Just shortly after announcing the release of a boutique-only Zenith Defy Classic special edition, the LVMH-owned brand is back in the news once more with the release of the Zenith Defy Classic Watch Exclusively For Farfetch. Farfetch is one of the world’s premier shopping destinations (both online and now in the physical world, too) for cool-hunters in search of high-end fashion and watchmaking alternatives to the items found more frequently on the high street. In keeping with the modern bent of Farfetch, the Zenith Defy Classic Watch Exclusive is a hyper-modern white ceramic version of what is fast becoming Zenith’s go-to collection.
The partnership between Zenith and Farfetch is now one year-old, and, following a successful first go around the Sun, both the brand and the retailer feel that the new Zenith Defy Classic watch in white ceramic is the perfect way to mark such an occasion.
Originally launched in 1967, the Defy collection returned in 2017 before it shot to the top of the industry’s consciousness as the new/old housing for the Zenith Defy Lab 15Hz concept watch. Since then, the case has become a mainstay in the Zenith catalog and has been the basis for collaborations before (including a particularly attractive and wisely subtle team-up with Land Rover).
Given its old-school origins, it is no surprise that the Defy range has a bit of vintage flair to it. By making the 41mm case from white ceramic, however, the watch, with its characteristic spider web dial, looks like something from the future. Through the skeletonized dial, Zenith’s Elite 670 SK caliber can be seen. Boasting a silicon escape-wheel, an operating frequency of 28,800vph, and a minimum power reserve of 50 hours, this automatic watch is as reliable a timekeeper as it is a conversation starter.
One of the more interesting aspects of this release is the partnership at the root of it. Julien Tornare, the CEO of Zenith, said, “Enhancing our online presence is a key element of Zenith’s strategy going forward, and our partnership with Farfetch is the ideal embodiment of this philosophy. As aware as we are of the importance of our proud tradition, we are equally excited about being part of this important initiative.”
Exploring new online channels is something that many established luxury brands have shied away from. But it would seem that times are changing, and the growing credibility (and barnstorming effectiveness) of reputable high-end destination stores online offer an avenue to accessing a new audience that cannot be ignored. Exploring these partnerships through limited-edition offerings is also a smart move, as it allows the success of the partnership to be better gauged on both sides (for example, a brand’s presence on Farfetch may result in a spike in sales, but it would be very difficult to ascertain whether or not this was directly the result of that new presence if the core collection was all Farfetch had to offer). The new Zenith Defy Classic Watch Exclusively For Farfetch retails for $7,500 and is available now. With a relatively accessible price (given the average cost of Farfetch’s inventory) and a striking, fashion-forward design, limited to 25 pieces, it seems likely that this watch will fly off the shelves. To discover more about Zenith and the Defy collection, please visit zenith-watches.com.
