Zenith, the well-established luxury watchmaker, is once again under our spotlight with its highly acclaimed product line Zenith Defy Classic.
The Defy Collection, which dates back to the 1960s, is among the locomotive product groups of the famous brand today. The collection, which has become the face of the brand's successful strategy for the past decade, offers a wide variety of models ranging from basic three-hand versions to Haute Horlorgie grand complications that shows the know-how of Zenith in terms of movement design and manufacture.
The model we have here for review is in the Defy Classic subgroup. The skeleton themed model is one of the most successful examples of its kind with its stylish and sporty presence as well as its bi-color concept.
The case comes in the Defy Classic style, which is home to all versions of the collection that attracts attention with its angular lines. We had the opportunity to try this case, which was designed with a diameter of 41mm and a height of 10.75mm, in various versions but for the first time, we had the opportunity to see the combination of titanium and 18K rose gold.
Although the case looks quite imposing due to its size, it wears comfortably on the wrist thanks to the titanium material. The case is equipped with scratch-resistant sapphire crystals on both sides and is water-resistant to 100 meters, which is safe enough for mild water activities. The 18K rose gold bezel combines the sportiness of the model with elegant and classic themes. However, the dominant part of this balanced combination is sportiness again. The reason for this is undoubtedly the skeleton dial as well as the movement.
Since the dial of the model is designed in a skeleton theme, it only consists of a chapter ring that hosts the hour markers and the minute scale. Baton styşe hand and markers provide sufficient legibility both day and night. The yellow minute scale highlights the gold theme of the watch with the help of pink gold markers and hands. The white Zenith lettering and the gold star is located beneath the front crystal.
Inside the model is the brand's manufacture movement Caliber Elite 670 SK. The self-winding movement, which we are familiar with from the Defy Classic product line, impresses with its skeletonized components in line with the overall theme. Combining the sporty side of the brushed titanium case with the bridges prepared in the same tone, the movement operates at 28,800 VpH (4 Hz) frequency and can provide up to 50 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
In addition to the hour, minute and second functions, Elite 670 SK offers a date function. Featuring cutting-edge technology components like silicon escapement wheel and lever, the movement offers a hi-end look with its exclusively designed star sign perforated rotor.
The model we got for the review comes on a dark brown crocodile strap with a black rubber lining that offers comfortable use even on hot summer days. Adorned with cream-colored contrast stitches, the strap is secured by a titanium folding clasp that is as well decorated with the star logo. Let us remind you that this model also has a bi-color metal bracelet variant.
The Zenith Defy Classic is a very successful collection, as is the case with most of the recent creations of the brand. Although it is a retro-based design, the product range represents the innovative philosophy of the brand and while being loyal to its heritage.
