Defy 21 Ultraviolet

Availability: see it at our 430 Park Avenue NYC boutique

• Case: microblasted titanium
• Size: 44mm
• Movement: automatic-winding manufacture caliber El Primero 9004 with ultraviolet finishings
• Function: 1/100th of a second chronograph, power reserve for chronograph
• Power Reserve: approximately 50 hours
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Dial: openworked
• Caseback: sapphire crystal
• Hands: luminous hands and markers
• Strap/Bracelet: violet fabric effect
• Factory Warranty: two years

If all the colors that our eyes can perceive are to be considered as frequencies of visible light, then violet has the highest frequency of them all, beyond which is invisible ultraviolet light. It was only natural to pair this intense, energetic color with the highest-frequency chronograph in regular production, the Defy 21.

In past centuries, violet was coveted as the most sought-after color dye for garments, the production of which was a closely held secret by certain civilizations such as the Phoenicians. Its rarity and compelling beauty made it the stuff of royalty. Today, violet tones portray a sense of daring, confidence and whimsy, from sports cars to bespoke tailoring. Yet in the world of watchmaking, violet remains a rarity.

A world-first in watchmaking, Zenith has treated an automatic chronograph movement in the regal, opulent tones of violet. Not just any chronograph, Zenith chose its revolutionary 1/100thof a second El Primero 21 chronograph caliber beating at an incredible frequency of 50Hz as the canvas for this visually and mechanically striking creation.

Visible through the open dial, which features three grey chronograph registers and a grey flange ring, the vibrant violet movement is accentuated by the Defy 21’s uniquely avant-garde movement conception and design with open, angular bridges. A white-tipped central 1/100th of a second chronograph hand makes a complete revolution above the dial in one second. Besides the Defy 21 El Primero 50th Anniversary edition, which was only available as a boxed set with two other watches, the Defy 21 Ultraviolet is the first stand-alone Defy 21 with an open dial paired with closed chronograph counters.

Allowing the purple-treated bridges of the movement to truly stand out while providing a more striking contrast, the faceted 44mm case of the Defy is given an entirely matte sandblasted finish, bringing out the darker metallic nuances of titanium. Complementing the tones of the open movement, which can shift from warm violet to cool purple tones, the black rubber strap features a violet insert that mimics the look of woven textile.