FASTER, FASTEST
WatchTime|May/June 2022
Zenith built the El Primero, the world's most accurate chronograph, in 1969. But now the manufacture has increased its beat frequency from 1/10th to 1/100th of a second. We took a look at what the fastest mechanical watch can do with its many facets.
Jens Koch
FASTER, FASTEST

- With the introduction of the first automatic chronograph caliber El Primero in 1969, Zenith already had the fastest stopwatch on the market. At a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, the movement has been able to measure time intervals with an accuracy of 1/10th of a second for over 50 years. In 2017, the manufacture revived the Defy El Primero and introduced a chronograph capable of measuring to 1/100th of a second.

Now the Defy Extreme is the brand's most modern and technical model in terms of design. Though generously sized at 45 mm across, the anthracite-gray titanium case appears slimmer on the wrist. Zenith achieves this effect with a fine, bead-blasted treatment.

Thanks to the practical quick-change strap system, it's easy to switch between the three different supplied strap options - a titanium bracelet, a rubber strap or a textile strap to create a fresh look.

Many details of this watch catch the eye. The dial is perfectly round on top but 12-sided beneath. The rectangular push-pieces are arranged in a "V" shape and have a sloping outer edge, a groove and a protective guard that is secured with a hex socket screw (a complex shape in itself). Plus, there's a quick-change strap system which, though undetectable from the outside, connects any of the three supplied straps to the case to look like an integrated attachment.

This story is from the May/June 2022 edition of WatchTime.

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