Haute Time’s Favorite Watches From Zenith

Zenith has been making impressive watches since 1865, but many of us know the brand especially because of the El Primero. Launched in 1969, it was the world’s first integrated, automatic chronograph movement, and because its balance oscillates at the frequency of 36.000 vibrations per hour, it can measure time up to a tenth of a second. For Zenith this accomplishment was however only an inspiration to push the envelope even further, which results today in a collection that is as extensive as it is impressive, and their following watches are Haute Time favourites!

Defy El Primero 21 Swizz Beatz
We know that the man could make music like no other, but who knew that Swizz Beatz could also design watches like the best of us? The combination of a white ceramic case with orange details and a white rubber with orange alligator leather straps transforms the Defy El Primero 21 in a completely different watch; daring, high-tech and also highly original!

Why we like it: Swizz Beatz talent is clearly not only limited to creating music!

Defy Lab
It does not happen very often that a watch comes with a technical breakthrough as important as the Defy Lab. With its monolithic silicon oscillator, it moves away from the traditional balance wheel, anchor and hairspring that has been responsible for the precision of timekeeping in wristwatches since their beginning. But one novelty is not enough for Zenith; they also had to introduce the Defy Lab with a case made from Aeronith, the world’s lightest aluminium composite material, another first for a wristwatch.

Why we like it: nothing short of being a revolution

Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback
The Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback shows another side of Zenith, that of its rich history. Inspired by a model from the 1960’s it combines a grained, bronze dial, with a distinct turning bezel, all in a 43mm bronze case. Insides ticks, of course, an El Primero automatic chronograph movement, as icing on the cake.

Why we like it: a retro look done right

Defy Zero G
With the Defy Zero G does Zenith defy gravity. Thanks to a gyroscopic “Gravity Control” module the balance wheel and other regulating organs of the movement are kept at a horizontal position at all times, increasing the precision of the watch. The entire watch consists out of 324 parts, of which 139 make up the gyroscopic carriage, delivering utmost precision at the high frequency of 5 hz.

Why we like it: a technical powerhouse that is visually very attractive, or is it the other way around?