Zenith Defy

Luxury watch manufacturer Zenith, based in Le Locle, Switzerland, introduced the Defy collection back in the late 1960s. As the series' name implies, the collection consists of extraordinarily sturdy watches that are water-resistant, shockproof, and remarkably robust.

Examples of some of the extremely robust watches in the series are the Defy Xtreme chronographs. These extravagantly designed timepieces have a depth rating of 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,280 ft) and are powered by the world-famous El Primero, one of the first automatic chronograph calibers ever created. Like the Defy series, the movement was introduced to the market in 1969. Thanks to its high balance frequency of 36,000 vph, the movement was – at the time – the most precise automatic chronograph caliber in the world. You can measure to 1/10th of a second with this timepiece.

The Zenith Defy El Primero 21 takes precision to the next level; this watch, unveiled at Baselworld 2017, can measure to 1/100th of a second. In order to achieve this feat, Zenith developed a brand-new caliber with two independent escapements.

In 2020, Zenith released the Defy Classic Carbon, and with it, the first watch made entirely of carbon. The result: a comfortable timepiece weighing a mere 65 grams. One year later at Watches & Wonders 2021, the manufacturer unveiled the Defy 21 Ultrablue. This model's color scheme is reminiscent of the night sky.

You can find vintage Zenith Defy watches with quartz movements from around 400 USD on Chrono24. If you're interested in an automatic watch from the current collection, the most affordable option is the three-hand Defy Classic in titanium. This model costs around 6,000 USD in mint condition on a leather strap. Expect prices to rise for Defy chronographs. Watches powered by the El Primero 21 start at around 10,000 USD new. If you're interested in a timepiece with a tourbillon, you'll need to invest at least 79,000 USD in the platinum Fusée Tourbillon.

The Zenith Defy Classic series is home to a number of three-hand watches with partially skeletonized dials. All models have a 41-mm case made of titanium or carbon, and are powered by the in-house caliber Zenith Elite. This movement has a 50-hour power reserve. Depending on the version you choose, the date is either displayed at 3 o 'clock or 4:30. All watches offer water resistance to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft).

The ref. 95.9000.670/51.M9000 has a particularly elegant design. It features a blue sunburst dial contrasted with silver applied line indices. Both the case and bracelet are crafted from titanium. You can buy this model in mint condition for around 6,600 USD.

You can also pair the watch with a blue rubber strap to match the dial. This model bears the reference number 95.9000.670/51.R790 and costs around 5,200 USD.

Zenith Defy Classic With a Skeletonized Dial

Zenith Defy Classic models with almost entirely skeletonized dials give off an eye-catching, futuristic vibe. This construction allows you to watch the in-house Elite caliber at work. The dial edge on all models features applied hour markers, while the date sits at 6 o'clock. The ref. 95.9000.670/78.R782 is the most affordable model in the collection. It boasts a blue dial edge with white indices and a white minute track. Zenith pairs this watch with a black rubber strap. Plan to spend around 6,300 USD for a mint-condition copy. You can also opt instead for a blue alligator leather strap (ref. 95.9000.670/78.R584) for roughly 6,000 USD.

The ref. 10.9001.670/80.M9000 has a light, yet durable carbon case and bracelet. The dial edge is gray and paired with bright green indices and hands for optimal legibility. This Defy Classic model costs roughly 15,500 USD. You can save thousands of dollars by opting for the watch on a rubber strap instead; this configuration costs around 9,200 USD.

Black or Blue: Zenith Defy Classic Ceramic

The case of the Zenith Defy Classic ref. 49.9003.670/51.R793 is made of dark blue ceramic. The bezel, crown, dial edge, and rubber strap are also blue. The hour hand, second hand, and indices are silver, but are also partially coated with blue luminous material.

You can buy this watch on Chrono24 for about 5,900 USD. The ref. 49.9000.670/77.R782 offers the same specs, but has a gray and black design. This model sells for around 6,400 USD.

Defy Revival A3642

In January 2022, Zenith unveiled the Defy Revival A3642 ref. 03.A3642.670/75.M3642, a faithful remake of the very first Defy watch from 1969. The octagonal case measures 37 mm across, and boasts a 14-sided bezel. The dial melts from a rich brown at its edge to light brown tones in the center. The hour markers are square with gray and white ridges, reminiscent of a crosswalk. The watch comes on a three-piece link stainless steel ladder bracelet with slightly V-shaped middle links.

Inside the case, you'll find the tried-and-true in-house caliber Elite with its trusty date window at 4:30 and 50-hour power reserve. The Defy Revival has a depth rating of 30 m (3 bar, 98 ft) and is limited to just 250 copies. Zenith's official list price is 7,000 USD. Listings on the Chrono24 marketplace come in around 8,500 USD.

Defy models with the in-house caliber El Primero 21 are marketed as chronographs of the 21st century. The 44-mm watches are powered by Zenith's El Primero 9004, which is based on the El Primero 21 and can measure to 1/100th of a second. The high-frequency movement offers a 50-hour power reserve.

The second escapement system for the chronograph mechanism can time up to 50 minutes when fully wound. The power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock tells you how much energy is remaining. Zenith uses hairsprings made of carbon nanotubes for both escapements. This material is impervious to magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations.

You can tell how many seconds have elapsed by looking at the subdial at six o'clock, and how many 1/100ths of a second have passed with the central hand, which makes a complete rotation every second. The small seconds sits at nine o'clock and the 30-minute counter is at three. You can view the caliber and star-shaped winding rotor in action thanks to the timepiece's sapphire glass case back.

If you also want to be able to view the movement from the dial side, check out the skeletonized versions of the Defy El Primero 21 like the ref. 95.9000.9004/78.R782. This model's case is made of brushed titanium and comes on a black rubber strap. You can buy this model in excellent condition on Chrono24 for around 10,000 USD.

Fans of black ceramic will enjoy the ref. 49.9000.9004/78.M9000. This model has a partially skeletonized dial. Expect prices for new watches to come in around 12,500 USD.

If you're in the market for a rose gold timepiece, the 18.9000.9004/71.M9000 is a great option. New copies of this 18-karat timepiece with a matching bracelet change hands for around 37,500 USD.

Zenith Defy 21 Ultrablue & Ultraviolet

At Watches & Wonders 2021, Zenith introduced a new member of the Defy 21 family, namely the Defy 21 Ultrablue. The deep blue color scheme on the partially skeletonized dial, El Primero 9004 movement, and rubber strap are reminiscent of the night sky that Zenith founder Georges Favre-Jacot originally named the brand after.

The case is made of microblasted titanium, which has a matte gray tone. You can find this model under the reference number 97.9001.9004/81.R946 and for around 11,500 USD in mint condition on the secondary market.

If you can imagine a striking violet watch on your wrist, take a look at the ref. 97.9001.9004/80.R922 from 2019. This model, the Zenith Defy Ultraviolet, uses the same caliber as the blue version and is also made of titanium. What's more, it also sells for around 11,500 USD.

The Defy Extreme series is home to titanium watches using the El Primero 21 caliber. This movement has two escapement systems, allowing the wearer to time to 1/100th of a second. All models have a dial made of sapphire crystal, letting you view the movement inside, and offer water resistance to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft). Each 45-mm chronograph comes on an integrated band.

The ref. 95.9100.9004/01.I001 has a satin-brushed titanium case. When looking through the sapphire crystal dial, you'll notice that the El Primero 21 caliber has a blue finish. The watch is delivered on a titanium bracelet, but a blue rubber strap and Velcro strap are also included in the box. This model costs around 14,500 USD.

The case of the Zenith Defy Extreme ref. 87.9100.9004/03.I001 is dark with a matte finish. There are rose gold details on the outer edge of the bezel, crown guards, hands, and movement. New models come mounted on a titanium bracelet, and are delivered along with a rubber and Velcro strap. Expect prices around the 17,500 USD mark.

Zenith also gave the ref. 97.9100.9004/02.I001 a matte titanium case and bracelet. Instead of gold accents, the manufacturer opted for black on this reference. Expect prices around 14,500 USD for this version, again including two additional straps.

At Baselworld 2018, Zenith unveiled the Defy Zero G. This model boasts Zenith's patented "Gravity Control," which works to counteract the effects of gravity to enhance the timepiece's precision. This complication is a gyroscopic module consisting of 139 components, which you can see at the 6 o'clock position on the manual El Primero 8812 S caliber.

The movement is almost completely skeletonized. The standard time display is at 12 o'clock, while the subdial for the small seconds is at 9:30. The Zero G also has a power reserve indicator between 2 and 3 o'clock. The watch has a case diameter of 44 mm and is water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft).

As for materials, you have the choice between titanium and rose gold. The case and bracelet of the ref. 95.9000.8812/78.M9000 are made entirely of brushed titanium. The perimeter of the hour and minute display at 12 o'clock is blue. Listings for this model on Chrono24 come in around 75,000 USD new.

The rose gold Zero G model bears the reference number 18.9000.8812/79.M9000. You can buy this 18-karat rose gold timepiece for around 92,000 USD in excellent condition.