Zenith

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

Zenith debuted a new entry-level collection called the Defy Classic today at Baselworld. The collection consists of six models in total, and all come in a brushed titanium case measuring 41 mm x 10.75 mm. You can choose a conventional or skeletonized dial, and either a titanium bracelet, alligator leather strap, or rubber strap. I can’t help but wonder if the design is derivative of an AP Royal Oak, or a GP Laureato, and even the strap is reminiscent of an Aquanaut rubber strap. That’s how the industry works, though. Companies make similar but differing products. Do I love the new direction of the Defy line compared to more classic Zenith watches? Not really. But this piece is a lot less crazy looking than some of the most recent Defy timepieces that have been introduced and it might appeal to

Thursday, November 30th, Swiss watchmaker Zenith held a party at the Angel Orensanz Center in New York City to launch a limited edition timepiece designed by Recording Artist and Producer, Swizz Beatz. Zenith CEO, Julien Tornare, Hodinkee Editor, Jon Bues, and Swizz Beatz made the announcement before a large crowd, highlighted by a drone flying in from the 2nd floor and delivering one of the five limited edition diamond-studded Defy 21s. The special Zenith Defy was raffled off later in the night for charity.

This is the Defy El Primero Only Watch Edition (Lot 3) that will be auctioned tomorrow – at Only Watch 2017 to support research into curing Muscular Dystrophy – along with 49 other unique timepieces. The watch is equipped with a 1/100th of second chronograph movement and presented in a 44 x 14.50 mm black DLC titanium Defy case with yellow highlights. Additionally, the winning bidder will receive a trip to the Zenith Swiss Watch Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Learn more at Only Watch. A post shared by @professionalwatches on Nov 5, 2017 at 8:29am PST

Today, in Le Locle, Swiss watch manufacturer Zenith debuted the all-new high-tech Zenith Defy Lab timepiece – presented in a 44 mm diameter case made of Aeronith which they claim to be the world’s lightest aluminum composite material. The real story, however, is what’s inside the case: an all-new mechanical movement that beats at an astounding 15Hz and uses a new one piece oscillator made of monocrystalline silicon which replaces the traditional “sprung balance” design used in virtually all mechanical watches. According to Zenith “The 30 or so components of a standard regulating organ (which requires assembly, adjustment, timing, testing, and lubrication) are thus replaced by a single element measuring just 0.5 mm thick (compared with the usual 5 mm). This breathtaking development beats at the incredible frequency of 15 Hertz, with an amplitude of +/- 6 degrees, and is

One of the most interesting timepieces that Zenith debuted this year was the Heritage 146 Chronomaster, which comes in a 38 mm x 12.45 mm vintage style 1969 El Primero stainless steel case (as opposed to 42 mm or larger). The Heritage 146 is fundamentally the same as the Zenith X Hodinkee limited edition that was introduced in 2016. The difference is that this model has a brown or blue dial (versus slate gray), extra graduations on the small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, a different crown (the Hodinkee version is flatter), and this model has either a brown or blue perforated leather strap (whereas the limited edition came with 3 straps). Zenith watch that inspired the dial of the Heritage 146 Despite not being available in a slate gray sunray patterned dial, the Zenith Chronomaster Heritage 146 looks amazing

Zenith launched an all-new El Primero watch and movement under the “Defy” moniker at Baselworld 2017, and despite the fact that the aesthetics of the timepiece have been a polarizing topic of discussion amongst the watch community (due to the resemblance to Hublot), it is the horological importance of the movement that is sure to impress those that are serious about watchmaking. The Defy El Primero 21 borrows its movement architecture from its LVMH sibling TAG Heuer’s Mikrograph – which we did an in-depth review of last year – but this is not merely a shared caliber that has been aesthetically changed to fit another brand. There have been significant technical changes, which we will discuss below, and that foreshadowing what the future may hold for the venerable Le Locle-based watchmaker. Presented in either a brushed titanium or black ceramized

In 2015, Zenith debuted the all-new El Primero Chronograph Classic, which was basically the chronograph version of the Elite 6150, also launched in 2015. This year, at Baselworld 2017, Zenith has – somewhat quietly – debuted a renamed version that is now called the Elite Chronograph Classic, at a starting price a full $2200 less than the original version from 2015! Additionally, the watch is now available with a gray or brown smoked dial. The watch measures 42 mm x 11.80 mm and features leaf-shaped rhodium-plated or gold-plated hands, depending if you get the steel or rose gold version. And one of my favorite design details that were also retained from the 2015 model is the engraved hour markers, either rhodium or gold plated, depending on the case material. Inside, is the El Primero column-wheel and horizontal clutch (not vertical)

Following up on the collaboration between Zenith and Range Rover – that we first wrote about here last year, and then went hands-on with here – the two companies have created another model that debuted this week at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show. The new Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition features a straight-grained brushed gray dial with copper-toned details, and a new black rubber strap coated with black-toned perforated calfskin, that according to Zenith is, “inspired by ideas from both brands’ product design and engineering departments.” Featuring a matte black ceramized aluminum case, like the aforementioned El Primero Range Rover model, this too has a 42 mm diameter case and uses the same 5Hz chronograph movement. Furthermore, the leather is the same high-quality hide used on Range Rovers and is secured by a triple folding clasp

At Baselworld 2017, which takes place next month, Zenith will debut a new version of their Heritage Pilot Chronograph. We covered the launch of the Heritage Pilot Cafe Racer last year, and this is fundamentally the same watch but in a bronze case instead of stainless steel. The Pilot Extra Special Chronograph bronze-alloy case measures 45 mm x 14.25 mm, with a domed sapphire crystal, oversized onion-shaped ridged screwed-down crown, with flat ridged pushers, both designed to be used while wearing gloves. The solid caseback is titanium (which is hypo-allergenic), with an engraved Zenith flying instruments logo. Water-resistance is 100 meters. The dial has a frosted gray finish with two snailed counters and large gold-plated, facetted, luminous coated hands. Right below the Zenith logo “MONTRE D’AERONEF,” which was not on last year’s version. Naturally, the watch is powered by the