The story behind this Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Carbon
The Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Carbon continues the legacy of the El Primero calibre, unveiled in 1969 by the Le Locle-based brand as the first mass-produced chronograph capable of measuring 1/10th of a second, thanks to a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. In 2017, Zenith launched the Defy El Primero 21 collection, the name of which refers to the 21st century, featuring a movement that now measures 1/100th of a second. The principle relies on two escapements combined within a single calibre: one operating at 5 Hz for the hours, the other at 50 Hz for the chronograph. In 2019, the 50th anniversary of the El Primero, the brand housed this movement in a carbon case, under reference 10.9000.9004/96.R921, presented on a black rubber strap.
Case, calibre and strap of this Defy El Primero 21 Carbon
The 44 mm case, crown and pushers are made from forged carbon, whose grey veins create a unique pattern on each individual timepiece. The crown features the Zenith star in relief and the watch is water-resistant to 100 metres. The skeletonised dial reveals almost the entire architecture of the movement, with the chronograph power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, the 60-second counter at 6 o’clock and the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock. The central chronograph hand completes one full revolution per second along the 0–100 scale on the flange. The self-winding El Primero 9004 calibre, certified as a chronometer and set with 53 jewels, beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour for the time function and 360,000 for the chronograph. It offers a 50-hour power reserve for the hour hand and 50 minutes for the chronograph. The sapphire crystal case back, secured by four screws, reveals the star-shaped oscillating weight. The black rubber strap, featuring a raised square pattern, fastens with a folding clasp with a carbon fibre cover embossed with the star.
Why this Zenith watch
This Defy El Primero 21 Carbon combines a 1/100th-second chronograph with a case made entirely of carbon fibre, a configuration that Zenith has now adopted for the Defy Extreme, which features a case diameter of 45 mm. It thus retains more compact proportions whilst housing the same calibre. The forged carbon ensures the watch remains light on the wrist despite its 44 mm diameter. The two additional straps broaden the watch’s versatility: one is made of Cordura-effect rubber with grey topstitching, the other is black with a carbon-effect insert. The watch is aimed at enthusiasts of technical chronographs seeking precise measurement of short intervals and a manufacture movement visible from both sides.
Contents and condition
The watch is supplied as a full set, with its Zenith presentation box, outer box, warranty card dated September 2021, two booklets, including the El Primero 21 calibre manual, and two additional straps. It is in good condition, with signs of wear on the case and one or two slight marks on the hour and minute hands, which do not affect legibility.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand watch retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.
* Good condition – Watch has been worn. Some signs of wear (micro-scratches, wear marks, etc.). Fully functional and tested by our partner watchmakers.
