Zenith defies expectations as soon as once more with the extraordinarily reflective Defy Excessive Mirror, which is one other iteration of the model’s ultra-high frequency chronograph. Watch fanatics and chronograph collectors will definitely recognise this as one other spin on the dual-escapement dual-mainspring 1/100^th of a second chronograph, which is now the one such chronograph in sequence manufacturing. In its debut guise because the El Primero 21 in 2017, the watch launched the calibre 9004, which is correct on the coronary heart of this horological gem. We are going to return to the motion momentarily however type should take priority right here as a result of, effectively, simply have a look at it. 

Extremely polished instrument watches are nothing new however the Zenith Defy Excessive Mirror takes reflective surfaces to a brand new stage, if the images are something to go by (we might be taking pictures this watch quickly so look to the approaching problem of WOW Singapore for our ideas on the watch within the steel – Ed). Zenith calls the Excessive Mirror the “final, ultramodern camouflage watch” and we are able to solely assume that which means that the watch can have a kind of chrome-like end, regardless of being fully cased in stainless-steel. Suppose maybe of the enduring sheen of sure memorable up to date watches from the likes of Chanel and Rado for some context, though each these manufacturers have been utilizing a kind of ceramic to create the impact. 

Itself no stranger to materials experiments, Zenith as a substitute opts for uniformity on this mannequin, with all the things from crown and chrono pushers to case center and bezel in the identical metal. As you’ll be able to see, this metal has apparently been polished so totally as to problem the attention. For the final word expertise, the bracelet appears to be like promising however as a result of that is Zenith, there are alternatives. The Excessive Mirror has the same old interchangeable strap system and comes with two further straps: rubber with folding buckle and Velcro.

The potential brilliance of the Excessive Mirror is exactly why Zenith is touting camouflage credentials right here, which has us pondering that this watch is perhaps the polar reverse of the stealth all-black watch (pioneered by Hublot), whereas primarily having the identical impact. The very brightness of the mannequin would possibly render it invisible, besides in its timekeeping and chronograph capabilities. Provided that the three-dimensional multi-level dial additionally sports activities some mirror results, the openworked fingers with SuperLuminova SLN C1, the markers and the chronograph tracks all seem to hover in a fetchingly ethereal style. The proposition right here is that this may maintain issues good and legible.

Now for these of you who don’t recall, right here is the tl;dr on the chronograph motion. It’s successfully two watches in a single, with one a part of the motion (powered by a 5 Hz escapement) dealing with common timekeeping, whereas one other half handles the chronograph (powered by a 50 Hz escapement). Each elements have their very own mainsprings as effectively, which means any 1/100^th of a second chronograph watch powered by the El Primero 9004 has two actions in a single watch. There isn’t any want for clutch techniques right here, consequently, and it’s not actually a modular system both. One vital consequence for homeowners right here is remembering that the chronograph runs by itself practice, and is definitely manual-winding. This is the reason the chronograph, with its shorter energy reserve, has its personal energy reserve indicator on the dial.

Lastly, the Excessive Mirror bears the excellence of a brand new naming conference, with Zenith selecting to drop the ‘21’ from the identify; it was referred to as the Defy El Primero 21 in 2017, and was most lately obtainable within the Defy 21 Chroma guise (the one model nonetheless in inventory, in keeping with the Zenith web site). Not like some earlier iterations of the 1/100^th of a second chronograph, the Excessive Mirror shouldn’t be a restricted version. Moreover, it’s obtainable on-line from Zenith and in Zenith boutiques, plus authorised retailers. 

Motion: El Primero 9004 with twin escapement chronograph; 50-hour energy reserve (time solely); 50-minute energy reserve (chronograph solely)
Case: 45mm in mirror-polished metal; waterproof to 200m
Strap: Polished metal bracelet with folding clasp, plus two extra – rubber and Velcro
Worth: CHF25,900

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