Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Carbon – a modern interpretation of the iconic chronograph. Details below.
Launched in 2017, the Defy El Primero 21 defintely was the new chapter for Zenith. Everyone knows the El Primero chronograph, one of the most accurate serial chronographs on the market. In 1969, Zenith launched El Primero, the first ever fully integrated automatic column-wheel chronograph movement, that operates at a rate of 36,000 vibrations per hour (50 Hz), enabling 1/10th of a second precision. In 2017, Zenith introduced an evolution of the El Primero, the Defy El Primero 21, where chronograph operates at a phenomenal rate of a frequency of 360,000 vibrations per hour (50 Hz), enabling 1/100th of a second precision. It is ten times faster and more accurate than its famous predecessor.
Originally introduced in titanium, ceramic or gold, this watch was later also presented in an ultra-light carbon version. A material that, in my opinion, perfectly complements the modern style and complexity of this watch. Exactly with this carbon version of the El Primero Defy 21 Carbon I had the chance to spend few weeks, thanks to my friends from Zenith Germany. I can admit that it was a great experience. In my personal collection I have watches in more conservative and simple/minimal designs, therefore it was especially interesting to spend some time with such ultra-modern watch, like El Primero Defy 21 Carbon.
Although the Zenith El Primero Defy 21 Carbon is not a small watch, diameter is 44 mm., it looks and feels smaller on the wrist, thanks to the black case and lightweight carbon. The entire case is made of carbon, including pushers and the crown. The open dial is also black, yet remains legible with its contrasting white markings. The hour, minute and seconds hands, like the applied hour markers, are faceted with a dark ruthenium coating and filled with black SuperLuminova that gives off a subtle glow in the dark.
I was pleasantly surprised when I strapped it on my wrist. You barely feel the weight of this beast, the all-black stealth look gives you a feeling that the watch is 1-2 mm smaller than it is. In the last couple of years, I prefer watches made of lighter materials than steel. Probably therefore I was particularly hooked by the lightness of the El Primero Defy 21 Carbon.
There’s something truly inimitable about carbon fibre. The high-tech composite material is lightweight yet extremely durable. It makes a statement while remaining discreet. It plays with light and reveals a unique visual effect caused by the alternating layers of carbon fibres that are randomly arranged, making each case essentially unique.
Its captivating visual effect is stealthy and edgy at once, giving the material a versatile and easily wearable aspect.
The DEFY El Primero 21 Carbon comes with a choice of two straps: a black textured rubber strap with “cordura” effect coating, and a special rubber strap with a carbon effect for the ultimate urbanite look.
The movement.
Calibre El Primero 9004.
This in-house automatic movement driving a hundredth of a second display by means of a central hand, with its unique dynamic signature of one rotation per second. Its double-chain structure is based on two regulators, made of Carbon-Matrix Carbon Nanotube composite, a patented material that is insensitive to magnetic fields and temperature gradients to a degree well above existing norms. 1 escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH – 5 Hz). 1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz). Power reserve approx. 50 hours.
When activated, a central hand makes one rotation per second. What a show!
The El Primero Defy 21 Carbon with its futuristic design will especially appeal to the young and stylish connoisseurs of watchmaking, who appreciate not only modern materials and design, but also the complex technical side of the watch.
The Zenith El Primero Defy 21 Carbon is priced at €19,100 in Germany. The same model in titanium will cost €12,700. All about Zenith watches at www.zenith-watches.com
