If all the colours that our eyes can perceive are to be considered as frequencies of visible light, then violet has the highest frequency of them all, beyond which is invisible ultraviolet light. It was only natural to pair this intense, energetic colour with the highest-frequency chronograph in regular production, the Zenith Defy 21.

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In past centuries, violet was coveted as the most sought-after colour dye for garments, the production of which was a closely held secret by certain civilizations such as the Phoenicians. Its rarity and compelling beauty made it the stuff of royalty. Today, violet tones portray a sense of daring, confidence and whimsy, from sports cars to bespoke tailoring. Yet in the world of watchmaking, violet remains a rarity.

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A world-first in watchmaking, Zenith has treated an automatic chronograph movement in the regal, opulent tones of violet. Not just any chronograph, Zenith chose its revolutionary 1/100thof a second El Primero 21 chronograph calibre beating at an incredible frequency of 50Hz as the canvas for this visually and mechanically striking creation.

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Visible through the open dial, which features three grey chronograph registers and a grey flange ring, the vibrant violet movement is accentuated by the Defy 21’s uniquely avant-garde movement conception and design with open, angular bridges. A white-tipped central 1/100th of a second chronograph hand makes a complete revolution above the dial in one second.

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Besides the Zenith Defy 21 El Primero 50th Anniversary edition, which was only available as a box-set with two other watches, the Defy 21 Ultraviolet is the first stand-alone Defy 21 with an open dial paired with closed chronograph counters.

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Allowing the purple-treated bridges of the movement to truly stand out while providing a more striking contrast, the faceted 44mm case of the Zenith Defy is given an entirely matte sandblasted finish, bringing out the darker metallic nuances of titanium.

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Complementing the tones of the open movement, which can shift from warm violet to cool purple tones, the black rubber strap features a violet insert that mimics the look of woven textile.

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Zenith Defy 21 Ultraviolet

Technical specifications:

·      Reference: 97.9001.9004/80.R922

·      Key points: Unique Violet 1/100th of a second chronograph movement. Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second. 1 escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH - 5 Hz); 1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH - 50 Hz). Special linear power reserve indicator. Time Lab Chronometer certified.

·      Movement: El Primero 9004 automatic – Ultraviolet finishing

·      Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)

·      Power reserve: approx. 50 hours

·      Functions: 1/100th of a second chronograph functions. Chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o'clock. Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at 9 o'clock, Central chronograph hand, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, 60-second counter at 6 o'clock

·      Material: Microblasted Titanium

·      Water resistance: 10 ATM

·      Dial: Special open dial with grey closed chronograph registers

·      Hour markers: rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova LN C1

·      Hands: rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1

·      Bracelet & Buckle: Violet fabric effect strap. Microblasted titanium double folding clasp

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The price for the Zenith Defy 21 Ultraviolet Ref.  97.9001.9004/80.R922 is CHF 13,400.

For more information please visit Zenith Watches Online.