Defy 21 Ultra Colour set

Through the Defy 21, the first model to host Zenith’s groundbreaking El Primero 1/100th of a second chronograph movement, Zenith sought to express notion of high-frequency precision through frequencies of light and colours.

This idea was first brought to life with the Defy 21 Ultraviolet in 2020, which established a new design code for the Defy 21 that Zenith is now fully expressing this concept with the Defy 21 Ultra Colour box set.

Consisting of eight different iterations and limited to only eight box sets, the Ultra Colour pieces are all crafted in entirely matt-finish lightweight titanium, allowing the chromatics from within to shine through. The open dial features raised chronograph counters matching the grey tone of the case, beneath which vibrant metallic colours are applied to the least expected part of the watch: the movement.

The bridges as well as the oscillating rotor of the eight Ultra Colour pieces are monochromatically finished in eight different tones: black, blue, purple, orange, pink, green, turquoise and khaki. The metallic tones shift with the light, enhancing the sense of volume and dynamism of this exceptionally vibrant series. The cordura-effect rubber straps are also made to match the colours of the movement.

Visible through the dial as well as the sapphire case back, one can admire the singular El Primero 21 automatic high-frequency 1/100th of a second chronograph that is at the peak of performance and precision, featuring 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.

Luminous and transparent with an almost crystalline allure, the Ultra Box set is delivered in a transparent acrylic presentation case, with an iridescent effect that refracts light to display different colours depending on the angle of the light. Each of the watches is engraved on the case back with a limited edition number out of 8, and each box set will feature watches that are sequentially numbered 1 through 8, rather than having the same number for all eight watches in a single box set.

February 23, 2023