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Zenith explores new frequencies with the Defy 21 Ultrablue

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March 2021


Zenith explores new frequencies with the Defy 21 Ultrablue

A new field of exploration started last year for the brand with the Defy 21 Ultraviolet, which features the world’s first violet-coloured chronograph movement, standing out against the entirely muted case in matte sandblasted titanium. Now, Zenith applies the same striking effect in cool tones of deep indigo and electric blue in the Defy 21 Ultrablue.

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enith continues to highlight the concept of high-frequency precision through creations in its 1/100th of a second chronograph, the Defy 21. This translation of high oscillation frequencies into single regions of the visible light spectrum began with the Defy 21 Ultraviolet in 2020, which features the world’s first violet-coloured chronograph movement, standing out against the entirely muted case in matte sandblasted titanium. Now, Zenith applies the same striking effect in cool tones of deep indigo and electric blue in the Defy 21 Ultrablue.

The colour blue holds a special place in Zenith lore. It was the backdrop to the starry night sky from which the manufacture’s founder Georges-Favre Jacot was inspired to name his award-winning calibre and eventually, his brand. In more recent times, it was one of the defining colours of the A386, one of the first watches to be equipped with the legendary El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre. It is also a colour that has been extensively explored by the Manufacture in its most intricate watches, becoming a mark of futuristic haute horlogerie by Zenith.

Zenith explores new frequencies with the Defy 21 Ultrablue

The partially open dial features slightly overlapping closed chronograph counters, finished in a grey tone matching the deep grey of the case with contrasting white markings for legibility. The vividly blue movement is accentuated by the Defy 21’s uniquely avant-garde movement conception and design with open and angular bridges. A white-tipped central 1/100th of a second chronograph hand makes a complete revolution above the dial in one second.

Allowing the blue bridges of the movement to truly stand out while providing a more striking contrast, the faceted 44mm titanium case of the Defy is given an entirely matte sandblasted finish, bringing out its darker metallic nuances and absorbing much of the light that hits its surface. Complementing the tones of the open movement, the black rubber strap features a blue cordura-effect rubber insert with tone-matching stitching.

Zenith explores new frequencies with the Defy 21 Ultrablue

TECHNICAL DATA

Zenith explores new frequencies with the Defy 21 Ultrablue

• Key points: 1/100th of a second Chronograph movement. Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second. 1 escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH - 5 Hz); 1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH - 50 Hz). Chronometer certified. • Movement: El Primero 9004 automatic • Frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz) • Power reserve min. 50 hours • Functions: 1/100th of a second chronograph functions. Chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o’clock. Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at 9 o’clock, Central chronograph hand, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 60-second counter at 6 o’clock • Finishes: Blue colored main plate on movement. Special blue colored oscillating weight with satined finishings • Material: Microblasted titanium • Water resistance: 10 ATM • Dial: Openworked with grey subdials • Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Superluminova SLN C1 • Hands : Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Superluminova SLN C1 • Bracelet & Buckle: Black rubber with ultrablue “cordura effect”. Microblasted titanium double folding clasp.

Price CHF 13’400

The Defy 21 Ultrablue will be available at Zenith Boutiques around the world as well as its regional online boutiques from March 2021.

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