The Zenith DEFY collection has been on something of a roll since its rebirth in 2017. As one of the fastest-growing collections within the Zenith catalog, it is also the brand’s currently favorite vehicle for experimentation. New materials, new (edgy) dials, and now a celebration of Haute Joaillerie, the Zenith DEFY family is fast becoming one of the most diverse and interesting in the industry.

Released with one eye on the holiday season when frantic gift-hunters are known to pull off convincing magpie impressions in search of something sparkly, the Zenith DEFY Classic and Zenith DEFY El Primero 21 have been treated to a stone-set skin just in time for the holiday season.

There are four models available in total, with two each from a different DEFY sub-family. Both Zenith DEFY El Primero 21 High Jewelry chronographs are presented in 18 karat rose gold cases. The first of which (pictured above) is set with brilliant-cut white diamonds and topped by a bezel decorated with baguette-cut white diamonds. The total diamond weight on this 44mm model is a pretty hefty 5 carats.

But if that’s not colorful enough for you, then the alternative is a case enlivened by small diamonds arranged in a seemingly random “snow setting” and a rainbow bezel comprising 44 VVS baguette-cut sapphires. Continuing the color-wheel theme are the hour markers, which are also made from colored sapphires. This ties together the external decoration and the internal display. Both of these models are powered by the El Primero 9004 Automatic movement, which boasts a 1/100th of a second chronograph function thanks to its 36,000vph operating frequency.

For a more contemporary look, the Zenith DEFY Classic High Jewelry models, both with 41mm titanium cases, are considerably less opulent. However, the white diamond-set DEFY Classic in titanium (seen in the picture above) is perhaps too subdued in comparison to its far fruitier release mates. While the rainbow-bezelled DEFY Classic version (pictured in the lead image) is not exactly a shrinking violet, the white strap and dull gray of the titanium housing does wonders to mute an otherwise loud affair. If I were able to choose which one I’d like to find in my stocking on Christmas morning, then that’d be the one for me. Not only would it match my multi-colored parachute pants, but also because if you’re going to rock a bejeweled timepiece, you might as well go the whole hog.

These extravagant members of the Zenith DEFY collection will go on sale at Harrods in October 2019. Although these pieces will not be officially limited, they will not be made in large quantities. Pricing has yet to be released, but we will update the article as and when we learn more. Discover the brand and its history at zenith-watches.com.