On – Zenith Defy Zero G and Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire

If Zenith has largely been focusing its collections this 12 months on chronographs and the Chronomaster assortment, one has to take into account that the model additionally has a sure experience in high-end actions and an extended involvement in chronometry. Certainly, Zenith is ready to produce fusée-and-chain or double tourbillons, and even ultra-innovative regulating organs. As we speak, the model is releasing new editions of two of its most superior actions, with a recent strategy to design and supplies. Listed below are the brand new Zenith Defy Zero-G and Defy 21 Double Tourbillon in Sapphire circumstances, with inspiration from the celebrities and countless universe. 

Zenith is called one of many masters of the chronograph complication, one thing that’s definitely seen when wanting on the model’s present assortment. Whether or not the Chronomaster or the Defy are stuffed with watches geared up with actions based mostly on the model’s emblematic structure, the El Primero. Nevertheless, there’s much more to Zenith than this experience. The model has lengthy been concerned in chronometry, and nonetheless is on the forefront of innovation when it comes to creating cutting-edge applied sciences to enhance accuracy. And, despite the fact that fairly confidential, the model additionally is aware of learn how to make spectacular and sophisticated actions, the 2 greatest examples being the Chronograph Double Tourbillon and the Zero-G idea. And at the moment, these two are revisited in daring, futuristic Defy circumstances manufactured from sapphire, mixed with a visible theme enjoying round a starry theme… Do not forget that Zenith was named after the very best star within the night time sky…

Each watches share the identical total design and strategy, with the identical total case of 46mm in diameter, each created from clear sapphire crystal. Additionally, if the actions and shows are totally different, the ornament used is right here – totally seen due to the see-through circumstances – is an identical. First, all of the motion’s parts are handled with blue PVD. The inscriptions, in addition to ornamental components like miniature stars, are then engraved onto the bridges, after which, the chamfered edges of the bridges are exactly completed with a rhodium colored PVD, making a hanging distinction.

Word: for the 20 house owners of the Defy Zero-G and Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire Editions, Zenith is providing a singular expertise, a parabolic zero-gravity flight. Deliberate to happen in February 2022, Zenith has partnered with Novespace, a subsidiary of the French Nationwide House Middle, to supply the expertise of weightlessness.

Zenith Defy Zero-G Sapphire

The primary of those two new fashions is predicated on a motion that isn’t new, however which is never seen lately within the assortment, the reasonably uncommon and distinctive Zero-G. This motion is predicated on an idea that goals, just like the tourbillon, at counteracting the impact of gravity on the regulating organ. Nevertheless, it doesn’t work like a tourbillon…

As an alternative of being held right into a rotating cage, the regulating organ is mounted to a gimbal that all the time stays in a flat place – no matter how the watch is rotated. The Zero-G has been used prior to now, already within the Defy assortment, however Zenith has totally redesigned the motion with a brand new structure to permit for a extra open show. This gyroscopic module that ensures horizontal positioning of the regulating organ can be geared up with a 5Hz escapement, each supposedly guaranteeing fairly spectacular chronometric outcomes. This hand-wound El Primero 8812 S calibre is provided with a single giant barrel, which might retailer about 50h of energy reserve when absolutely wound.

This Zenith Defy Zero-G Sapphire additionally shows conventional crafts for the dial, but executed in a recent means. The off-centered dial at 12 o’clock is handcrafted in a mosaic of meteorite, aventurine glass and grand feu enamel on a gold base. It depicts the pink planet Mars on the small seconds, partially eclipsed by the hour and minute dial. A particular contact that may solely be seen when the watch is overhead is the again of the gyroscopic module, normal with a cratered texture mimicking the moon. An influence reserve indicator on the fitting aspect completes the show.

The again Zenith Defy Zero-G Sapphire reveals an openworked motion, with the star brand getting used as a base to create the bridges. All are very properly completed, both with blue PVD with contrasting gray rhodium chamfers and speckled with white stars of various sizes, or straight brushed with polished angles.

The Zenith Defy Zero-G Sapphire is worn on a black rubber strap with blue “Cordura impact” rubber and gray stitchings, closed by a titanium folding clasp. It is a restricted version of 10 items (not 50, as engraved on the motion of this prototype), priced at CHF 160,000.

Zenith Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire

The second watch provided by Zenith on this new context is predicated on the Defy 21 Double Tourbillon, a watch that mixes a chronograph with two regulating organs, one controlling timekeeping, one (ultra-high-frequency) controlling the chronograph. The essential concept is similar because the traditional Defy 21 fashions, but right here up to date with tourbillons as an alternative of conventional regulating organs. First, the principle tourbillon, answerable for timekeeping, rotates as soon as per minute and runs at a frequency of 5Hz or 36,000 vibrations/hour. The second tourbillon, which is engaged solely when the chronograph is actuated, rotates as soon as each 5 seconds and runs at a frequency of 50Hz or 360,000 vibrations/hour. And because of this, the central chronograph hand rotates across the dial at a loopy tempo of 1 rotation per second… Which means that it’s capable of measure elapsed occasions to the closest 1/a centesimal of a second.

As with the earlier mannequin, the motion of this Zenith Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire is totally coated in blue PVD and embellished with contrasting silvered stars and polished chamfered. All of the technical components of the motion are additionally executed in silver, making a technical and chilly look. This watch shares the identical 46mm sapphire case and a black rubber strap with blue “Cordura impact” rubber and gray stitchings. The again reveals an openworked star-shaped blue rotor and the identical starry-sky ornament because the entrance of the watch.

The motion, Calibre 9020 – a deep evolution of the El Primero structure – is constructed round two escapements, with just one working when the chronograph is disengaged. As such, the facility reserve in regular circumstances is 50 hours, however after all as a result of ultra-high frequency of the tourbillon regulating the chronograph, it drops considerably when utilizing the timing operate.

This Zenith Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire can be a restricted version of 10 items and will likely be priced at CHF 180,000. Extra particulars at www.zenith-watches.com.