First launched at Baselworld 2017, Zenith introduces Defy El Primero 21 with brought back their legendary 1969 automatic EL Primero chronograph movement that offered precision to 1/100th of a second. The watch was equipped with twin escapement and twin barrels to maintain the cruise control and keep up with the movement’s pace.
While the DEFY 21 and DEFY Classic have gone through numerous iterations incorporating exotic materials and vibrant colors, the Zenith Boutique-exclusive Black & White editions take on a drastically different approach with an achromatic palette.
The choice of black & white colorway on this new Defy El Primero model is far more than just a choice of tones. It’s an entire design language that echoes towering urban landscapes and edgy art and fashion movements.
Read: Zenith Defy Classic: Sporty & Elegant
These on-trend reinterpretations of the two most emblematic models in the DEFY collection emphasize their singularly bold architecture through heavily contrasting black and white tones put forth enticingly, providing a decidedly contemporary yet versatile choice for the style-conscious watch aficionado of today.
Featuring a matte micro-blasted black ceramic case in 44mm for the DEFY 21 and 41mm for the DEFY Classic, the muted finish enhances the sleek lines of the faceted case as it absorbs light rather than reflects it. The two emblematic DEFY pieces are paired with white ceramic bezels for a sharp contrast, giving way to the three-dimensional dials of both models.
Powered by El Primero 9004 automatic movement, this watch features 1/100th of a second chronograph function, chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o’clock, hours and minutes in the center, small seconds at 9 o’clock, central chronograph hand, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and 60-second counter at 6 o’clock.
On DEFY 21, a white 1/100th of a second scale and 30-minute chronograph counter appear to float above the blackened movement seemingly. On the DEFY Classic, the ultra-modern open dial with a central star motif is given a similar treatment in this Boutique-exclusive edition, with a white flange ring and a blackened symmetrical open dial.
As the finishing touch, a black and white Cordura-effect rubber strap completes the theme. For a more understated look, both DEFY Black & White editions also come with a second strap in textured black rubber.
The DEFY 21 Black & White and DEFY Classic Black & White are available exclusively at Zenith Boutiques and e-shop from August 31st, 2020.
