The Defy collection is another mainstay in the Zenith portfolio. Its roots go back to the early 20th century. At that time, Zenith produced robust pocket watches that were labeled "Défi" (French for "challenge"). In the 1960s, Zenith revived the range with timepieces like the A3642; this time using the English moniker "Defy."
The current collection includes a wide range of futuristic-looking timepieces that are equipped with modern in-house calibers and innovative technology.
Zenith El Primero 21 – A Chronograph for the 21st Century
Zenith unveiled the Defy El Primero 21 at Baselworld 2017. This watch houses an updated version of the El Primero caliber, bringing it up to speed for the 21st century. The movement is officially known as the EP 9004 and has two separate escapements. The first displays the time and beats at the usual rate of 36,000 vph, while the second runs at the impressive rate of 360,000 vph or 50 Hz. This enables the watch to measure 1/100th of a second.
Zenith currently offers the 44-mm Defy El Primero 21 in rose gold, ceramic, carbon, or titanium. Regardless of which case material you choose, you'll be hard-pressed to find a watch with a closed dial. The only part of the dial that remains is the rehaut on its outer edge. Here, you'll find a 1/100th scale and applied hour indices. The subdials also only consist of thin rings. This elaborate skeletonization affords an almost unobstructed view of the movement at work. Depending on the exact version you choose, be prepared to spend between 9,800 USD and 35,500 USD.
The Defy Extreme could be considered the older sibling of the Defy El Primero 21. This watch is also powered by the EP 9004 and it likewise features a largely skeletonized dial. What sets it apart, however, is its case, which is slightly larger at 45 mm and has a more robust design. You can easily tell the difference when you look at the crown and push-pieces, both of which are surrounded by extensive guards. The Defy Extreme comes in brushed or microblasted titanium as well as a two-tone version with rose gold bezel accents and push-pieces. Prices for this timepiece range from 14,000 USD to 18,500 USD.
Zenith Defy With Gravity Control and a Double Tourbillon
Zenith has continued to improve upon the El Primero ever since it was first introduced in 1969. One such development is the caliber EP 9020, which is based on the El Primero 21 but comes with two tourbillons instead of the usual oscillation and escapement systems. The tourbillon for the time display rotates on its own axis every 60 seconds, while the tourbillon for the chronograph function rotates every 6 seconds. You will find the caliber EP 9020 in the Defy Double Tourbillon, for example, which is available in platinum, sapphire crystal, or carbon. Depending on which model you choose, you should set aside between 87,500 USD and 189,000 USD for this watch.
Another interesting El Primero variant is the EP 4804. This movement also has a tourbillon at 6 o'clock, but that's not what makes it so special: Instead of using a traditional transmission system, Zenith outfits this movement with a fusee-and-chain transmission. This ensures that the power from the mainspring is evenly transmitted to the rest of the movement. Zenith uses this skeletonized caliber to power the watches in the Defy Fusee Tourbillon series. You can purchase a carbon version of this watch for around 61,500 USD, while a titanium model costs 77,500 USD.
The El Primero caliber EP 8812 also deserves some extra attention. It is the movement behind the so-called Gravity Control system. This is a gyroscopic regulating organ module that always aligns itself parallel to the ground. Thus, gravity always acts evenly on the balance and escapement, which stands to improve the watch's accuracy. You can view this fascinating component at work in the watches from the Defy Zero G series, thanks to the skeletonized movement. Be sure to set aside around 73,500 USD for a titanium Defy Zero G. Rose gold versions of the watch cost some 93,000 USD.
Zenith Defy Classic and Midnight – Dress Watches for Men and Women
The Defy Classic offers an extensive collection of 41-mm three-hand watches. The design is largely based on the Defy 21, i.e., a round dial with a narrow bezel, slightly angular case, and an integrated bracelet. You have the choice between brushed and microblasted titanium, carbon, or ceramic for the case material. Ceramic watches come in black, white, blue, or a black and white version.
The majority of the Defy Classic timepieces have skeletonized dials. If you prefer watches with a closed dial, however, you will also find plenty of options in this collection. In either case, the watches are powered by calibers from the Elite series. These run at 28,800 vph and offer a 50-hour power reserve. Prices for a Defy Classic range from 4,800 USD to 26,000 USD.
The Defy Midnight line is specifically aimed at women. These watches share design cues with the Defy Classic, but come in 36-mm cases and are made of stainless steel. The dials are closed and available in your choice of blue, gray, or mother-of-pearl. Diamonds serve as the hour markers, and certain models also feature gem-studded bezels. Similar to the Defy Classic, Midnight watches are powered by calibers from the Elite series. Have between 7,000 USD and 8,500 USD on hand for one of these timepieces.
Zenith Defy Revival
In early 2022, Zenith expanded their Defy collection once again with a Revival model. The concept here is similar to that of the Chronomaster Revival series: take a popular model from the watchmaker's long history and breathe new life into it with a remake that remains faithful to the original. In this case, Zenith turned to the Defy A3642 from 1969. This watch boasts an octagonal case, polygonal bezel, and the so-called ladder bracelet.
Each of these characteristics has been retained in the Defy Revival A3642 (ref. 03.A3642.670/75.M3642). The block indices, hand shape, and gray dial gradient likewise correspond to the original watch. What is new, however, is the modern caliber Elite 670, which oscillates at 28,800 vph and offers a 50-hour power reserve.
The Defy Revival A3642 has a limited run of 250 pieces and an official list price of 7,000 USD.
Defy Skyline – Three-Handed El Primero
At the start of 2022, Zenith surprised the watch world with a completely new Defy line: the Defy Skyline. The design of these watches is reminiscent of classic sports watches from the 1970s with an octagonal stainless steel case, a faceted bezel, and an integrated bracelet. The sunburst dial, which comes in blue, black, or silver, also features a delicate pattern of four-pointed stars. The time is easily legible thanks to the applied luminescent bar indices.
The most interesting thing about this timepiece, however, is hidden inside its case: the new El Primero 3620. This is a three-hand caliber, based on the EP 3600. It displays the hours and minutes at the center of the dial and has a small seconds at 9 o'clock. Due to the high balance frequency of 36,000 vph, it only requires 10 seconds for one full revolution.
Zenith's official list price for the Defy Skyline is 8,400 USD.