Wed 23 Apr 2014
Recently sold this Zenith Defy Classic Power Reserve watch, and realized that I never posted a review on it, even though I had posted a video review years ago. I had this watch for over 4 years, and really enjoyed the time I spent with it. It was one of Zenith’s more down-to-earth Defy designs, but still turned many people off with its unconventional looks. I was a big fan of this style, especially in all-silver.
The watch has a very “white-like” sheen to it, somewhat different than the usual brushed stainless steel. The knurled silver-white dial also gives the watch a sense that the dial is an extension of the case, and play nicely off each other.
The solid engraved stainless steel bezel has Zenith Stars inlaid into it, also in stainless steel. The watch features a Power Reserve indication at 1:30, small seconds at 9:00 and a date at 4:30. The date features an inside-mounted magnifier that aids in reading.
The watch is fairly thick, and the bracelet’s middle links feature matching Knurling that is also on the dial. This complements the watch very nicely and really balances out the design.
The back features a sapphire exhibition crystal, giving a very good view of the in-house Zenith Elite caliber 685SC which features 55hr power reserve, and 38 jewels. As stated on the back, the watch also features 300m water resistance, and is Swiss Made like all of Zenith’s watches.
The dial has no lume, but the hands have a small amount of lume at the times to give it some night time readability. The crystal is AR coated, and shows some blue tinge at the right angles. The applied alternative numerals and indices are gun metal colored and completes the watches’ play on multiple shades of grey.
Just one more shot here for good measure š
Finally the wrist shot. The 43mm case diameter is perfect for my wrists, though the bracelet is a bit uncomfortable. I didn’t get a shot of the hidden double-butterfly clasp, but it can dig into the wrist at times. It also does not have microadjustments. Overall its a cool-looking watch, with some serious in-house Swiss pedigree in there. If the style suits your fancy, well worth the money they are asking for them nowadays. I sure am going to miss mine!
