Following the immense success for Zenith at LVMH Watch Week 2020 in Dubai, Zenith, alongside LVMH brands Bvlgari and Hublot, has unveiled its latest watches and news about the brand for 2021 in an online, one-week event. Through a mix of digital and physical presentations and one-to-one meetings in 15 countries, Zenith created a unique environment to discover its latest developments.
For Zenith, 2021 is the year of the Chronomaster with the focus is on its evolved version of the El Primero, allowing for 1/10th of a second time measurement in the most legible manner ever. Its Defy 21 and Pilot Silver Chronograph also saw updates in new materials and technological firsts.
Here are some of the most eye-catching ones.
Chronomaster Sport
A true descendant of the Chronomaster, the Chronomaster Sport comes in two references. Whether the black or white dial, both feature the signature El Primero tri-color chronograph registers in blue, anthracite and light grey, just like the A386 from 1969. Each of the counters is graduated to 60 for an intuitive and instantaneous reading of the chronograph. Befitting the modern yet timeless aesthetic of this exceptional chronograph, the Chronomaster Sport comes on an integrated steel bracelet similar to those conceived by Gay Frères, who supplied many of Zenith’s metal bracelets in the past. A textured cordura-effect rubber strap option with a steel deployant buckle is also available. Always in the pursuit of improvement, the Chronomaster Sport line is equipped with a new version of the Manufacture’s most renowned movement, dubbed the El Primero 3600 calibre. With the experience gained after over five decades of the El Primero and high-frequency chronographs in general, Zenith is able to precisely offer a 1/10th of second display from the 5 Hz (36’600 VpH) escapement, as well as an extended power reserve of 60 hours. Visible through the sapphire display back, the new architecture is strikingly evident, revealing a blue column wheel and open rotor marked with the five-pointed star Zenith. The Chronomaster Sport asserts itself as a sporty companion for all of life’s moments where even a fraction of a second is an instance of performance.
Defy 21 Urban Jungle
The fastest chronograph in production gets a new, bold colourway in shades of green. An exceptional 1/100th of a second chronograph that pushes the limits of high-frequency precision with a futuristic design language, the DEFY 21 Urban Jungle stands out with its khaki tones of green ceramic armour. Highly scratch-resistant and intensely coloured, the Urban Jungle’s khaki green ceramic case is finished entirely with matte surface, flying under the radar while still standing out to its wearer. Visible through the open dial with matte silver and black counters, the unrivalled high-frequency chronograph with two regulating organs is decorated with a khaki green coloured main plate and star-shaped oscillating rotor. Completing the look is a black rubber strap with a green cordura-effect rubber insert.
Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Silver
A limited edition of 250 pieces, the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Silver recalls Zenith’s unique pedigree in the world of aviation timepieces spanning over a century, having accompanied the pioneers of flight in the early 20th century, most notably with Louis Bleriot and his history-making voyage across the English Channel in 1909. With a more direct visual inspiration from historical aircrafts, the 45mm case is made from precious sterling silver – a first for a Zenith Pilot chronograph. Like the fuselage of an aircraft, the silver dial features riveted details resembling metal panels, with an erratic satin-brushed surface to bring out the raw beauty of the metal. For maximum legibility at all times, the signature Pilot oversized Arabic hour-markers and “cathedral” hands feature white luminescent paint. Completing the aviator look is the brown calfskin leather strap with a rivet and silver pin buckle with a distinctive tab, recalling vintage pilot helmets.
Learn more at the official Zenith website here.
(Photos: Zenith)