Zenith has announced the Defy Zero G Sapphire, which features a "Gravity Control" escapement module that operates without being affected by gravity and a transparent sapphire crystal case to house it. This model commemorates the 160th anniversary of Zenith's founding, and one of its highlights is the lapis lazuli dial, which reflects this anniversary.
The latest "Zero G" model incorporating "gimbal" technology has been released
To commemorate its 160th anniversary, Zenith has announced the Defy Zero G Sapphire, which incorporates the Zero G technology that attracted attention when it was first released in 2008. Zero G is a Gravity Control escapement module that operates without being affected by gravity. The new model features a sapphire crystal case, which makes the distinctive Gravity Control escapement module appear to be floating in the air.
Manual winding (Cal. El Primero 8812). 36,000 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Sapphire case (diameter 46mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 2838 million yen (tax included).
Manual winding (Cal. El Primero 8812). 36,000 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Sapphire case (diameter 46mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 2838 million yen (tax included).
Gravity control escapement module technology debuted in the Zero G in 2008, was miniaturized in 2018, and redesigned in 2021 before being adopted in this model. The inspiration for this technology comes from the "gimbal" found in marine chronometers, a symbol of high-precision timepieces. A gimbal mechanism consists of a link with a degree of freedom, and the attached weight moves under the pull of gravity, keeping the object horizontal. By incorporating the gimbal structure into a watch, the watch's components are kept in an ideal position, maintaining precision.
The technical highlight of this watch is the gravity-controlled escapement module, which incorporates a gimbal structure. It took about seven years of development to realize this idea, and related patents have also been obtained.
The most complex part of this module is the process of transmitting torque from the barrel to the escapement. Torque is transmitted to the gravity control escapement module via an intricate train of conical bevel gears. To maintain a constant rotation speed regardless of the module's inclination, the bevel gears are attached to a miniaturized differential gear, ensuring stable transmission of drive torque to the escapement.
Also noteworthy is the sapphire crystal case
This watch features a sapphire crystal case, allowing its transparency to fully appreciate the watch's special mechanism. The skeleton design of the Caliber El Primero 8812 movement also contributes to enhancing the enjoyment of viewing the movement. The movement features Zenith's signature star-shaped bridge, adding to the watch's iconic silhouette.
The lineup includes two models: a colorless transparent model and a deep clear blue model. The offset hour and minute displays and small seconds are displayed on a lapis lazuli dial celebrating the company's 160th anniversary, and faceted hour markers coated with luminous paint are placed on the dial.
