Zenith is under the spotlight with its ground breaking new model Defy Inventor that carries the brand’s Oscillator system, which is a candidate for changing the course of mechanical watchmaking, to an industrial state.
One of the most important innovations of the Baselworld 2019 fair that we left behind was undoubtedly the Zenith Defy Inventor. The model that reveals the innovative direction of the well-known brand and its expertise on movement development fascinated everyone with its groundbreaking technology.
In fact, Zenith Defy Inventor is not the very first model to be equipped with the Oscillator organ. The brand introduced the Defy Lab model featuring the first Oscillator ever back in 2017. However, Defy Lab was more like an experimental model that has been produced to a limited span of 10 units only and sold out to collectors on pre-order base. Defy Inventor, which was presented to likes of watch enthusiasts at the Baselworld 2019 show, is a serial production model designed on an industrial platform unlike its predecessor.
Zenith Defy Inventor is equipped with the regulating organ Oscillator introduced in the Defy Lab model. The most important feature of the system, which is developed as an alternative to the classical sprung balance concept known as the backbone of mechanical watchmaking, is that it needs only one component instead of 30-odd parts forming the conventional balance. The ultra-thin designed Oscillator is made of a material called Monocrystalline and operates at a frequency of, hold on to your hats, 18Hz (129,600vph). Perhaps the most entertaining part of the model is that all of this technology can be enjoyed from the Open Works style perforated bezel, which is among the signature details of Zenith.
Among the benefits of this control system are elevated reliability thanks to eliminating the need for 30 or more moving parts and therefore decreasing friction, wear, and deformation; stability thanks to silicon’s temperature-resistant and antimagnetic properties; and added precision from its unique escape wheel constructed of flexible blades.
Zenith Oscillator ZO 9100 movement consists of 148 pieces (18 jewels). The movement offers a power reserve of up to 50 hours when fully wound and features the classic “Côtes de Genève” on its oscillating weight.
The model’s superior features that define the concept of innovation are not limited to the movement only. Zenith Defy Inventor comes in titanium case measuring 44mm in diameter and 14.5mm in height. Satin-brushed case sports a bezel on the front face made of Aeronith (the lightest aluminum composite in the world). The case is water resistant to 50 meters / 5 bars and equipped with scratch resistant sapphire crystals (double side anti-glare coated at front) on both sides.
The new model comes on a blue crocodile strap with black rubber lining and a Zenith signed folding clasp made of titanium. The list price for the model is CHF 18,900.
