Defy Xtreme Tourbillon Zero-G

Feb 23, 2008,05:14 AM
 

 

 

Finding the system that will do for wrist watches what the Tourbillon did for pocket watches is one of the great challenges of the 21st Century. Since the beginning, the best watchmakers have tried to defy the effects of gravity, that sworn enemy of accuracy. In a veritable technical revolution, ZENITH Manufacture has devised the Zero-G system, in other words zero gravity! The gyroscope cage Tourbillon comprises an escapement mounted on cardan joints rather like marine chronometers. The instrument, which is sensitive to changes of position, is kept in a constant horizontal position, thereby ensuring optimal amplitude for the spiral balance-wheel. Coordination is provided by an invention patented by ZENITH:  a second gear train is the reference point for the swinging of the escapement axles and a differential gear with inverter compensates all the relative movements of the framework. The Zero-G Tourbillon, whose cage alone comprises 166 of the 294 parts that make up the device, 10 conical geared wheels with spiral teeth and 6 ball-bearings, was developed from the El Primero automatic caliber that beats at the record speed of 36,000 vibrations an hour.

 

Bringing the Tourbillon Zero G and the Defy Xtreme range together produces an unforeseen design, a perfect alchemy of engine and bodywork. A figure 8 on its side, symbolising infinity or a lucky number, is drawn around the hours and minutes display at 11 o’clock and around the opening of the phenomenal Tourbillon at 5 o’clock. A multi-layered dial of Hesalite glass, carbon fibre and aluminium beneath two sapphire glasses, a blackened titanium case that is waterproof at 1000 meters, a black shot-peened titanium case, a protected crown, helium valve and titanium bracelet with Kevlar inserts and high-temperature resistance are the features that make this an extreme sports timepiece. A new star at the zenith of the firmament, available in a numbered series and with the 2008 millésime.

 

Caliber              NEW El Primero 8800

Automatic movement with unique gyroscopic system that ensures perfect horizontal positioning of the regulating organ                

Gyroscopic cage made of 166 components, 10 conical-geared wheels (with 6 spherical wheels) & 6 ball bearings

36’000 vibrations per hour

45 jewels

Power reserve over 50 hours

Measures short time intervals to a 10th of a second

Automatic winding in both directions

Excentered rotor, in Platinum, on ball bearings

 

 

Functions          Hour and minutes excentered at 11 o’clock

Gyroscopic cage with second indicator at 5 o’clock

 

 

Case                 Black Titanium case

Diameter: 46.5 mm. Height: 21.4 mm

                        Black Titanium screw-in crown with specific protecting device 

Sapphire-blasted Titanium bezel

Helium valve at 10 o’clock

Black Titanium case back

Water-resistance up to 1’000 meters

 

 

Dial                  Multi-layered dial made of Hesalite transparent glass , carbon fiber and aluminium

 

 

Crystal                   2 front sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating on both sides               

                        1 sapphire glass at the back with anti-reflective coating        

 

 

Hands               Black hour, minute & second hands with red Superluminova inserts
           

           

Bracelet           High-temperature resistant bracelet in Black Titanium, with Kevlar© lateral inserts

 

 

Buckle               Brushed black titanium triple folded clasp

 

 

 

EXCLUSIVE NUMBERED EDITION

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

Basel 2008: The Zenith Defy Xtreme collection

 
 By: SJX : February 23rd, 2008-05:11
Playing the sportiness card boldly and elegantly, the Defy collection entered the ZENITH galaxy like a shooting star. This avant-garde timepiece, all power, stands for luxury and good taste but also for strength and longevity. The Classic/Xtreme duality f...  

Defy Xtreme Tourbillon Zero-G

 
 By: SJX : February 23rd, 2008-05:14
Finding the system that will do for wrist watches what the Tourbillon did for pocket watches is one of the great challenges of the 21 st Century. Since the beginning, the best watchmakers have tried to defy the effects of gravity, that sworn enemy of accu...  

Not very sure that it serves the cause of the Tourbillon

 
 By: amanico : February 23rd, 2008-05:35
Thanks, SJX, for sharing. But I have some doubts for many years now about the direction taken by Zenith... This last watch is...well, I am ...speechless! LOL And not because I love it, or find it appealing. But, as always, tastes.... Best. Nicolas PS... I... 

Nicolas, you are very ignorant

 
 By: SJX : February 23rd, 2008-05:46
The rationale for the tourbillon is to ensure you can lead the Zenith lifestyle like this... " 300,000 Euros? Pfffft. My sunglasses cost 500,000 Euros!" And when you are not on your boat... You are getting ready to wage war on terror. This message has bee...  

Damn, you're right, SJX!

 
 By: amanico : February 23rd, 2008-05:49
I should have seen these pics before typing! That why I'm happy to learn each day! One more but last question: If I buy it, I will get the girls, the boat and the plane??? Not that expensive, finally.... I'm so ignorant... Best. Nicolas

Yes!

 
 By: Moses. : February 25th, 2008-17:03

So am I. I haven't a clue what the press release is trying to say.

 
 By: SJX : February 24th, 2008-02:53
Perhaps one must lead the Zenith lifestyle in order to understand. - SJX

Since Zenith dares to quote Nietzsche...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : February 23rd, 2008-14:20
... I may follow this noble example with another important quote of the great philosopher, that he might have said when looking at this interesting zenith tourbillon: "To forget one's purpose is the commonest form of stupidity." Regards, Marcus

Touché . . .

 
 By: Dr No : February 24th, 2008-11:36

Amazing piece [nt]

 
 By: Davo : February 26th, 2009-18:34

Defy Xtreme Sea

 
 By: SJX : February 23rd, 2008-05:20
...  

Defy Xtreme Stealth

 
 By: SJX : February 23rd, 2008-05:20
Inspired by the Stealth Bombers that no radar can detect, the Defy Stealth did not in fact go unnoticed when it took the Public Award at the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie in Geneva. This year, ZENITH is pushing the boundaries even further, and presenting a n...  

Stealth: not detected by radar, but shot down by a simple, old-style bullet ...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : February 23rd, 2008-14:23
... the best place for this watch to remain as stealthy as possible is a vault - hidden until maybe a future generation of archealogists may discuss its sense. Regards, Marcus

ROFL, Marcus! nt

 
 By: amanico : February 23rd, 2008-14:24

Possible counterfeit Zenith Defy Xtreme Open??

 
 By: jbfrench1 : October 11th, 2009-09:29
Can anyone advise if the following version of the Defy Xtreme Open Stelath with date is genuine? I can't paste a photo here, so instead offer this link: *****PER FORUM RULES, PLEASE DO NOT LINK TO AUCTION SITES OR ITEMS THAT ARE LISTED FOR SALE**** In the... 

It is difficult to verify from the auction images

 
 By: SJX : October 11th, 2009-22:02
The only way to be certain is to purchase from an authorised dealer, or from an online dealer that you know and trust well. - SJX

I'm crying and not just for Zenith....

 
 By: Dje : February 23rd, 2008-06:36
...as they are far from being alone and unique! It also reminds us where others could finish (finish is the word IM and sad O). Cheers Dje

True Dje all true

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : February 23rd, 2008-08:20