Despite its colossal speed, chronometry is never compromised, and the movement is chronometer-certified by Time Lab. To keep the two independent escapements running smoothly, the movement is also equipped with two barrels providing a power reserve of approximately 50 hours – when the chronograph isn’t engaged. (You can see one of the escapements on the dial, between 7 and 8 o’clock.)The timekeeping functions of the watch (hours, minutes and seconds) are regulated by the regular 5Hz frequency of the El Primero, while the chronograph is controlled by the second escapement running at 50Hz. To counter the huge energy consumption of the 50Hz (360,000 beats per hour) frequency, the El Primero 9004 movement is equipped with two escapements. Looking down into the complex scenery of the dial, you can see parts of the mainplate that are green to match the case. The other indication on the dial is the linear power reserve indicator at noon. The tri-compax layout is arranged as follows: two open sub-dials (a silver 30-minute register at 3 o’clock and a black 60-seconds register at 6 o’clock) for the chronograph information a minimalist small seconds indicator at 9 o’clock. Over the past three years, the Defy 21 has made appearances in titanium, carbon fibre and ceramic cases, including a wild ultraviolet model introduced in 2020.

Currently Zenith’s highest frequency chronograph in regular production, the contemporary case of the Defy 21 is a natural candidate for high-tech materials. To keep up with the calibre’s breakneck speed, the Defy 21 is equipped with twin escapements and twin barrels. The Defy El Primero 21 notched up the speed of the 1969 El Primero movement from 5Hz to 50Hz and raised precision tenfold, from 1/10 th of a second to 1/100 th of a second chronograph readings. Introduced in 2017, Zenith increased the cachet of its legendary high-frequency El Primero chronograph movement with a new and faster movement in line with 21 st-century expectations.

Decked out this year in khaki green ceramic, the Zenith Defy 21 is ready to take on the urban jungle. Among the novelties Zenith will be presenting is a new ceramic colour for the case of its Defy 21, the brand’s fastest chronograph in production. Watch brands of the LVMH group present their novelties for 2021 in an online, one-week event from the 25 th – 29 th of January.

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