Zenith Defy 21 Chroma II

While it may not be a household name, Zenith is certainly a known quantity within the watch world, and particularly so within collecting circles. The primary reason? The El Primero. This special movement helped usher in the era of the automatic chronograph in 1969, with a side effect being that certain other notable Zenith developments don't necessarily get the recognition that they deserve. Such is the case with the Defy collection, which debuted the very same year as the El Primero The Defy collection spans an almost shocking array of references: From the beloved, vintage-inspired Revival darlings through the crazy Defy Extremes and Defy 21s, these envelope-pushing designs prove that Zenith is more than simply a one-trick pony. Check out this incredible Defy 21 Chroma II, for example: Limited to 1,000 pieces across two colorways, this oversized 44mm black ceramic chronograph features an octagonal bezel, a sapphire crystal, dual 'paddle' pushers, and a large winding crown. Its transparent dial is ringed with a multi-chromatic decimal scale, while the main event is a rainbow-colored movement, the El Primero Calibre 293. Beating at 5Hz, this high-beat engine is finished with multi-color bridges and componentry, making for a striking visual feast when offset agains the watch's deep black case and totalizers. Paired to a black rubber strap with rainbow stitching comes with its inner and outer boxes, papers and pamphlets, and warranty card. A rare example of the Le Locle-based maison's stunning savoir-faire, it's the perfect high-tech watch for someone who appreciates avant-garde horology.