While brightly colored dials have recently enjoyed a comeback in watchmaking, Zenith has taken an unexpected and novel approach in the DEFY 21 Spectrum series by incorporating striking colors everywhere but the dial.

Whether it’s the colored chronograph movements achieved through innovative pigmentation processes or the natural brilliance and hue of precious stones, the DEFY 21 Spectrum is a whole new take on vivid, kinetic vibrancy.

At the core of this striking and highly exclusive collection is the El Primero 21, Zenith’s revolutionary 1/100th of a second chronograph caliber that beats at the astonishing rate of 50Hz (360’000 VpH).

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The fastest chronograph in production and the only one to accurately and legibly measure and display 1/100th of a second-time measurement, the El Primero 21 elevates high-frequency chronometry to uncharted new heights. Zenith has sought to visualize frequencies through color and lights to express this exceptional mechanical prowess.

DEFY 21 Spectrum series

Aptly named Spectrum after the range of colors produced by the different wavelengths of visible light, this collection of dazzling DEFY 21 pieces consists of five models that take on different frequencies of visible light. The common element across these five models is the 44mm stainless steel case, which has been entirely embellished with 288 brilliant-cut white diamonds.

Each version features a bezel set with 44 baguette-cut precious stones, matching colored movements, and rubber straps: green tsavorites for the green edition, orange sapphires for the orange edition, blue sapphires for the blue edition, amethyst for the purple edition, and black spinels for the black edition.

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Creating these exceptional feats of both advanced watchmaking and traditional gem-setting requires the laborious selection of stones of the same size, color, and VVS quality, then meticulously setting them into the metal by the hands of skilled artisans.

Zenith highlights the natural color with this new collection with brilliant colors and designs with precious frequencies. Each model is only available in 10 pieces.