Zenith’s new Defy Zero-G features a redesigned version of the company’s patented gyroscopic “Gravity Control” mechanism and beats at high-rate of 5Hz, hence the “El Primero” designation.
The Defy Zero-G is a relatively small watch at 44 mm x 14.85 mm, thanks to the miniaturization of the gyroscopic regulator, which has been reduced by 30% in size compared to previous iterations.
Similar to how a marine chronometer works, this gyroscopic system ensures the regulating organs (balance wheel, balance spring, escapement) are always in the optimal horizontal position. Ideally, this should increase chronometric performance, much like a tourbillon is designed to do.
This is a 5Hz high-beat El Primero movement, which allows for 1/10th of a second accuracy. However, while displaying the time with this level of precision is technically possible, this particular watch has a small seconds display at 10 o’clock that is divided into 5-second increments. With that said, we could see future chronograph equipped versions of the Defy Zero-G may, with the extra level of precision on display.
The El Primero caliber 8812S (38.5 mm x 7.85 mm) is manually wound, beats at 5Hz, has 324 total components, 139 (of which belong to the new gyroscopic regulation system and including one platinum counterweight), 41 jewels, and a 50-hour power reserve (indicated on the dial).
While this is more of a halo piece, out of reach to most of us, it does show the direction that Zenith is going. After the technical achievement shown off by the Defy Lab and the Defy 21, and the refinement of the new 41 mm Defy Classic line that launched alongside this at Baselworld, the Defy line is starting to really shape up into a full-featured collection. And the look of Defy cases, despite not being warmly welcomed by everyone, myself included, are starting to really shape into something that might garner a stronger appeal as opposed to the more classical Zenith lines, which was presumably the manufacture’s goal when developing the Defy.
Retail is $99,800 in brushed titanium on a strap, $100,800 on a titanium bracelet, $115,900 in rose gold on a strap, and $131,000 in rose gold on a bracelet. Water-resistance is 100 meters.
Learn more at Zenith.
