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Zenith Defy

The Zenith Defy collection showcases the brand's boldest innovations, where cutting-edge materials meet high-frequency movements. Explore this futuristic family online or visit The 1916 Company showrooms in Ardmore, Denver, Newport Beach, and Scottsdale.

6 Watches
6 Watches

The Zenith Defy Collection - A Bold Legacy of Innovation

The Zenith Defy line debuted in 1969 with a mission to push design and durability into the future. Over time, it has evolved into the brand's most cutting-edge platform, showcasing bold materials, angular case designs, and high-frequency movements. While the Chronomaster family leans into vintage cues and traditional chronographs, Defy is Zenith's vision of contemporary mechanical watchmaking — both visually and technically advanced.

Explore the Zenith Defy Collection

The Zenith Defy collection serves as the brand's contemporary and experimental flagship, where cutting-edge movement architecture meets sculptural case design. From ultra-light materials to skeletonized chronographs, Defy watches exemplify Zenith's spirit of innovation, precision, and modern luxury.

Defy Skyline

The Defy Skyline line brings together angular case geometry, integrated bracelets, and a distinctive star-pattern dial. Most models are powered by the El Primero 3620 movement, which features a rare 1/10th of a second running seconds display — a nod to Zenith's high-frequency chronograph legacy. Available in 41mm and 36mm case sizes, the Skyline comes in steel, ceramic, and diamond-set variations.

Defy Extreme

Engineered for durability and precision in extreme conditions, the Defy Extreme houses a rugged 45mm case and a 1/100th of a second chronograph powered by the El Primero 9004 movement. Models are crafted in titanium, carbon, or micro-blasted finishes, with a unique double escapement system and water resistance up to 200 meters.

Defy Revival

For collectors who appreciate vintage flair, the Defy Revival series recreates original 1969 references like the A3642 and A3691 with meticulous attention to historical detail. These cushion-shaped, retro-futuristic watches feature gradient dials, ladder bracelets, and modern automatic movements.

Materials, Movements, and Complications

Defy models are available in a wide range of materials — including stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, carbon fiber, and diamond-set options. Movements span from time-only automatic calibers to skeletonized chronographs and dual-escapement high-frequency engines. Complications include power reserve indicators, open dials, 1/10th and 1/100th second timing, and date or GMT functions.

Who Should Consider a Zenith Defy?

The Defy collection is designed for those who want a high-performance luxury watch with bold aesthetics and modern mechanics. It appeals to collectors looking for integrated bracelet sports watches with horological substance, as well as enthusiasts of Zenith's El Primero innovation and contemporary design ethos. Compared to the more vintage-leaning Chronomaster line, Defy offers a more architectural, high-tech wrist presence.

Experience Zenith Defy at The 1916 Company

As an Authorized Zenith Retailer , The 1916 Company offers Defy models online and at our showrooms in Ardmore (PA), Denver, Newport Beach, and Scottsdale. Each watch is backed by Zenith's factory warranty and includes personalized support from our expert Client Advisors. Whether you're comparing Defy references or exploring the brand for the first time, we are here to guide your experience.

Defy is Zenith's forward-looking, technical collection with skeleton dials, high-frequency displays, and bold case architecture. Chronomaster focuses on vintage aesthetics and traditional chronograph layouts with heritage cues.
Defy watches use El Primero calibers, including the 3620, 9004, and openworked variations — offering 1/10th or even 1/100th of a second chronograph precision.
Yes. Many Defy models are built with robust materials like titanium and ceramic, and feature water resistance ranging from 100 to 200 meters. The Defy Skyline 41mm is especially suited for versatile daily use.
You can explore the collection at The 1916 Company showrooms in Ardmore (PA), Denver, Newport Beach, and Scottsdale. We also offer online consultations with Client Advisors.
"Zenith" is typically pronounced ZEE-nith in American English and ZEN-ith in British English — both are accepted. "Defy" is pronounced just like the English verb: deh-FYE. Together, it's most commonly said as ZEE-nith deh-FYE in the U.S. market.