RAW MATERIAL
The watchmakers from Le Locle, forever questing innovations, unveil their first-ever watch and bracelet totally crafted in solid carbon. On the agenda: sturdiness, lightness and one-of-a-kind style!
Following on from the Defy El Primero 21 and the Defy Lab showcased in 2017, a year later Zenith rolled out its Defy Classic collection. The watch’s look takes on never-seen-before design. Incidentally, its 41 mm-diameter case stands out with heightened shock resistance thanks to a suspension system which absorbs them. A skeletonized variation delights with the starry architecture of its openworked dial which invites to admire an Elite movement. This end-of-year newcomer reiterates highly up-to-the-minute style yet the manufacture opts for a novel material for this state-of-the-artness: carbon fiber. Here, it’s used to craft the Defy Classic Carbon case as well as each link of its integrated bracelet. And, the result? Its overall weight is less than 65 grams, i.e. half of what titanium would be!
Besides this lightness, this material also offers the timepiece incomparable style. Its inherent striated patterns make the watch an instant eye-catcher. And, as they can vary from one element to another, every piece is unique. Although time data is set against a black monochrome scenescape with mechanical components treated with ruthenium, everything is optimally readable as set off with bright green luminescent material. The hour hands driven by the automatic caliber as well as the twelve markers are coated with Super-LumiNova® SLN C3.
The Defy Classic Carbon is also available with a Cordura-effect black rubber strap attached by a folding clasp.
Price: CHF19,900 (carbon bracelet) – CHF11,700 (rubber strap) zenith.com
By Dan Diaconu