in platinum and 50 in carbon.
Value: 9
Pricing holding up very well on all platforms.
Overall iW rating: 49 (out of 60)
42 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | FALL 2019