A REAL EYE-CATCHER
The Le Locle manufacture invites us to stay on the same wavelength with this newcomer which blends together high mechanical frequency and high monochromatic frequency.
Although ultraviolet is of the same type as visible light, it’s invisible to the human eye. In the onslaught of new watches on the scene boasting blue dials, the Defy 21 Ultraviolet provokes the opposite effect. Zenith took the daring step of going against the trend of the times with a very special violet hue which adorns many of the timepiece’s components. Its skeletonized movement therefore flaunts this intense shade rarely used in watchmaking. And, based on exterior light, it forever changes from light to dark, as such offering the chronometer a unique personality. This stylistic choice is enhanced even more by the presence of three neutral gray counters, the two chronograph totalizers and the small seconds. This nuance also features on the 1/100th scale hovered over by the central direct-drive, on the flange as well as on the 44 mm-diameter titanium case. All the hands as well as the indexes stand out perfectly in this relief-based composition thanks to the use of Super-LumiNova® SLN C1.
The self-winding El Primero 9004 caliber nestling at the heart of this watch is equipped with two escapements, one set at 5 Hz for the time data and the other at 50 Hz for measuring time to 1/100th of a second.
To create unconditional contrast with the Defy 21 Ultraviolet, the black rubber strap includes a violet insert which imitates a woven fabric effect. To ensure the watch is secure and comfortable on the wrist, the strap is attached with a folding clasp crafted in the same material as the case.
Price: CHF13,400 zenith.com
By Dan Diaconu