Photo: Zenith
Swiss watchmaker Zenith introduces a new collection called Defy Classic that comprises entry-level models of the Defy watch family
Tatler Asia
Defy Lab (Photo: Zenith)
Above Defy Lab (Photo: Zenith)

Defy Classic comes from a line of super watches

Last year, Zenith revived the Defy collection – and did it in a stellar manner – with the Defy El Primero 21, a hi-beat chronograph with the ability to measure an extremely precise rate of 1/100th of a second.

A few months later, the Defy Lab upped the ante with a monolithic oscillator made of monocrystalline silicon that has parts finer than human hair. Hailed as an improvement of the traditional sprung balance principle, this oscillator is endowed with a high frequency of 15 Hertz, a power reserve of 60 hours, and is impervious to wear and tear. Defy Lab was awarded the Innovation Watch Prize at Grand Prix d’Horlogere de Geneve last year.

Earlier this year, Defy Zero G joins the family as the first Defy model fitted with a Gravity Control module that shields the regulating organ from gravitational effects.

Find out the difference between a manual-winding and automatic movement

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Defy Classic with openworked dial and leather strap (Photo: Zenith)
Above Defy Classic with openworked dial and leather strap (Photo: Zenith)

It is endowed with the Elite 670 automatic calibre

For now, the Defy Classic comes in a simple three-hand model with date. While it may not have the mechanical wow factor of its predecessors, the new Elite 670 calibre is no slack either. Boasting a higher than average frequency of 4Hz (28,800vph), the skeletonised movement can store up to 40 hours of power.

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Defy Classic with sunray blue dial and rubber strap (Photo: Zenith)
Above Defy Classic with sunray blue dial and rubber strap (Photo: Zenith)

It adopts the robust design principle of Defy - with the addition of a classical option

The case is made of titanium, which is ultra-light and highly resistance against corrosion. The material is stronger than either gold or platinum.

For the connoisseurs, there is an openworked dial that has come to define the last few Defy models. There is also a more refined option with sunray blue dial. Choice of straps includes bracelet, alligator leather and even a tactile rubber for a sporty flair.

Also see: Omega builds on the legacy of the Seamaster watches

Tatler Asia
Defy Classic with openworked dial and bracelet (Photo: Zenith)
Above Defy Classic with openworked dial and bracelet (Photo: Zenith)

It offers a chance to own a superlative Defy watch without breaking the bank

The most affordable Defy El Primero 21 retails at RM44,150 while Defy Zero G comes with a hefty six-figure price tag. Defy Lab is a limited edition of 10 pieces, and it is as expensive as it sounds.

Defy Classic has an easier-to-stomach price range with the most expensive model, an openworked dial with titanium bracelet, going for just a little over RM30,000.

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