Zenith Watches & Swizz Beatz host official launch for new Defy collection in NYC

Press Release

Zenith Watches & Swizz Beatz host official launch for new Defy collection in NYC

To launch the highly-anticipated new Defy collection, Julien Tornare, CEO Zenith and Recording Artist and Producer, Swizz Beatz joined forces to host a celebratory event at the historic Angel Orensanz Center in New York City.

The evening featured an exclusive presentation to mark the unveiling of the Defy El Primero 21 and the Defy Lab, a legendary creation that made a significant impact on the future of watchmaking earlier this fall.

An extraordinary evening focused on innovation and performance, attendees were presented with a unique experience to gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship behind a Zenith watch, as watchmaker benches were brought in for guests to assemble and dismantle a Zenith movement.

The event highlight was undoubtedly the dramatic release of a state-of-the-art DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone from above the crowd of partygoers, delivering a one-of-a-kind version of the all-new Defy El Primero 21 Swizz Beatz Edition Unique that drew all eyes. On this magnificent timepiece, the vibrant orange of the strap is echoed by the use of orange accents on the gleaming white dial, nestled in a 44 mm white gold case fully set with a spectacular 288 round diamonds, and complemented by 44 baguette-cut counterparts on the bezel. Both strap and bezel are inscribed with an inspirational quote from the music visionary: “Never let people tell you what you can’t do, because sky’s not the limit, it’s just the view”. Part of a new and fascinating chapter in time measurement and in keeping with Zenith's 150-year tradition, the Defy El Primero 21 Swizz Beatz Edition Unique also features a creative design approach to the 100th of a second chronograph.

A subtly modified version of this statement piece – the Defy El Primero 21 Swizz Beatz Edition – has been issued in a five-piece limited edition, of which the No.1 sat proudly on the wrist of Swizz Beatz himself, who commented: “Zenith is the brand of confidence. It's also the brand that has mastered the art of time and quality. Zenith is the brand of the future and I'm happy to be a part of it with Mr Biver and Julien. Sky's not the limit, it's just the view.”

Throughout the evening, guests were invited to participate in a raffle for the Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Swizz Beatz Unique Edition, with proceeds donated to support the Gathering for Justice, an organization founded in 2005 by Harry Belafonte, that aims to build a movement to end child incarceration while working to eliminate the racial inequities in the criminal justice system. To round off the evening, Julien Tornare and Swizz Beatz presented the proud winner with this one-of-a-kind creation exemplifying the new generation of Zenith chronographs.

Julien Tornare, Zenith CEO, said “I am thrilled and really glad to share this event with our great friend Swizz to benefit the Gathering for Justice. Zenith is experiencing a fantastic year of success and sharing it is part of our values.”