Zenith defies expectations as soon as once more with the extraordinarily reflective Defy Excessive Mirror, which is one other iteration of the model’s ultra-high frequency chronograph. Watch lovers and chronograph collectors will definitely recognise this as one other spin on the dual-escapement dual-mainspring 1/100th of a second chronograph, which is now the one such chronograph in sequence manufacturing. In its debut guise because the El Primero 21 in 2017, the watch launched the calibre 9004, which is correct on the coronary heart of this horological gem. We are going to return to the motion momentarily however kind should take priority right here as a result of, nicely, simply take a look at it.
Extremely polished software watches are nothing new however the Zenith Defy Excessive Mirror takes reflective surfaces to a brand new stage, if the images are something to go by (we might be taking pictures this watch quickly so look to the approaching subject of WOW Singapore for our ideas on the watch within the metallic – Ed). Zenith calls the Excessive Mirror the “final, ultramodern camouflage watch” and we will solely suppose that because of this the watch can have a form of chrome-like end, regardless of being fully cased in stainless-steel. Suppose maybe of the enduring sheen of sure memorable modern watches from the likes of Chanel and Rado for some context, though each these manufacturers have been utilizing a form of ceramic to create the impact.
Itself no stranger to materials experiments, Zenith as a substitute opts for uniformity on this mannequin, with all the pieces from crown and chrono pushers to case center and bezel in the identical metal. As you possibly can see, this metal has apparently been polished so completely as to problem the attention. For the last word expertise, the bracelet appears promising however as a result of that is Zenith, there are alternatives. The Excessive Mirror has the standard interchangeable strap system and comes with two additional straps: rubber with folding buckle and Velcro.
The potential brilliance of the Excessive Mirror is exactly why Zenith is touting camouflage credentials right here, which has us considering that this watch could be the polar reverse of the stealth all-black watch (pioneered by Hublot), whereas primarily having the identical impact. The very brightness of the mannequin would possibly render it invisible, besides in its timekeeping and chronograph features. Provided that the three-dimensional multi-level dial additionally sports activities some mirror results, the openworked palms with SuperLuminova SLN C1, the markers and the chronograph tracks all seem to hover in a fetchingly ethereal style. The proposition right here is that it will hold issues good and legible.
Now for these of you who don’t recall, right here is the tl;dr on the chronograph motion. It’s successfully two watches in a single, with one a part of the motion (powered by a 5 Hz escapement) dealing with common timekeeping, whereas one other half handles the chronograph (powered by a 50 Hz escapement). Each components have their very own mainsprings as nicely, that means any 1/100th of a second chronograph watch powered by the El Primero 9004 has two actions in a single watch. There isn’t a want for clutch programs right here, consequently, and it isn’t actually a modular system both. One vital consequence for homeowners right here is remembering that the chronograph runs by itself prepare, and is definitely manual-winding. Because of this the chronograph, with its shorter energy reserve, has its personal energy reserve indicator on the dial.
Lastly, the Excessive Mirror bears the excellence of a brand new naming conference, with Zenith selecting to drop the ‘21’ from the identify; it was known as the Defy El Primero 21 in 2017, and was most just lately obtainable within the Defy 21 Chroma guise (the one model nonetheless in inventory, in accordance with the Zenith web site). In contrast to some earlier iterations of the 1/100th of a second chronograph, the Excessive Mirror just isn’t a restricted version. Moreover, it’s obtainable on-line from Zenith and in Zenith boutiques, plus authorised retailers.
Motion: El Primero 9004 with twin escapement chronograph; 50-hour energy reserve (time solely); 50-minute energy reserve (chronograph solely)
Case: 45mm in mirror-polished metal; waterproof to 200m
Strap: Polished metal bracelet with folding clasp, plus two extra – rubber and Velcro
Value: CHF25,900
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