In January during LVMH Watch Week, Zenith underscored a wide range of its bedrock designs with new pilot models and added a feminine touch within its Defy collection and new Elite collection watches. At the same time, Zenith expanding its Defy 21 high-speed model offerings with two special editions reflecting new and existing partnerships.
The Le Locle-based watchmaker unveiled a wide-ranging 36mm Defy Midnight collection with dials in a gradated deep blue or grey meant to recall the evening sky – including a Zenith star. The dials within the Defy Midnight collection feature stars of different sizes – some of which glow in the dark. One of the dials is made with white mother-pearl with a vertical gradient effect, intended to evoke moonlight on a cloudy night. Even the rotor on the Elite in-house movement is star-shaped and completely visible from a clear sapphire caseback.
This full Defy Midnight (priced starting at $8,600) is being offered with a wide assortment of interchangeable bracelets and straps. Each watch will come in a box that includes three additional colored straps and an interchangeable folding clasp. (See our interview with Zenith CEO Julien Tornare for more about Defy Midnight).
Elite Additions
Zenith has revamped its Elite collection of unisex watches, making them a bit slimmer and more minimalistic. Look for two new Elite collections in 2020: the Elite Classic (starting at $5,700) and Moonphase (starting at $6,700). Both collections feature models in 40.5mm and 36mm case diameters, in stainless steel or rose gold.
Pilot’s Watches
Zenith is debuting two new Pilot’s watches:
The Pilot Type 20 Rescue ($7,100) and Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue ($7,600) are offered in a stainless steel case with a slate-grey sunray dial, with the signature oversized Arabic numerals entirely made out of SuperLumiNova. (Zenith notes that the pricing indicated here is subject to change).
Defy 21
Coinciding with the debut of the next-generation Land Rover Defender, Zenith and the famed British carmaker have collaborated on the Defy 21 Land Rover Edition ($13,400). Limited to 250 pieces, the new watch is a new look for Zenith’s 1/100th of a second chronograph. The new model is cased in micro blasted titanium, and paired with a matching grey dial that now boasts a linear power reserve window with the new touches of color.
Partnering with DJ Carl Cox, Zenith has also expanded Defy 21 with the new Defy 21 Carl Cox ($18,800), limited to 200 pieces. Here Zenith created a new matte black carbon chronograph with a carbon fiber bezel and strap stitching that both glow in the dark. As requested by Cox, Zenith devised a rotating disk shaped like a vinyl record at 9 o’clock to serve as a running seconds indicator.
Finally, as we indicated several months ago, Zenith is now offering its
Chronomaster Revival A384 with a perfect remake of the original Gay Frères ‘ladder’ steel bracelet ($8,100).
Look for much more about Zenith’s 2020 debuts in future posts, including any updates to the tentative pricing indicated in our report above.
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