Zenith Defy Classic

Zenith is the first to introduce the Defy Classic automatic carbon fiber watch with an integrated carbon bracelet. The company has repeatedly demonstrated its prowess in the use of innovative materials in the Defy collection to convey its own understanding of the evolution of watchmaking through innovative ideas. Defy Classic Carbon is endless territory for innovation in the use of carbon fiber in complex structures.

Carbon fiber is prized for its rare combination of lightness and strength, the ability to create futuristic designs. The material is rarely used in watchmaking, and the integrated bracelet first received a full-fledged stylish shape in the Zenith novelty. Until now, bracelets were decorated with thin composite plates on a metal base or were made to order. The Defy Classic Carbon presents an ergonomic, rigid and attractive carbon bracelet for automatic watches. The innovative solution and bold design were hailed as an unprecedented technical feat for the brand.

The production of the popular carbon fiber composite watch bracelet required a completely new technical challenge. The novelty, together with the bracelet, weighs only 65 grams and sets a new benchmark for precision for the company. In fact, the original edition is half the weight of the titanium version, which had previously held minimum weight records.

The intriguing design is silky and smooth to the touch. The incredibly light and balanced weight doesn’t feel on the wrist at all. The angular lines of the Defy Classic case and each link in the bracelet are made from the same material, which must be molded, polished with such precision to emphasize the layers of composite in an elegant pattern. Lightness, comfort and visual balance provide superior wrist ergonomics.

A new proprietary grade of 3D carbon, often compared to Damascus steel, has a uniquely patterned grain like different wood species. Since the fibers form different patterns on the surface after grinding, no two watches are exactly the same. The surface is difficult to define – it is not shiny or matte, it matches perfectly with daily and business wear. For a contrast between the case and the strap, the set includes a black rubber version with a Cordura effect and a carbon/titanium folding clasp.

Defy Classic Carbon’s aesthetics are homogeneous, using the charm of dark decor with futuristic skeleton designs. The automatic in-house caliber Elite can be seen through the open dial, treated with dark ruthenium. Despite the palette of anthracite and black tones, the clarity of the image is guaranteed by the bright green glowing paint on the blackened hands and hour markers.