The Return of the Zenith Defy

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Replica Zenith Watch Chronomaster Original 03.3200.3600/22.C908

The Return of the Zenith Defy

In the 1970s, the advent of quartz replica watches triggered a crisis for mechanical watchmakers, who seemed poised for decline. The Defy proved its worth. It survived the quartz era, albeit undergoing some evolution and ultimately transitioning to battery-powered watches. In 1999, Zenith and TAG Heuer were merged into the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, where the brand remains today and has grown into a significant manufacturer.

But first, the brand’s style underwent a dramatic shift, and the Defy collection was no exception. Thierry Nataf (CEO from 2001 to 2010) wanted to awaken Zenith, the “sleeping beauty.” He achieved this goal with the Defy, establishing it as a standalone sports luxury watch line in 2006. One of the Defy’s signature elements was its then-unique combination of gold with titanium, carbon, steel, and rubber.

These watches initially enjoyed considerable success. However, it soon became apparent that their ornate designs lacked the substance needed to become an iconic brand. In 2010, Jean-Frédéric Dufour took over as CEO of Zenith and Rolex. He led Zenith—and the Defy collection—back to a more tranquil landscape, returning to a bold, sporty aesthetic anchored by superior mechanical performance and more accessible pricing. Zenith thus reaffirmed its place among true watch connoisseurs.

In 2017, Julien Tornare succeeded Dufour as president of the brand. With a completely redesigned collection, he ultimately set the Defy on the path to success.

The Defy El Primero 21, launched in 2017—A Triumphant Return
The Defy El Primero 21, unveiled at the 2017 Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show, marked the beginning of this remarkable success story. Thanks to its new high-frequency calibre 9004, featuring two independent oscillating and escapement systems, it became the world’s first series-produced high-frequency wristwatch capable of automatically measuring time to an accuracy of 1/100th of a second. This 50Hz movement, equipped with a dedicated chronograph mechanism, is housed in a 44mm case. Available in several versions, the titanium and skeletonized dial versions are particularly popular among watch enthusiasts.

In 2018, the Defy collection’s success story reached a new stage with the release of the titanium Defy Classic. This three-hand model with a date display is available in a skeletonized version with a skeletonized dial or a sealed version with an elegant sunburst dial. All models are powered by the brand’s in-house 670SK automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve. The 41mm case, with a sapphire crystal caseback, also features a skeletonized, blackened movement with a silicon pallet fork and escape wheel in the sealed dial version.

In 2020, fake Zenith also launched the Defy Classic Carbon, the brand’s first watch made entirely of carbon fiber. Weighing a mere 65 grams, it features an integrated bracelet for comfort.

Richard Mille RM 35-03 Rafael Nadal and the new butterfly effect rotor

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Inspired by the RM 027 tourbillon watch worn by Rafa Nadal on the tennis court, the new Richard Mille RM 035 “Baby Nadal” series is designed to provide technical enrichment for anyone who pursues performance. The new RM 35-03 self-winding Rafael Nadal watch is the fourth timepiece in the series. It occupies a place in this noble product series. It brings a patented innovation, the butterfly rotor.

After three full years of research and development, Richard Mille launched this new movement winding system in RM 35-03, which spreads its wings like a butterfly. Although the Calibre RMAL1 of RM 35-02 already has a variable geometry rotor-the iconic part of the Richard Mille automatic movement-the new butterfly rotor of RM 35-03 allows the wearer to directly interact with the geometry of the rotor and control The winding speed of the movement based on lifestyle and activity level achieves interesting and practical complications in the same way.

The butterfly rotor is composed of two 5-level titanium alloy arms. Heavy metal counterweight sections are installed on the arms, which are activated by a separate gear train via a dedicated button. In their initial position, the counterweights will produce an outward radial displacement of the center of gravity, transforming every movement of the wearer into the torque required to rewind the barrel.

When switching between modes-from the normal mode of winding the barrel spring to the “sports mode” of suspending rotor activity-the pressure on the button prompts the function to provide tactile feedback, allowing the wearer to really feel the bounce of the weight segment on them Separate the wrists. The winding indicator at 6 o’clock on the dial shows whether the pendulum is active-on or off. The rounded movement command is a function selector. Rafa Nadal replica watch

Press the button at 2 o’clock, and the user can switch between winding “W”, neutral “N” and time setting “H” activities. However, by pressing the button at the 7 o’clock position, the gear of the rotor disperses the two counterweights at a 180° angle. The center of gravity is aligned, the oscillating weight returns to the equilibrium position, and the winding process is suspended, thereby preventing the movement from overwinding.

“Previously, any modification to the rotor geometry needed to be done by one of our licensed watchmakers. We want to perfect the system so that the wearer can directly affect the winding speed of the watch. It’s like the driver can activate The sport mode is used to adjust the transmission method from urban use to the track,” explained Salvador Arbona, Sports Technology Director.

The RM 35-03 series is elegant and ergonomic. There are two versions-blue quartz TPT with white quartz TPT case, white quartz TPT and carbon fiber TPT with carbon fiber TPT case.

The movement is completely hollow, and the front and back are inlaid with sapphire crystals. The movement can be admired from both sides. The bottom plate and plywood are made of grade 5 titanium and are treated with gray plasma and PVD ​​to further highlight the eye-catching visual effect of this watch.

“In our respective fields, we all strive for excellence. We speak the same language, Richard and I. We are all passionate about our work. Keeping this flame of passion for what we do every day comes to me It’s very important to say. Although I didn’t wear the RM 035 model in the competition, it was heartwarming to feel the confidence he and the team showed in allowing me to participate in this bizarre adventure.”-Rafa· Nadal.