ZENITH
Defy 21 El Primero Black Ceramic
Zenith has named this model as a special enticement to kick off its U . S . online sales this past summer . This watch is a special limited edition ( of 250 ) black ceramic Defy 21 El Primero . In addition to the dark 44mm ceramic case , the U . S . edition also features an open dial that shows the 1 / 100th-of-a-second chronograph movement in a special satinfinished electric blue mainplate . The blue hue shines through the skeletonized dial .
There ’ s more to entice you beyond color however . Zenith is also including three matching straps with the watch . One strap is black alligator with a rubber backing and blue stitching , the second is made of black rubber with a “ cordura ” effect and blue stitching and the third is textured blue rubber .
Inside you ’ ll find the Zenith El Primero 9004 automatic caliber , the 1 / 100th-of-a second chronograph movement that sends the seconds hand spinning at one rotation per second when in timing mode . That ’ s why there are two escapements inside the watch : one for the watch ( 36,000 VpH ) and one to power the chronograph ( 360,000 VpH ).
In addition , Zenith obtains full TIME LAB-Chronometer certification here , and adds black movement finish and a power reserve of 50 hours . Price : $ 13,600 .
IW RATING
Design : 7 ( out of 10 ) It flies the technical flag proudly .
Innovation : 7 Existing Zenith know-how , nicely packaged .
Finissage : 7 Contemporary , eye-catching .
Legibility : 7 Always an issue with open-worked dials .
Rarity : 7 Limited to U . S . sales .
Value : 8 Especially within Zenith ’ s expanding fan base .
Overall iW rating : 43 ( out of 60 )
26 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | WINTER 2021