BY DHANANJAY PATHAK
Zenith resurrected its Defy collection back in 2017 by introducing the highly accurate Defy El Primero 21, a chronograph capable of measuring up to 1/100th of a second, which was then followed by the technically innovative Zenith Defy lab, a time only watch featuring a super high-frequency oscillator. The Defy classic watches are the latest members of the Defy family and present an entry-level ticket to the collection. The Defy Classic comes in two flavors; a more conventional looking full dial variant and a skeletonized version that showcases the inner workings of the in-house Elite movement that powers these watches. Featuring a striking Black/Orange color combination, the new Zenith Defy Classic Black Ceramic Skeleton Swizz Beatz is a limited edition watch which has been created in collaboration with hip-hop star, Swizz Beatz and would be sold exclusively through the brand’s website.
The case on this watch is made out of black ceramic and features a familiar geometry as seen on other watches from the Defy collection. It is 41mm wide and just 10.75mm tall which implies that the watch would sit comfortably on a variety of wrists. Water resistance is marked at a healthy 100 meters and there is a domed sapphire crystal on the front along with a sapphire crystal window at the back which has been embossed with the music visionary’s motto “ Confidence + Positivity = Longevity”. As for the finishing, the case has been finely brushed for the most part that really complements the overall raw and industrial look of the watch.
Skeletonized dials in my humble opinion are a work of art as they make the wearer aware of the beauty and complicated nature of a mechanical movement that is generally hidden behind the face of conventional timepieces. The dial on the Zenith Defy Classic Black Ceramic Skeleton Swizz Beatz seems to be painstakingly executed and offers some interesting details. For instance, the main plate of the dial has been thoughtfully carved out in a manner such that the blackened date wheel is clearly visible from a distance, also leaving behind a section which is reminiscent of the brand’s logo. The outer periphery of the dial has been left intact and houses the minute’s chapter ring along with the applied faceted hour markers. The chapter ring along with the second’s hand has been painted in orange which highlights the hip-hop association of this watch and also adds a nice splash of color to the otherwise monochromatic looking dial. The hour markers along with the hour and minute hands have black strips of luminous material which gels well with the black ceramic case and would also aid low light legibility.
Powering this watch is Zenith’s in-house automatic calibre Elite 670 SK which operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and offers a power reserve of 48 hours. The movement consists of 187 components which include a silicon escapement wheel and lever that are visible through the skeletonized dial.
The Zenith Defy Classic Black Ceramic Skeleton Swizz Beatz is a cool looking sports watch that brightens up the existing Defy classic collection with its funky orange/black colorway. Each watch would come attached to an integrated orange rubber strap with square grid embossing. And as an icing on the cake, the watch would be delivered in a special presentation box which would contain an extra rubber strap with alligator leather coating and orange stitching and a vinyl copy of Swizz’ latest album “Poison”. Only 50 pieces of the watch would ever be made and it would be sold exclusively in the US market at a retail price of USD 7,900 through this dedicated website.
