Zenith puts dazzling vibes on its Defy Midnight Watches For Women

Could there be a better place than Dubai to launch a new dazzling watch created especially for Women? Absolutely not!

There was magic in the air that night… The presentation of this new diamond pavé timepiece during LVMH Watch Week had an almost One Thousand and One Nights feel. Seeing as the Defy family has become Zenith’s signature design of recent years, the ladies’ version might be considered as a risk-free move these days, but that wouldn’t always have been the case. A less elegant silhouette that has an edginess not often seen in women’s watches of the last century, this is most definitely a piece for now. But let’s see if the new model is what we (the wearers) want from a contemporary timepiece for women.

Brutally functional machines dressed up in exquisitely bejeweled exteriors and romantic stories — or, in other words, watchmaking for women in the 20th century. The Swiss watch industry still has a hard time actually designing something women want. But things are improving, albeit slowly. There is an increasing number of women thinking of buying their first or next proper timepiece. This demographic, which was for many years almost too small to register, is now making its voice heard. And yet the selection of “real” watches designed for women is still pretty thin on the ground. Oftentimes, we are still forced to choose from either unisex watches or, worse still, downsized versions of men’s watches with a gemstone-paved bezel. But to which of these three categories does the Zenith Defy Midnight belong to?

The contemporary design

For me, the key to investing in your first watch is versatility. In that regard, you can’t go wrong with one of these new Zenith models. The most versatile watches can be worn with jeans and a t-shirt during the day, and with a backless gown during the evening. Undeniably the Defy Midnight is reliable for every occasion. You’ll always be able to style it up with literally anything you want. It’s simple and modern. Even if the design of the case was inspired by what was trendy in the late ’60s to early ‘70s. Its clean lines enable you to pair it with your everyday style for a dazzling twist.

The rich blue gradient acts as an exquisite backdrop to a beguiling celestial scene.

The dial, however predictable, is at least unapologetically feminine. The use of diamonds against the fading blue dial really works. Also luckily for those who like to check the date on their watches, the date window is placed at 3 o’clock but it doesn’t disturb the romantic minimalism of the overall design. This blue variation is probably the best one from this collection. The rich blue gradient acts as an exquisite backdrop to a beguiling celestial scene.

The color palette of the Zenith Defy Midnight is on-trend, and the design of this watch is simple and modern. The faceted 36mm Stainless Steel case reflects the light playfully, continuing the diamond theme begun on the dial. The bezel is set with 44 brilliant-cut diamonds, which surround a sapphire crystal lens for a glittering visage.

The Bracelet and straps

Zenith Defy Midnight comes with a bracelet that is well-known from men’s version. What’s more, the bracelet looks integrated with the watch case however it’s not. A smart mounting solution aids the visual continuity between the case and bracelet. So well done, in fact, it is barely visible. Zenith also highlights that this watch comes with a special box in which we can find three additional straps in different colors and different fabrics.

Women who have never changed straps/bracelets on their own before need not worry. Zenith states that everyone will be able to swap the straps easily without using any tools due to its new interchangeable strap system. The overall look of the ladies’ Defy has a masculine feel mostly due to its similarity to the men’s Defy. The Midnight is a more subtle take on Zenith’s iconic model and therefore is the downsized versions of men’s watch with a gemstone-paved bezel.

The movement

With more women paying attention to the technical aspects of watches, Swiss watchmakers would do well to provide their female clientele with something decent to look at on through the case back. Here, Zenith excels. In recent years, more brands have attempted to create complicated mechanical watches designed especially for ladies. When you get to the Defy Midnight’s movement, behind the case back you’ll find in-house Zenith Elite 670 SK caliber. The star-shaped rotor nicely decorates an automatic movement fitted with a silicon pallet-lever and escape-wheel. The power reserve is 50 hours, while the water-resistance of this watch is 10 ATM (100 meters).

Shine bright like a diamond?

Zenith is on its mission to attract more female followers. The Zenith Defy Midnight is a versatile sporty watch for the modern woman. But why is Zenith sure that women will be interested in buying the downsized versions of a men’s watch decorated with diamonds? Perhaps this independent woman will connect with the Zenith Defy Classic without even looking at the “feminine” alternative?

I have this feeling that Zenith Defy Midnight has not been designed for women. I feel it is more likely aimed at husbands or boyfriends who already have a Zenith watch and are looking for something for their wives/girlfriends. This is an unfortunate perpetuation of a patriarchally-led philosophy that I hope ceases to be an issue soon.

Despite it pandering to an old school strategy, the Zenith Defy Midnight is a risk-free design that goes well with pretty much everything. It’s a safe and predictable choice. But Zenith missed a trick. Instead of creating a powerful statement for contemporary women, this watch is a cliché, based on the well-known masculine style that is this brand’s signature design. More information via Zenith online.