Zenith Defy El Primero 21 95.9000.9004/78.R582
As a watch dealer and former engineer, I will admit that I like something different than most people. This Zenith Defy El Primero 21 checks that box and then some. I naturally appreciate any skeletonized dial or open caseback, and this spectacular timepiece has that in spades. Its lightweight Grade 5 titanium case is beautiful, incredibly comfortable, and effortless on the wrist.
The most innovative feature of this open-worked movement is its ingenious "double-heart architecture," utilizing two independent escapements that operate at completely different speeds. While most watches beat at a standard 4 or 5 Hz, this Zenith houses a separate system dedicated entirely to its 1/100th of a second chronograph. The chronograph boasts its own independent gear trains, balance wheel, and mainsprings, alongside a unique crescent power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock so you can track its high-octane energy levels. When you activate the pusher, the central hand moves at such a dizzying, blazing speed of one full rotation per second that if you put the watch up to your ear, you can literally hear it.
This cutting-edge reference carries an incredibly rich horological pedigree, serving as the 21st-century evolution of the absolute most legendary chronograph caliber ever made. In 1969, Zenith revolutionized the watchmaking world by unveiling the original Zenith El Primero, the world's very first fully integrated, high-frequency automatic chronograph movement. When the Quartz Crisis threatened to wipe mechanical watchmaking off the map in the 1970s, a visionary Zenith engineer named Charles Vermot famously defied corporate orders and secretly hid the blueprints and tooling in the factory attic, saving the caliber from destruction. That heroic act preserved the mechanical blueprint that would later power the first automatic Rolex Daytonas and ultimately pave the way for the ultra-modern 50Hz Defy 21 engine you see here today.
Presented in polished condition and fitted on its sporty rubber and alligator strap, this avant-garde machine delivers an unparalleled, high-tech wrist presence rooted in pure historical innovation. This exceptional collector's package is offered as a complete full set, arriving meticulously preserved with its inner and outer boxes, booklets, and original Zenith warranty card.
CONDITION:
This watch is in very good pre-owned condition. Please see photos for condition and understand that I use a powerful macro lens on a professional camera so please excuse any dust, smudges, reflections, or any other hard-to-avoid elements in the photos. We can take additional photos or videos upon request.
I am happy to hop on a facetime call or provide any other details you require.
The wristwatch has been tested and is running well per the inspection by our watchmaker. Please let me know if you would like to see a picture of the timegrapher reading.
TRADES:
Trades are always welcome so please message us for possible options.
SERVICE:
We pride ourselves on the little things. We are happy to provide a video of the watch running or even hop on a facetime call so you can better see the condition of the watch.
We also record the packing process so you know exactly what to expect when you receive your new watch. This also protects both parties against any possible shipping damage.
SHIPPING:
These are valuable timepieces and should be shipped insured, well packaged, overnight, and with care. We ship fully insured thru a third party insurance company using FedEx overnight to any FedEx Office Ship Center for in person pick up in the continental USA.
International shipping is available depending on the timepiece you purchase and the country it needs to ship to. Please note that the buyer will be subject to any import duties for their receiving country. Please message us with any questions.
If you need any help at all our goal is to make your watch purchase as smooth and easy as possible. We welcome all trade-ins so please contact us to discuss any options you might have.