If you like stealthy watches that fly under the radar, the Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Carbon is the perfect choice. First released in 2017, the 1/100th of a second chronograph mechanism, continues to prove why Zenith is one of the leaders and pioneers in making reliable and very accurate chronographs. The Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Carbon is one of those watches that ticks al the boxes if you are looking for a underrated, all black, sporty in-house chronograph under $20K USD. After the revival of the Defy line with a case design more in line with the historical Defy watches from the sixties and seventies, the Defy collection brings a breath of fresh air to a brand that has revolved around the El Primero look for most of his modern history since 1969.
Posts filed under Zenith
Insider: Zenith Defy Inventor. Equipped with a Revolutionary Disruptive Oscillator.
Zenith released its ‘Zenith Oscillator’ system in 2017 and the new Zenith Defy Inventor is their latest watch equipped with this technology. Beating at the extremely high frequency of 18 Hz or 129,600 vph —compared to the usual 4 Hz or 28,800 vph— and endowed with a comfortable two-day autonomy, the Defy Inventor owes its exceptional properties to its disruptive technology. The ‘Zenith Oscillator’ is a single-piece oscillator developed and patented by Zenith that maximizes chronometric precision, reliability and stability. This type of oscillator was conceived to replace the traditional spring balance used for more than three centuries.
Insider: Zenith El Primero A386 Revival 50th El Primero Anniversary Limited Edition. Three Types of Gold in a 50-Piece Edition Each.
As we mark the 50th anniversary of the release of the Zenith El Primero A386 in 1969, Zenith has decided to bring back the original model in its 38 mm case in a highly coveted limited edition of 50-pieces each in 18K white, yellow and rose gold. Maintaining the traditional faceted straight lugs of the iconic El Primero Chronograph A386, the watch was originally christened 'El Primero' referring to ‘the first' as it was presented on January 10th, 1969. The new Zenith El Primero A386 Revival 50th El Primero Anniversary Limited Edition is as close as you’ll get to owning the original watch from 1969. From its case proportions to the dial and even the plexiglas on it, this revival edition is as good as it gets.
Baselworld 2019: Zenith DEFY Double Tourbillon. Live Pictures & Price.
One of the nicest watches we’ve seen this year at Baselworld 2019 and a feat of horology thanks to its 1/100th chronograph and its double tourbillon. The new Zenith DEFY Double Tourbillon is not your conventional watch from Zenith. After the revival of the DEFY line with a case design more in line with the historical DEFY watches from the sixties and seventies, the DEFY watches bring a breath of fresh air to a brand that has revolved around the El Primero look for most of his modern history since 1969. While the case of the DEFY might not be everyone’s cup of tea, here at WCL we do like it.
Insider: Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Bronze Blue Dial. One of Our Favorites from This Line of Chronos.
A great addition to the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special models is the new blue dial version cased in bronze that was released a few months ago at Baselworld 2018. The fifth chronograph released within this family joins two ton-up versions that are tribute to the Café Racer Spirit and two bronze models, one the Cohiba Limited Edition and the other a matte black dial version also cased in bronze. Featuring a navy blue matte dial, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Bronze Blue Dial is equipped with a dark blue oily nubuck strap with a titanium pin buckle.
News: Zenith Unveils the Two New Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Watches at the 20th Cuban Habanos Festival. The Cobiha Maduro 5 Editions.
Zenith’s partnership with high-end cigar brand manufacturer Cohiba gets off to a smoking start in 2018, at the 20th prestigious Cuban Habanos Festival, with the launch of two new limited edition versions of the Pilot Type 20. The first, the Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Cohiba Maduro 5 in 18K rose gold and available in a limited edition of only 50 pieces, and the second, the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition in bronze in a limited edition of 150 pieces.
Insider: Zenith El Primero 410 Limited Edition. Only 500 Pieces of One of the Most Beautiful Chronographs with Annual Calendar.
The Zenith El Primero 410 Limited Edition ref. 03.2092.410/91.C496 of which only 500 pieces are available is without a doubt one of the most beautiful chronographs equipped with an annual calendar out there. But what makes this El Primero 410 better and greater than other chronographs, it's the fact that you not only have a vintage inspired timepiece with a fully integrated automatic 12-hour chronograph, but you also have the amazing complication of an annual calendar with moon-phases at a very reasonable price.
News: Presenting the Zenith Defy Lab. The World's Most Accurate Mechanical Wristwatch with a Totally New Oscillator.
Today, Thursday September 14th, 2017, Zenith is writing its future and starting a new chapter in the history of the Swiss watch industry. Following the rich horological prowess that gave birth to the Zenith El Primero, the first ever automatic chronograph introduced in 1969 —capable of measuring tenths of a second, the unit of time naturally stemming from a 5 Hz oscillation frequency—, Zenith is now renewing ties with innovation and fundamental research by presenting Defy Lab.
Insider: Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Grande Date Full Open 45 mm. Hands-on with a Beautifully Skeletonized Watch.
If you like skeletonized watches but you can't afford to go with an independent brand like Armin Strom or with an openworked Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet, lately Zenith has been doing a great job at adding skeletonization to their watches. Therefore, the new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Grande Date Full Open ref. 51.2530.4047/78.C810 could be the perfect option as far as a skeletonized watch without having to break the bank.
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition. Hands-on with the Second Timepiece Released by Zenith in Partnership with Land Rover.
Released at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show, we were finally able to get our hands on the new Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition during Baselworld 2017. Since many of you might mistaken this new watch with the Zenith El Primero Range Rover Special Edition, let's clarify that there are two different watches released by Zenith in partnership with Land Rover.
News: Julien Tornare Appointed New CEO of Zenith Watches. An Industry Veteran Coming from Vacheron Constantin.
Earlier today, Mr. Jean-Claude Biver, President of the Watches Division at LVMH and President of the Board of Directors at Zenith watches, announced the appointment of Julien Tornare as CEO of Zenith, effective May 1st, 2017. Mr. Julien Tornare a veteran coming from Vacheron Constantin will report to Mr. Jean-Claude Biver. In this role, Mr. Tornare will be focusing on the renewal of Zenith, developing its markets and activating its marketing initiatives.
Baselworld 2017: Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Hundredths of a Second. Live Pictures, Hands-on & Price.
Perhaps one of the most surprising and unexpected releases this year at Baselworld 2017 is the new Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Hundredths of a Second Chronograph. This new watch that clearly shows that Mr. Jean-Claude Biver is in the house and in charge of all that happens at the Zenith manufacture, couldn't look more like a hybrid between a TAG Heuer and a Hublot. After the surprising departure of Aldo Magada at the beginning of this year, Mr. Biver took the reigns of Zenith and here's the first of many watches that will for sure look like this moving forward. If TAG Heuer and Hublot were to have a child, the new Zenith Defy El Primero 21 would be it.
Pre-Baselworld 2017 Presenting the New Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition.
At the occasion of the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show and Pre-Baselworld 2017, Zenith and Land Rover are celebrating their creative relationship by presenting the new Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition. The timepiece features a new elegant brushed grey dial with copper-toned details, and a new black rubber strap coated with black-toned perforated calfskin, inspired by ideas from both brands’ product design and engineering departments. A watch to embrace the heritage and strong credentials of two legends.
Breaking News: Aldo Magada Departs Zenith. Jean-Claude Biver Takes Over as Interim Head.
In a surprising move, Aldo Magada departs Zenith only two and a half months away from Baselworld 2017 and only after two years and five months on the job. On July 1, 2014, Mr. Magada was appointed CEO and President of Zenith replacing Jean-Frédéric Dufour who left Zenith to become the new CEO of Rolex S.A. Back then, Mr. Jean-Claude Biver, President of the Watches Division of LVMH, said that he was firmly convinced that Aldo’s significant experience in the watchmaking industry, combined with his proven track record in product development and strategy as well as his in-depth knowledge of manufactures would be instrumental to develop Zenith.
News: Presenting the Zenith Heritage Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Westime Edition. A 25-Piece Limited Edition in Bronze and Titanium.
As an exclusive for authorized watch dealer Westime in Southern California, Zenith released a 25-piece limited edition in bronze and titanium of the iconic Heritage Pilot Type 20, enhanced by a deep blue dial. This edition produced especially for Westime and only available through them, features an intense blue dial surrounded by a 45 mm sturdy bronze and titanium case.
Experience: Por Larrañaga Picadores. A Mild Cigar that Pairs Well with a Zenith Montre d'Aéronef Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 'Bronze'.
Founded in 1834 in Cuba, Por Larrañaga is a brand with a long history. With all its filler and binder tobacco leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region, the most prestigious area for tobacco leaves in the world, the range includes cigars using both long and short fillers with a totally hand made technique. Available in only three different vitolas —Montecarlos, Panetelas and Petit Coronas—, the Por Larrañaga Picadores were offered for just a few years along with the three existing vitolas between 2015 and 2016.
Insider: Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to Cohiba. Hands-on with an Exceptional Timepiece with a Gold Dial That Looks Like a Tobacco Leaf.
Resembling a tobacco leaf on its dial, the new Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to Cohiba is an exceptional timepiece that celebrates the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic and exclusive Cuban cigar brands in a very classy an elegant way. Cohiba was created in 1966 for Fidel Castro as a handmade cigar at the world famous 'El Laguito' factory, these cigars were originally only seen outside of the island when presented as gifts to heads of state or dignitaries throughout the world.
Insider: Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohiba Edition. Hands-on with a Cuban-at-Heart Timepiece in a 500-Piece Limited Edition.
As you guys know, here at WCL we are serious cigar lovers and when it comes to Habanos, Cohiba is one of our favorites. About four months ago, we brought you the news on the new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohiba Limited Edition. Back then with the Cuban Embargo in full force, a press sample of the watch making it into the U.S. was simply out of the question.
News: Zenith Announces Partnership with Range Rover and a New Zenith El Primero Range Rover Special Edition Watch.
An interesting partnership for sure between two of our favorite brands at WCL. An explosive, combination as Zenith and Land Rover join forces to create to gorgeous new chronographs. While when we first heard of the partnership we felt that it didn't make much sense, now that we've received all the details and seen the watch, our opinion has changed.
Insider: Zenith El Primero Tourbillon Skeleton. Hands-on with a Stunning Tourbillon with Column-Wheel Chronograph Priced Under $50K USD.
Released earlier this year at Baselworld 2016, the new Zenith El Primero Tourbillon Skeleton is one of those watches that packs a lot of bang for your buck. Equipped with a tourbillon and the legendary 12-hour Zenith El Primero column-wheel chronograph mechanism, this stealthy looking watch, is one that we absolutely enjoyed reviewing. Fitted with a matte black ceramic case, a partially skeletonized multi-layer dial and a perforated black rubber strap, this is one of those tourbillons that is made to be worn everywhere.
