Zenith redefines its Gravity Control with the new Defy Zero G. The watch uses the gimbal concept to house the escapement, which adds a gyroscopic element to timekeeping. Visually, the watch is stunning as is it a technically challenging production.
The new Zenith Defy Zero G in titanium.
Zenith Defy Zero G
The case and dial
The Zenith Zero G is made in 44mm pink gold or titanium cases with brushed finishing. Relatively slim considering the revolving component, the watch measures 14.85mm thick. Dialside, the openworked design creates a visual aesthetic for a modern look and feel to the watch. The bridges are nicely finished and theatrically puts the module center stage.
The watch features a full brushed case and is available in bracelet or on alligator strap.
A semi star-shaped bridge, evoking Zenith’s star logo, sits at the top of the dial, with an overlapping blue offset hours and minutes counter. The time display intersects with a small seconds counter on the left and a power reserve indicator on the right. The Defy Zero G is water-resistant to 100 metres and features luminescent hour markers and hands.
The movement
The Defy Zero G uses the self-winding El Primero 8812 S movement that beats at 5 Hz and has a power reserve of about 50 hours.
The manual winding movement El Primero 8812 S beats at 5 Hz and has a power reserve of 50 hours. It is an improvement to the previous gyroscopic cage used in the Christophe Colomb collection, having been reduced in size to only 30% the size of the previous movement. The new Defy Zero G houses the Gravity Control module which acts as a gyroscopic mount for the regulator, ensuring that it is always horizontal. In theory, this means the balance should run at a neutral rate, unaltered by the effects of gravity. It’s an idea inspired by the mounts used for early marine chronometers.
Close-up shot of the gyroscopic module.
The new Gravity Control module is composed of 139 microscopic components, including a platinum counterweight. It is much unlike the previous watches fitted with the gyroscopic module, given its smaller size, and resulting enhanced wearability. The older models had globular cages that extended outside of the flat case; protruding bubbles that made them hard to wear. The Defy Zero G removes this last concern by fitting the device within the two flat sapphire crystals of the case.
The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the underbelly of the movement and the winding gear train.
The Defy Zero G is also available in pink gold case.
Available in either pink gold or titanium, the Defy Zero G comes with a matching metal bracelet with brushed and polished H-shaped links or a rubber backed alligator strap. Prices start from CHF 98,900 to CHF 129,900.
Zenith Defy Zero G Technical Specifications
Movement
El Primero 8812 S, Manual
Components 324
Frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve min. 50 hours
Functions
Hours and minutes centred at 12 o’clock
Self-regulating Gravity Control module at 6 o’clock
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Power-reserve indication at 2 o’clock
Case
Material Brushed titanium
Diameter 44 mm
Water-resistance 10 ATM
Black Rubber with blue alligator leather coating
Titanium double folding clasp
Dial
Openworked with one different-coloured counter
1 Comment
Best watch ever