Zenith Defy Inventor as seen at Baselworld 2019
Here at Baselworld 2019, Zenith turns things a bit upside down in the watch world with the unveiling of its new Zenith Inventor watch. The watch houses the brand’s patented “Zenith Oscillator” control system oscillator that replaces the traditional sprung balance and eliminates approximately 30 components to offer single monolithic oscillating device made of silicon. The new oscillator beats at a high frequency (18 Hz) and offers reliability , stability and enhanced chronometric precision. Making it even more alluring is the fact that the case is crafted on lightweight titanium and features a bezel made of Aeronith (an aluminum-polymer composite said to be the lightest on Earth).
Making the watch even more intriguing is the fact that the open-worked dial offers grand architecture. With all of the high-tech materials and the new regulating organ, there is no need for lubrication and the watch is impervious to magnetic fields.
Zenith Defy Inventor with Monolithic regulating organ is made of Aeronith (the lightest aluminium composite in the world
The watch’s roots date back two years to 2017 when Zenith unveiled Defy Lab, an ‘archetype’ regulated by a “revolutionary oscillator developed by the Manufacture and issued in a 10-piece limited edition.” Now Zenith moves from R&D and trial stages to actual production with the oscillator. The Zenith Defy Inventor beats, as mentioned, at an extremely high frequency of 18 Hz (compared to the usual 4 Hz usually. It offers two days of power reserve. Because the oscillator is a single piece it it replaces about 30 parts typically found in a standard regulating organ. This eliminates friction, wear and tear. And because it is made of silicon, it is anti-magnetic and resistant to temperature variations.
Additionally, the escape wheel is made of “flexible blades, a first in the watch industry. These exceptional qualities are triple certified: for magnetic insensitivity (ISO- 764), thermal insensitivity (ISO-3159) and chronometric precision (TIMELAB – Foundation of the Geneva Laboratory of Horology and Micro-engineering).”
Zenith Defy Inventor watch with Aerolith bezel and silicon monolithic regulating organ.
DEFY INVENTOR TECHNICAL DETAILS
Reference: 95.9001.9100/78.R584
KEY POINTS
Monolithic regulating organ made of Silicon (compared with 30 or so components of a standard regulating organ)
Bezel made of Aeronith (the lightest aluminium composite in the world), High frequency of 18Hz (129’600 VpH), No need for lubrification, Insensitivity to magnetic fields
Triple certification:
- – Insensitivity to magnetism (ISO-764)
- – Insensitivity to temperature gradients (ISO-3159)
- – Chronometer Certified by TimeLabMOVEMENT: Zenith Oscillator ZO 9100, Calibre: 14 1⁄4 “` (Diameter: 32.80mm), Movement thickness: 8.13 mm
Components: 148, Jewels: 18, Frequency: 129’600 VpH (18 Hz), Power-reserve: min. 50 hours, Finishing: Oscillating weight adorned with “Côtes de Genève” motifFUNCTIONS
Hours, minutes and central seconds (stop second mechanism)CASE: Diameter: 44 mm, Diameter opening: 35.5mm, Thickness: 14.5mm,Material: Brushed titanium with Aeronith bezel, Water-resistance: 5 ATMCrystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystalDial: Blue Openworked, Hour-markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova® SLN C1 Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova® SLN C1STRAP & BUCKLE: Black rubber with blue alligator leather coating Titanium double folding clasp
