Following the success of a first collaboration in 2020, Zenith asked Argentinian-Spanish street-artist Felipe Pantone to create the latest addition to the ‘Defy’ range. Manufactured in Switzerland with a 44mm black ceramic case, the DEFY 21 Felipe Pantone Edition showcases a kaleidoscopic version of the in-house El Primero 9004 automatic movement through an openwork design. To achieve the artist’s celebrated ‘visible spectrum’ style, Zenith used three-dimensional PVD coating to produce multi-colored bridges and a prismatic series of perfectly transitioning colors. Pantone shaped the hands of the watch to resemble lightning bolts, a recurring theme in his work. Another signature is the moiré optical effect produced on portions of the dial using laser-engraving and lacquering techniques. The “FP#1” engraved on the four corners of the case is a play on the name Felipe Pantone El Primero. To keep the focus on the chromatic dial, the artist opted for a textured black rubber strap with a grid pattern to match the grid pattern engraved on the bezel.
The DEFY 21 Felipe Pantone ($19,100) is available in a limited edition of only 100 pieces. Pre-order now at zenith-watches.com.
