Zenith has repeatedly demonstrated its mastery of innovative and exceptional materials in the DEFY collection, expressing its vision of the future of watchmaking with groundbreaking pieces. The DEFY Classic Carbon explores uncharted territory of innovation, with a full carbon fiber construction —including the integrated bracelet— in a 41 mm case. Carbon fiber is prized for its rare combination of lightness and durability as well as its unique and futuristic appearance. Yet its use in watchmaking has been fairly limited. One part in particular has eluded watchmakers: the bracelet. Up until now, so-called carbon fiber watch bracelets have either been superficial plaques of the composite material fixed to a metal base or reserved for a handful of highly complicated watches produced in very small numbers. With the DEFY Classic Carbon, Zenith brings forth an ergonomic and eye-catching solid carbon bracelet to an automatic watch, an unprecedented technical feat, and an edgy design statement.

Producing a full carbon fiber bracelet required Zenith to take on an entirely new set of technical challenges. Weighing a mere 65 grams in total with its carbon bracelet and titanium clasp, the new Zenith DEFY Classic Carbon sets a new benchmark of precision for Zenith that extends beyond the movement. Following the angular lines of the DEFY Classic case that’s made in the same material, each link in the bracelet is a piece of solid carbon fiber, molded and milled with precision in such a way that it highlights the layers or ‘strata’ of the carbon fiber while providing superior ergonomics on the wrist. Its lightness, comfort, and visual impact are bound to intrigue.

In relative terms, it weighs almost half as much as an equivalent DEFY Classic model in titanium with a bracelet in the same metal, which is already significantly lighter than traditional metals like stainless steel and gold. Its intriguingly nuanced appearance gives way to a sensation that’s unexpectedly silky and smooth to the touch. It’s incredibly light but balanced weight makes it easy to forget that one is wearing a watch at all. Reference 10.9001.670/80.M9000 on bracelet sells at Zenith online and authorized dealers at $19,500 USD.

Because the patterns are layering of carbon fiber can differ from one component to the next, no two watches will be exactly alike. And for those who prefer the contrast of the carbon fiber case against the strap, the DEFY Classic Carbon is also available with a black rubber Cordura-effect strap, with a carbon and titanium folding buckle. Reference 10.9000.670/80.R795 sells online and authorized dealers for $11,600 USD.

The Zenith DEFY Classic Carbon’s aesthetic is homogenous with the dark allure of the carbon fiber case and bracelet, emphasizing the unabashedly futuristic and architectural design language of the singular skeleton watch. Highlighted by the open dial with a star-shaped motif, the automatic Elite manufacture calibre with silicon escape-wheel and lever has also been given a dark treatment in ruthenium. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 50 hours.

Despite its palette of anthracite and black tones, legibility is guaranteed with bright green SuperLumiNova on the blackened hands and applied hour markers. Watch is water-resistant top 100 meters.

Sticker Price $19,500 USD on a bracelet and $11,600 USD on strap. For more info on Zenith click here.