Zenith Defy 21 Carl Cox Edition

Zenith has multiple facets, which includes, of course, superb vintage re-editions of past glories equipped with the El Primero movement. But Zenith is also a laboratory for LVMH when it comes to technologies and design, meaning highly technical movements and bold designs. One of these watches, which is new in the collection, is the Zenith Defy 21 Carl Cox Edition, paying tribute to the world-renowned DJ and producer.

The new Defy 21 Carl Cox Edition is based on an existing watch that represents the future of the legendary El Primero movement. Not only does it feature a much more modern design, with contemporary proportions and materials, but its movement is also miles ahead when it comes to frequency and technology: it ranges from 1/10th of a second accuracy for the chronograph to a super-fast 1/100th of a second precision…

For his first eponymous special edition watch, Carl Cox went for a colourful and technical look. The central case, the pushers, the crown, the buckle head and the bezel of the Defy 21 Carl Cox Edition are all made of carbon fibre. The bezel is filled with Super-LumiNova so it glows in the dark – a cool detail and quite appropriate for a DJ. The strap, made from red rubber with Cordura effect, also features luminous stitchings. The rest of the watch, including the tonneau shape and the 44mm diameter, are identical to other Defy 21 watches.

The dial of the Zenith Defy 21 Carl Cox Edition has also been personalized for the occasion. The display runs over a skeletonized movement, with applied indexes and sub-dials. The sub-counter at 9 o’clock, serving as a running seconds indicator, is shaped like a vinyl record and features Carl Cox’s logo.

The movement of this Zenith Defy 21 Carl Cox Edition is based on the architecture of the El Primero but it has been thoroughly transformed to integrate two escapements. The first one, beating at the traditional (at least for Zenith) 5Hz frequency or 36,000 vibrations/hour is in charge of the timekeeping part of the watch. The second escapement is in charge of the chronograph and only runs once the pusher has been actuated. It runs at a super-fast 50Hz frequency or 360,000 vibrations/hour, allowing the Defy 21 to be a 1/100th of a second chronograph watch. The hyperactive central seconds hand goes around the dial once per second in a smooth movement and a 100th/s track on the inner flange allows precise calculations.

The Zenith Defy 21 Carl Cox Edition (reference 10.9001.9004/99.R941) is a limited edition of 200 pieces. It will be priced at CHF 19,500.

More details at www.zenith-watches.com.