Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Magic Blue Review

Today's presentation is about the version of the Zenith Defy El Primero 21 which is - to my eyes at least - the most attractive one: titanium with a blue movement mainplate.



This type of galvanisation adds fascinating depth to and carves out the different layers of the movement, thus adding some extra spice to an already very attractive watch:



The colour is mirrored on the back as well, with a blued automatic winding bridge as well as rotor (this one... Zenith, why obstruct the view on the movement with all these useless star arms?):



As I hinted above, two arms less would not make this a lesser attractive movement...



Of course, Zenith offers three strap/bracelet versions, rubber and alligator/rubber straps as well as the brand's new titanium bracelet. Essentially, they nicely cover the easy-going, the universally elegant as well as the sporty use-cases:



First, the rubber strap: at first sight a bit surprising, the colour is rather bold, much like the idiosyncratic face cosmetics of the 'Blue Man Group'. This material is actually real rubber and not silicone as one often sees instead.



Like all of the Defy watches (and soem others), its fastened by the LVMH Group's deployant clasp, which according to Zenith's CEO Julien Tornare is the most comfortable they have come across:



I actually really like how the bright blue of the rubber strap balances the shiny blue hues of the dial - well done, Zenith!



Now comes the alligator strap, an elegant option which, however, is customised to correspond better with the sporty any tough conception of the Defy line:



This strap option is actually constructed as a sandwich between a black rubber carcass with a blue alligator leather insert. This way, Zenith retains the elegant impression of the alligator leather but maintains durability, sweat and liquid resistance as well as longevity:



The clasp is the same as for the pure rubber version. Note the rubber insert which extends to the pin holes. I have recently attended a product design meeting (for anther brand) with a rubber strap manufacturer, and I was surprised how much sophistication goes into the design of a rubber strap, particularly if it should be adorned with a leather (or other material) insert.



Due to the darker hue of this strap version the impression is distinctly different from the rubber one: the focus is firmly on the watch head, with the strap playing the role of a subdued, elegant background:



Finally, the really well-designed titanium bracelet:



I have dedicated a separate post entirely to the bracelet (please click here ), so I would simply conclude with a wrist shot:



It feels well-balanced on the wrist, and complements the blue-faced watch just like the rubber strap.

What is your favourite of the three?

Cheers,
Magnus