The story behind this Zenith Defy Classic
The House of Zenith is continually rethinking the boundaries of contemporary fine watchmaking with the Defy collection. The history of this Zenith Defy Classic 49.9000.670/77.R782 is rooted in an absolute determination to offer a skeleton watch with a radical design while preserving remarkable finesse. The fascinating paradox of this timepiece lies in the origin of its movement. In the 1990s, the Manufacture designed the Elite calibre to assert the supremacy of Swiss mechanics over electronic watches. This ultra-thin automatic motor was initially intended for fine traditional dress watches. By transplanting this historic heart into a futuristic black armour with openworked laser engraving, the brand has achieved a major architectural tour de force by merging two watchmaking eras. This model embodies the perfect transition between a purist heritage and a daring technical avant-garde.
Case, calibre and bracelet of this Defy Classic
The 41 mm-diameter case is distinguished by the masterly integration of its bracelet without any visible horn. Crafted entirely from high-tech black ceramic, it withstands the wear and tear of everyday life while capturing the light thanks to a meticulous alternation of brushed upper surfaces and polished oblique edges. The dial plunges the eye into a striking depth where the metal framework draws a majestic 5-pointed star, the timeless emblem of the Manufacture. An ingenious entirely cut-out date disc enables the date to be read at 6 o'clock. Facetted glaive hands and suspended hour-markers come to life in the dark thanks to a generous luminescent coating. Perfectly water-resistant to 100 metres and protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the watch reveals its mechanism on the back. The 670 SK calibre reveals its 187 components sublimated by a furtive ruthenium treatment. This movement oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, delivering 50 hours of power reserve. Its latest-generation escapement incorporates a lever and a non-magnetic silicon wheel. The wrist is secured by a black textured rubber strap closed by a secure titanium folding clasp.
Why this Zenith watch
This entirely tenebrous configuration immediately appeals to collectors looking for an aggressive yet sophisticated watch design. Now absent from the official catalogue, it is attracting growing interest on the second-hand market. It offers an exceptional balance between a powerful visual identity and absolute comfort when worn, made possible by the lightness of its ceramic and its controlled thickness of 10 mm. This is a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic Swiss manufacture mechanism dressed in a resolutely modern stealth suit.
Delivered contents and condition
This piece produced in 2022 is delivered complete with its imposing original presentation case, card holder, manual and international warranty. Its black ceramic coat has perfectly fulfilled its role as a thermal and mechanical shield. It is presented to you in remarkable cosmetic integrity, without the slightest trace of impact. The glass surfaces as well as the textured soft strap are beautifully preserved to offer you a luxurious experience from the very first seconds on your wrist.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this piece. This model benefits from our 24-month The Swiss Collector guarantee. We accept returns within 10 days according to our conditions. As Switzerland's leading second-hand retailer with the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for fitting and collection on site or fully secure international shipping.
* Very good condition - watch already worn and polished. Slight signs of external wear. Case and bracelet in excellent condition overall.
