Category: zenith

Hands-on – Zenith Defy Classic – Redefining the Brand’s Sports Watch

Today we take a second look at the Zenith Defy collection, and more specifically the Zenith Defy Classic. After the revolutionary chronograph that is the Zenith Defy El Primero 21 and the stunning Zenith Defy Lab and Zenith Defy Zero G, this is a simplified watch but nonetheless a very interesting one. Modern and architectural design combined with elements that make up a great luxury sports watch, the Zenith Defy Classic is definitely a strong contender!

7 years ago

Buying Guide – 8 Cool 3-Hander Watches with Sports-Elegant Look

Now that summer is firmly installed in most regions of the world (Northern Hemisphere at least), you might have the temptation to opt for a dive watch of a colourful sports watch. Sure, these watches will be perfectly suitable on the beach, but what if you want to keep things elegant – or what if you’re about to spend your summer behind the desk, working while your ungrateful colleagues enjoy their vacations. For this reason, here are 8 of the coolest sports elegant watches recently introduced. Robust but still discreet, as good for a “weekend-jump-in-the-pool” as for a “boring-Monday-morning-meeting”.

7 years ago

In-Depth – The Zenith El Primero – Revisiting One of The Most Iconic Movements Ever

Icons stand the test of time. Born in 1969, El Primero (“the first” in Spanish) is still regarded as one of the best and most accurate chronograph movements ever created. Part of a trilogy of automatic chronograph calibres presented coincidentally in 1969, it is the only one that is still produced to date. As Zenith will celebrate the 50thanniversary of this legendary calibre next year, MONOCHROME takes a look back at its history and design.

7 years ago

First Look – Zenith Defy Classic – Smaller, More Affordable, Still Bold

In 2017, Zenith relaunched the DEFY collection and impressed with the Defy El Primero 21, a hundredth-of-a-second chronograph with a 50Hz ultra-high-beat escapement dedicated only to the chrono. But that was not all. Later that year came the Defy LAB, with its revolutionary and unprecedented oscillator – a proper innovation. And finally, there was the new design, with integrated case and bracelet, large diameter and bold shapes. For Baselworld 2018, the design is kept but with more simplicity movement-wise – but not that simple either. Meet the Zenith Defy Classic.

7 years ago

First Look – The Zenith Defy Zero G – Fighting Gravity in a Modern Way

Hot on the heels of last year’s Defy El Primero 21, a high-frequency chronograph capable of measuring hundredths of a second,  and the Defy Lab, the most accurate watch on our planet with a pioneering oscillator, 2018 sees the launch of Zenith’s Defy Zero G. Equipped with its proprietary ‘Gravity Control’ module, the Defy Zero G fleshes out Zenith’s nascent Defy collection and stages a hypnotic, gravity-busting show on deck.

7 years ago

The New Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback, with a Bronze or Aged Steel Case

If the early El Primero watches (the ref. A386 in particular), fitted with one of the very first automatic chronograph movements, are certainly the most iconic pieces produced by the Le Locle-based manufacture, another watch has gained quite some fame recently: the Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Cairelli. Already reissued in 2016 in a limited edition, some new, non-limited versions of the Cairelli-inspired watch have been presented, with exotic materials and a new flyback function – quite relevant for a pilot chronograph. Meet the new Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback, with Bronze or Aged-Steel case.

7 years ago

LVMH 2017 Annual Report Shows Double-Digit Growth for the Watch and Jewelry Division

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s leading luxury group, recorded revenue of EUR 42.6 billion in 2017, an increase of 13% over the previous year. The group also shows a sustained growth in organic revenue, with a 12% increase. The group profit is up 18%, at EUR 8,293 million. All business divisions recorded double-digit organic growth, with the exception of Wines and Spirits. For what is our main concern here, the watchmaking industry, LVMH (owner, among others, of TAG Heuer, Hublot, Zenith and Bulgari) reports an ‘Excellent year for Bvlgari and good progress at Hublot and TAG Heuer’.

7 years ago

Recap – The 5 Watches That Made the Buzz in 2017

The end of the year is close, so it is time, before 2018 starts, to recap what happened in 2017. Yesterday, we looked at the industry and the 5 main highlights of the year. Today, we move back to watches, with the 5 pieces that created most conversations. Controversial, innovative, unexpected or loved… There were some great pieces in 2017 and these 5 are the ones that, for us, should be remembered. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive. Please share with us in the comment section which watches made an impression on you.

7 years ago

A Technical Perspective – The Flexure Revolution, Compliant Mechanisms applied to Watchmaking

In mechanical engineering, compliant mechanisms (monolithic or joint-less structures) are flexible mechanisms that transfer an input force or displacement to another point through elastic body deformation, using the elastic properties of matter to affect the motion of mechanical components. These monolithic, compact and precise components replace several mechanically assembled parts. The absence of mechanical coupling eliminates contact, play, friction, wear, lubrication or dispersions.

7 years ago

Buying Guide – 6 Great Bronze Watches for Patina Lovers

One of the earliest metals known to man – bronze – refers to a wide range of copper alloys, usually with tin as the main additive. Because it is strong and tough, bronze is mostly used to craft tool watches. It was used in boat fittings – prior to stainless steel – because of its resistance to saltwater corrosion. It oxidizes but only on its outer layer, and that greenish layer protects the metal from further corrosion. This is what makes bronze so special, but you have to be ready for it. The patina that slowly grows over time adds that rugged, vintage, distinctive touch and makes every watch unique and different from the rest. Here are 6 Bronze watches released in recent years that you might want to consider, if you like your watches to live and become unique.

7 years ago