New Zenith DEFY Classic Carbon
LOFTLighter. Bolder. More innovative. Zenith presents a new version of DEFY Classic carbon fiber with an integrated carbon bracelet, for first time on an automatic watch.
Zenith has repeatedly demonstrated its mastery of innovative and exceptional materials with the DEFY collection, expressing its vision of the future of watchmaking through groundbreaking timepieces. The DEFY Classic Carbon ventures into uncharted territory of innovation, featuring a full carbon fiber construction—including the integrated bracelet.
Carbon fiber is a highly prized material for its unique combination of lightness and durability, as well as its unique, futuristic appearance. However, its use in the watchmaking world has been quite limited. In particular, one part has eluded watchmakers: the bracelet. Until now, so-called carbon fiber bracelets consisted more of surface plates of this composite material fixed to a metal base, or were reserved for a small number of highly complicated watches with very few units produced. With the DEFY Classic Carbon, Zenith presents a robust, ergonomic, and striking carbon bracelet for an automatic watch—an unprecedented technical achievement and a cutting-edge design statement.
Producing a bracelet crafted entirely from carbon fiber presented a completely new set of technical challenges for the Manufacture. Weighing a total of just 65 grams, thanks to its carbon bracelet and titanium clasp, the DEFY Classic Carbon watch sets a new benchmark for precision for Zenith that goes beyond the movement. In relative terms, it weighs almost half as much as an equivalent titanium DEFY Classic model with a titanium bracelet, which is already significantly lighter than traditional metals such as stainless steel and gold. Its appearance, full of intriguing nuances, gives way to an unexpected silky-smooth feel. Its incredibly light and balanced weight makes it easy to forget you're wearing a watch on your wrist.
Following the angular lines of the DEFY Classic case, crafted from the same material, each link of the bracelet is a solid piece of carbon fiber, precisely molded and milled to reveal the layers, or "strata," of the carbon fiber, while providing superior ergonomics on the wrist. Its lightness, comfort, and visual impact are striking. Since the motifs are formed by layers of carbon fiber, they may vary from component to component, so no two watches will be exactly alike. And for those who prefer the carbon fiber case to contrast with the strap, the DEFY Classic Carbon is also available with a black "Cordura-effect" rubber strap and a carbon and titanium folding clasp.
The aesthetic of the DEFY Classic Carbon matches the dark design of the carbon fiber case and bracelet, emphasizing the bold, futuristic and architectural design language of this unique skeleton watch. Highlighted by the openwork star-shaped dial, the Manufacture's automatic caliber, Elite, has also received a dark ruthenium treatment. Despite its anthracite and black color scheme, legibility is ensured by the green glow of Super-LumiNova on the blackened hands and applied hour markers.
The DEFY Classic Carbon will be available in Zenith boutiques and retailers, as well as online, starting in November 2020.
| DEFY CLASSIC CARBON |
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KEY HIGHLIGHTS : NEW 41mm black carbon case. Available with a full carbon or rubber bracelet. Skeletonized Elite manufacture movement. Silicon lever and escape wheel. Total watch weight: 65 grams. |
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MOVEMENT : Elite 670 SK Automatic |
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CALIBER : 11 1⁄2''' (Diameter: 25.60 mm) |
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FREQUENCY : 28,800 alt/h (4Hz) |
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POWER RESERVE : min. 48 hours |
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FINISHES : special oscillating weight with satin finish |
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FUNCTIONS : central hour and minute display, central second hand, date display at 6 o'clock |
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PRICE : 19,900 CHF with carbon bracelet. 11,900 CHF with rubber strap. |
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MATERIAL : Carbon |
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DIAMETER : 41mm |
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SPHERE : Skeletonized |
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BACK : Transparent sapphire crystal |
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WATERPROOFNESS : 10 ATM (100 m) |
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INDEXES : ruthenium, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova® SLN C3 |
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Needles : ruthenium, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova® SLN C3 |
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BRACELET AND CLASP : Bracelet made entirely of carbon. Also available with a rubber strap. Carbon folding clasp. |
