Baselworld 2017 Review: Zenith Defy El Primero 21 – The New Ultra-Precise Chronograph

At the Baselworld 2017 fair, Zenith has presented its new futuristic version of the legendary El Primero chronograph. As it was the case with the original El Primero from 1969, the new one also has the 5 Hz escapement for its timing feature. Additionally, it has another separate escapement for its chronograph which operates at amazing 50 Hz. This higher rate enables it to be precise to as much as 1/100^th of a second. Two separate regulating organs are made in a patented high-tech material that secures impressive anti-magnetic properties, as well as raised resilience to temperature changes. However, the extreme precision of the chronograph takes a toll on the power consumption since it has the maximal elapsed time of 50 minutes, which reduces its functionality. The watch comes in either aluminum or titanium housing. Initially, there will be three versions of the piece. Depending on the variant, Zenith Defy El Primero 21 costs between $9,600 and $11,600.

Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Aluminum Watch

One of the most notable Zenith novelties for this year saw its premiere at the most important watchmaking fair in Baselworld. The piece is called Defy El Primero 21. The first part of the name (Defy) is the reference to the historic series that was established way back at the beginnings of the brand, while the remainder of the name is supposed to signify that this is the El Primero concept of the new century.

Mechanical Chronograph with the Precision of a Quartz One

The main feature of the new watch is certainly its exceptionally precise stop watch feature for a mechanical watch, its 1/100^th of a second chronograph. As it has been mentioned, Zenith included an additional escapement and the assorted gear-train that is separate from the timekeeping to make this possible. The one used for the timekeeping has the frequency and the power reserve that is common for El Primero calibers (50 hours). The other balance works at 50 Hz, the rate that is ten times higher of the already unusually high frequency that made El Primero calibers famous.

Caliber El Primero 9004 – Dial Side

The novel ultra-precise feature also includes new assorted components (such as reset control and starter mechanisms) which were required for such accurate timing. Moreover, it is very important to note that both included balance springs are made from patented modern material called Carbon-Matrix Carbon Nanotube composite. This allows them to be exceptionally resilient to magnetic fields and temperature shifts.

All of these traits are enabled with new in-house automatic caliber El Primero 9004 with the COSC chronometer certification. It is comprised of 203 components and it has 53 jewels integrated inside it. The automatic winding of the caliber is done through a star-shaped rotor with the Cotes de Geneve pattern and it is performed only in a single direction (which means that it is not as efficient as some of the rival products). When it comes to the manual winding of the caliber, it should be said that there are two barrels, each connected to its own regulating organ. Both are wound by the turning of the crown, just in different directions.

Caliber El Primero 9004 – Back Side

In two of three variants of the piece, significant portions of the caliber are visible from the front side, which only contributes to the overall technical cutting-edge spirit of the piece. The gray color with blue details, on the other hand, is a tribute to the original El Primero chronograph from 1969.

Now let us concentrate on the supported indications that are included in the new piece. First, there are three central hands, including a fast rotating chrono seconds hand with the respective hundreds of a second scale on the periphery (in addition for hours and minutes). Then, there is an additional indication for seconds and tenths of a second on the bottom, a small seconds counter on the left, as well as a 30-minute chrono sub-dial on the right side. Finally, there is a power-reserve indication for the chronograph feature on the top of the watch’s face. The indication shows the remainder of the storage in percents. This may come in handy, since the power reserve of the precise chronograph is highly restricted and can be only used to measure shorter elapsed periods.

Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Watch – Dial Detail

Zenith Defy El Primero 21 has a round housing with a fixed bezel. The case is 44 mm wide and 14.5 mm thick. On the front side, there is a domed sapphire crystal with a double glare-proofed treatment. The same material is used for the exhibition section of the case back of the construction which guarantees water resistance to 100 meters. The attachment of choice is a black rubber strap with alligator leather coating. It fastens with a titanium folding clasp.

Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Titanium Openworked Dial Watch

A Lightweight Body

There are three versions of the piece. The cheapest of them all is the only one whose dial is not skeletonized. The watch with the reference number 95.9001.9004/01.R582 has a silver face with black counters and it costs $9,600. Next, there is another variant with a brushed titanium housing (Ref. 95.9000.9004/78.R582) which reveals the sections of its innovative caliber on the front and it is exactly $1,000 dearer. The third edition (Ref. 24.9000.9004/78.R582) features the price that is steeper for another $1,000. This one possesses a case made of blackened aluminum.

Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Titanium Gray Dial Watch

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