The story behind this Zenith Defy Classic Open
Zenith has always taken a rigorous technical approach to timekeeping. The Defy range, which first appeared in the late 1960s to offer watches capable of withstanding extreme conditions, underwent a major architectural evolution in the 2000s. The Defy Classic Open model bears the reference number 86.0526.4021 and stands out for its bold proportions. Above all, it houses a central chronometer calibre. The El Primero movement that powers it nearly disappeared during the quartz crisis. It was thanks to the defiance of watchmaker Charles Vermot, who secretly stashed the blueprints and production tools away in the attic of the manufacture, that this movement survived. This watch bears witness to this passing on of expertise by displaying its regulating organ directly on the dial.
Case, calibre and strap of this Defy Classic Open
The round case measures 46.5 millimetres in diameter. It is crafted from stainless steel with a brushed finish and features a unidirectional rotating bezel in rose gold. The textured pushers and the screw-down crown, framed by deep shoulders, complete this two-tone structure, which is water-resistant to 300 metres. The silver-toned dial is distinguished by a central guilloché pattern and applied rose gold hour markers. The eye is drawn to the large aperture at 10 o’clock, revealing the movement’s beating mechanism, and the three-branch small seconds dial. Beating beneath the sapphire crystal case back is the calibre 4021B. This self-winding chronograph operates at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. It offers a power reserve of 50 hours, displayed by a dedicated hand in an arc at the bottom of the dial. The watch is secured to the wrist by a dark rubber strap with a braided pattern, fastened with a steel pin buckle.
Why choose this Zenith watch
Acquiring this timepiece allows you to own a key milestone in the evolution of the Le Locle-based manufacturer’s design. The combination of a distinctly sporty design with the warmth of rose gold gives this watch a strong visual identity. The open-worked dial is particularly sought after by mechanical watch enthusiasts wishing to observe the mechanics of a high-frequency escapement. On the second-hand market, this two-tone design offers an interesting balance between the nobility of the materials used and the technical sophistication of a fine in-house movement.
Contents and condition
This watch, dating from March 2008, comes with all its original components. It comes with its wooden case, outer box, instruction manual and international warranty card. The documentation also includes an invoice for a full service carried out by an official watchmaker in August 2025. Following this technical and aesthetic service, which included polishing the case, the watch is in immaculate condition. The case and bezel retain their clean lines and the brushed finishes remain crisp.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this timepiece. We offer a 24-month warranty for peace of mind. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
* Very good condition – Watch has been worn and polished. Slight signs of external wear. Case and strap in excellent overall condition.
