On the heels of copping the Chronograph Watch Prize at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie Genève for its boldly dynamic Chronomaster Sport, Zenith returned to its avant-garde Defy collection, namely two of its most highly complicated denizens, to introduce its first sapphire-cased watches since 2014’s wildly experimental Pilot Type 20 Grand Feu. Here is what you need to know about the new Defy 21 Zero G Sapphire and Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire.

Zenith Defy Zero-G Sapphire (right) and Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Sapphire

Further highlighting the ultra-complex horological mechanisms laid bare by the uber-contemporary, clear sapphire cases is the use of blue PVD finishes on both watches’ movements, along with decorative elements such as miniature Zenith stars engraved on the bridges. A contrasting rhodium-colored is also applied to the bridges’ chamfered edges in a specially developed technique, adding even more depth and a futuristic aesthetic. As with other watches with sapphire cases ? of which there are not many, though Zenith’s LVMH stablemate Hublot offers a notable handful ? the visual benefit here is that all of these eye-catching elements are visible from not only the front and back but also the sides of the cases, both of which measure 46 mm in diameter and are sculpted in the familiar barrel-shaped form of the modern Defy family.
Defy Zero-G Sapphire

The sapphire-cased version of the Defy Zero-G, which debuted in 2018 i...