Swiss luxury watch brand ZENITH presents DEFY 21 CHROMA II, the second edition of the strikingly colourful DEFY 21 Chroma watch.
First unveiled during LVMH Watch Week in 2022, the DEFY 21 Chroma limited edition was an instant hit. Its combination of a white ceramic case, a wide palette of colour accents and the world’s only serially produced high-frequency 1/100th of a second automatic chronograph calibre made it a compelling and outstanding offering.
Now, ZENITH has revisited this unique recipe to create two editions of the DEFY 21 Chroma II in black and white ceramic – each with its own range of colours.
The black ceramic version brings forth a range of tones based on the primary colours, while the white ceramic version features brighter accents with an emphasis on blues and pinks.
The ceramic case gives way to a refracted rainbow spread evenly across the open dial, the tips of the hands and the movement, all in a perfectly transitioning gradient of colours spanning the entire spectrum.
The meticulously applied colours on the markers and 1/100 of a second scale extend beyond the dial and out of the case, with the crown’s rubber grip ring as well as the cordura-effect rubber straps’ stitching following the colour arrangement of the dial.
The open dial features raised chronograph counters matching the cases’ colours, beneath which the extraordinarily decorated movement shines through. Each bridge is finished in a different metallic colour, again following the gradient of the dial’s markers.
Visible through the dial as well as the sapphire case back, is the uniquely constructed El Primero 21 automatic high-frequency 1/100th of a second chronograph movement. It comes with two independent regulating organs and gear trains for the timekeeping and chronograph functions, operating at frequencies of 5Hz (36’000 VpH) and 50Hz (360’000 VpH), respectively.
The DEFY Chroma II in white ceramic is limited to 500 pieces and available at ZENITH boutiques and selected retailers around the world, while the black ceramic edition of 500 pieces is available at all ZENITH authorized points of sale.
Technical details
Model: ZENITH DEFY EL PRIMERO 21 CHROMA II
Movement
El Primero 9004
Automatic 1/100th of a second Chronograph movement
Frequency: 36’000 VpH – 5Hz (Watch) and 360,000 VpH – 50 Hz (Chronograph)
Power reserve: min. 50 hours (Watch) and approx. 50 min (Chronograph)
Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the Chrono hand
1 escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH – 5 Hz)
1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz)
Certified Chronometer
Functions
Hours and minutes in the centre
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
1/100th of a second Chronograph: Central chronograph hand, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 60-second counter at 6 o’clock
Chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o’clock (approx. 50 min)
Finishes
Rainbow PVD-coated bridges + Special blue colored oscillating weight with satined finishings.
White Ceramic Version, Reference 49.9014.9004/01.R953
Case
Material: Matte White Ceramic
Diameter: 44mm
Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Dial
White Openworked
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with “Rainbow” varnish.
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with colored varnish.
Bracelet
White rubber strap with rainbow stitching
Titanium double folding clasp
Price
15,500 CHF
Black Ceramic Version, Reference 49.9013.9004/21.R952
Case
Material: Black microblasted ceramic
Diameter: 44mm
Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Dial
Black Open-worked
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with “Rainbow” varnish.
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with colored varnish.
Bracelet
Black rubber strap with rainbow stitching
Titanium double folding clasp
Price
15,500 CHF
