With its new creations dedicated entirely to women, Zenith is elevating both ends of the spectrum of women’s watches. On one side, the resolutely contemporary DEFY Midnight and on the other, the timelessly elegant Elite collection.
Zenith DEFY Midnight
There is dreamer in each of us, gazing at the starry night sky and taking in the infinite potential that lies ahead. For its first purely feminine watch, Zenith sought inspiration from the cosmos when creating the DEFY Midnight, a versatile sporty-chic timepiece with a uniquely celestial dial, conceived with free-spirited women in mind. As much a jewel as it is a watch, the DEFY Midnight is the perfect companion for the independent women of today: confident, expressive and with a style of their own. Living by their own rules and assertive in their choices, DEFY Midnight women are never afraid to stand out and project their dreams.
Housed in a 36mm stainless steel case embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds, the dial of the DEFY Midnight gives Zenith’s “time to reach your star” philosophy a literal, visual manifestation. Available in deep blue or grey colors, the dial features a glossy finish with a vertical gradient effect for an unprecedented depth. Portraying the night sky above the endless horizon, where the dark vastness of space gives way to the glimmer of starlight, the dial at once enchants and enlightens the wearer. Evoking the Zenith starry sky, the brand’s faceted star emblem is the highest, brightest point in the depicted night sky. Completing the celestial landscape are stars of different sizes – some of which glow in the dark. A third dial made of white mother-pearl with a vertical gradient effect evokes moonlight on a cloudy night. White diamonds are applied on every hour marker, except at 3 o’clock where the date window is placed. Equipped with the automatic Elite in-house movement, the DEFY Midnight provides dependable precision and autonomy of 50 hours. A star-shaped oscillating weight brings a galactic element to the case-back view. The integrated stainless steel bracelet as well as a selection of colored satin and leather straps with rubber backing can be swapped by means of a quick strap-change mechanism integrated directly onto the back of the straps, and requiring no tools or special skills for the owner to do on her own, be it for a change of seasons or just a change of outfit.
Zenith Elite Moonphase
Zenith revisits its own past from the vantage point of today, with the newly revamped Elite collection of unisex watches. Sleeker, more minimalistic, yet strong in its graphic identity and confident in its timeless lines and proportions, the Elite collection doesn’t repeat the past, but rather rejuvenates the codes of mid-20th century watchmaking. The line caters to the desires of those who value the aesthetics and enduring appeal of watches from bygone eras, with just enough modern accents to ensure it never feels antiquated. Like rays of light darting out from the sun, the radiant sunburst pattern of the Elite Classic dial creates a spectacle of highlights and shadows. To enhance the visual depth, the dial is set with tapered hour markers that are faceted and polished. The minutes and seconds track lend the dial a scientific touch, while slightly larger applied hour markers break up the track and highlight the four cardinal points of the dial. Floating above the lively dial are sharp and slim “Dauphine” shaped hands, a nostalgic nod to Zenith timepieces from mid-20th century.
Zenith DEFY 21 Land Rover Edition
This edition is a rugged and stealthy reinterpretation of the 21st century El Primero high-frequency chronograph, embodying the resilient spirit of the new Land Rover Defender that combines the ultimate in ruggedness and comfort. A limited edition of 250 pieces, it represents a complete makeover of the 1/100th of a second chronograph with a raw and minimalistic look. Crafted in microblasted titanium, the case absorbs light from all angles to better accentuate its faceted surfaces. Paired with a matching closed grey dial, the redesigned display features for the first time in a DEFY 21 a linear power reserve window, with the slightest touches of color for legibility.
Zenith DEFY 21 Carl Cox Limited Edition
Zenith is proud to introduce its newest Friend of the Brand, world-renowned DJ and producer Carl Cox. An undisputed living legend in electronic music and specifically “techno”, Carl Cox is credited with bringing his craft to new heights and his unique sound to a global audience. For his first eponymous special edition watch, the DEFY 21 Carl Cox, limited to 200 pieces, Zenith turned up the tempo with a special execution of its futuristic 1/100th of a second chronograph, with a carbon fiber bezel and strap stitching that glow in the dark. For a very personal touch by Carl Cox, the open dial keeps the beat pumping with a rotating disk shaped like a vinyl record at 9 o’clock, serving as a running seconds indicator.
Ladder bracelet makes its grand return in the A384 Revival
For the first model to be equipped with the groundbreaking movement in 1969, the A384, the brand worked on a new and daring case design. For the bracelet, they sought the expertise of the famed Gay Frères specialist company to create an original and exclusive bracelet that would match the watch’s avant-garde design.
The result was the so-called “ladder” bracelet, which featured an unusual open design that boasted superior comfort and a dressier look compared to other sporty steel bracelets of the time. Now, the coveted Ladder bracelet makes its grand return in the A384 Revival, completing the retro look and feel of the revived chronograph icon.
The Pilot Type 20 Rescue and Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue
On the subject of icons, Zenith’s line of Pilot watches – specifically the Type 20 collection – is an airborne legend in its own right. Based on the earliest Zenith dashboard instruments that accompanied pioneers like Louis Blériot during the dawn of aviation, the Pilot Type 20 revisits the archetypical Pilot’s Watch design, with a strong vintage accent. Yet until now, the collection has been heavily influenced by the aesthetic of such historical instruments, using a combination of aged case materials and textured colored dials to emulate an early 20th century look. Today, Zenith has revisited its iconic Pilot’s Watch to offer the utility of a modern instrument with all the analog charm of the past. The Pilot Type 20 Rescue and Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue are offered in a stainless steel case with a slate-grey sunray dial, with the signature oversized Arabic numerals entirely made out of Super-LumiNova®.
From the tarmac to the cockpit, yellow is a recurring color in the world of aircrafts that grabs the attention for vital controls and information. Securing this rugged model firmly to the wrist is an aged black calfskin leather strap recalling the classic shearling leather flight jacket, with rivets and a titanium pin buckle as well as a distinctive tab recalling those seen on vintage pilot helmets.
