Zenith Defy Classic 41 SK Review - My Coolest Watch 

Not sure if you still have your Zenith or love it as demonstrably as you appear to have in past videos, but after a long engagement to the idea of one day buying the defy classic skeleton and then upon hearing of its discontinuation I finally bought this belting beauty. At a wrist circumference of 6.25 inches, albeit flat, I was concerned she would not fit because of the butterfly clasp, but it appears I have been lucky to enjoy near perfect adjustment. There is a lot going on, for what is essentially a 3 hander with date, but it is married together so perfectly is is very hard to find fault. The crystal disappears much of the time so it appears you could touch the open-work dial. The floating indices catch the light so amazingly that there can be no argument with legibility of the time at least. The blue of the seconds track changes hues in different lighting and is a delight. The bracelet is eye-catching to the maximum and feels as good on the wrist as it looks. I was not prepared for how light and comfortable it wears. It's as good as a jubilee for comfort. The lume is more than adequate and an unexpected bonus. For a sports watch people will say it needed a screwdown crown and that could be a point. I won't be diving or taking it in the pool though it should ok in the pool at least. I hope you continue to enjoy yours in good health, as I intend to do so. Vive Zenith Defy!

Recently bought this watch and really love it! No video can do justice to how this watch looks in real life. When you see the skeletal components in depth, you just cant stop yourself from looking at this watch. The dial and parts are of great quality and finish. I really can relate when Bruce said that you cant stop yourself from looking at this watch. Definitely a unique addition to any collection.

That purple wheel star rotating makes my mornings

"Star of the show". I see what you did there. It's a lovely watch. Mine gets plenty of wrist time.

Already had my eye on this watch and had to go back to this review while doing my research. Was really undecided between the ceramic and titanium, but I'm sold on that TI bracelet. I will be trading a couple of pieces to get this baby before Zenith decides to go upmarket like everyone else. I'm late to reply, but thanks Bruce for another great review.

Hi mate, I was actually looking at a speedy, but I looked at this watch when it first came out and all of a sudden it popped out from the back of my head, I watched your videos, and I was like; this is it!!! So I went ahead and bought it. One fact is good to know that it will be discontinued. I had a bit of debate whether I should swap it to a 2022 skyline series, with a “simplified” el primero movement, but I was like, no, this defy classic will not be around much longer, and there are always some years ahead to buy the skyline series. So yeah, I’m so happy about it. I watched all your videos on this watch and I do share the same satisfaction…this watch is ridiculously satisfying!!!

I’m still in love with my zenith Chrono sport classic cars 12 months on… so much light play, amazing finishing and overall quality.. zenith are doing a great job making fantastic watches 👏

Fun fact: Zenith makes the most accurate mechanical watch in the world

Nice too see Fed shoutout 👍🏻😁 Keep up the good job 👌🏻

Excellent review, imagery, and production. Really enjoyed this. You made it look better than most official shots I’ve seen. Wasn’t considering the SK at all before this as had my heart set on the blue dial, but how it looks here has given me something to think about.

Amazing visuals. Much appreciated. Healthy discussion of shortfalls (screw down crown, micro adjustment, power reserve, etc.). One suggestion - possible super quick mention of a few competitors at that price range. Fantastic video Bruce!

This is a truly brilliant watch for the price. Incredible to think the Bond Seamaster is £1200 more expensive!

Didn't think the intros could get anymore fire but they always slap🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Definitely one of your best videos Bruce. Lovely watch! Sounds crazy, but I think this suits you better than the Overseas. VC is an amazing watch for sure, but for the money I'd rather have the collection of pieces you've acquired with these funds. Question I do have for you is how this compares to the PRX. Obviously they are in different leagues, of course. Everyone talks about the PRX being akin to models from AP and PP, but it's actually much closer in resemblance to the Defy Classic. I have been wanting to add a Zenith to my collection for years and believe that I will finally do it in the coming months. I've always been torn between the Defy Classic and the Chronomaster (El Primero). Just when I thought I'd settled on the Defy, the Chronomaster Original came along and I absolutely love it. I'm thinking of picking up the e-commerce edition, and then adding a PRX just to scratch the Defy itch a little bit. Thoughts? My current collection contains many classic designs (or future classics), like the Speedy, Seamaster, BB58, and Sinn 104 - along with a couple of Grand Seikos. Love your channel, keep up the great work!

Congratulations Bruce, I love the date wheel and agree, screw down crown with 150 m water resistance like my Aqua Terra 💪

Best opening ever!!!

I love it and now want it :) been into zenith since a tried on the EP

"Star" of the show

Just bought this watch as well.. it was actually my first luxury watch I had in mind a few years ago and now I got it after a few other big purchases, but this is the nicest watch I have in my collection.. even nicer than my Rolex or AP.. You can't compare it though. They are so unique, sportive, very wearable and when you wind it, it sounds like a warm summer evening with crickets chirping on the background ;-) .

Totally agree. I liked this watch alot but i have to have screw down crown. Maybe when they update it? Would be nice to add the adjustments on butterfly clasp like zodiac does.

I remember commenting on Bruce's video when he bought his Vacheron Overseas, saying how overpriced it was when considering the Zenith Defy being available for a 1/3 of the price. This really proves how overpriced and overhyped the trinity brands really are. I got the Zenith Defy Classic (non-SK) myself and I just love the light play. It never gets old.

Hi Bruce- Great video for a watch I own and love. Have had it for 3 months now and still cannot get enough of the design, light play and all the things you mentioned. I have no negatives to report and I got a 25% discount off of list so well worth the money.

I just got one, its epic, thanks for the awesome review;-))

Superb watch. Zenith is very under-rated. Thanks for the video.

Soo nice. Congrats. I need that crazy winder thing from the opening shots!

great review. i'm gearing up to buy the night surfer edition. thought you were very articulate and i appreciate the way you express your thoughts. great vid, keep them coming! subscribed and liked!

Love the watch and the winder!

Great review, awesome watch. Have a great time with it, Bruce! I still love my black ceramic version with the black rubber strap as you do! I was travelling with it to Dubai last month and got lots of compliments on it at the local watch stores from different brands =) I'm glad Fed helped you picking up this beauty. Love his caricature on the boat! :D

Great video, Bruce! I have had this watch for approx. one month now, and I am loving it! I do agree with you on the sizing of the bracelet, but the rest of the watch more than makes up for this “issue”.

Such a cool watch. I got to try on and check out the defy 21 this models big brother and was super impressed. Same light play and detailing with the bracelet. Zenith is one of the best manufacturers in my eyes

Well Bruce, I just ordered this watch today and it’s all your fault, wasn’t even on my radar until I saw your video, at-least I have someone to blame when my wife see’s I have yet another watch :/ Anyway thanks for the great content, keeps us watch enthusiasts going!

Hi Bruce, I always enjoy your reviews, you're always so candid in speaking your mind. I nearly just bought one of these, but the Aqua Terra with the screw down crown, the extra 10 hours of power reserve, the extra heftiness from the steel case and of course, that light play off of that olive green dial, not to mention being ~ $1000 AU cheaper, proved too much of a winning combination to turn down. The screw down crown is important for another reason most people don't appreciate though. You try manually winding a non screw down crown watch with 100m or more water resistance. Then compare that to how much easier it is to wind a watch with a screw down crown (unscrewed down of course). I have the Zenith Chronomaster Sport so I know from where I speak.

Love this watch, it's on my grail list.

Wow...that Zenith looks amazing!

Great watch, Bruce! It's so interesting and fascinating. I would probably go for the classic blue dial, not skeletonized, just for a better legibility, but it's damn cool!

Absolutely fantastic and beautiful watch! Thank for great video

Hi Bruce, nice work as always. Does this configuration come with a rubber strap? Is there a quick release to change it?

My biggest issue with the Zenith Defy Classic is the lack of micro adjust. I really wish it had that.

Gotta have this watch. Putting a PP on auction at Sotheby’s to be able to afford it. ❤❤❤

Hey Bruce, love your videos. Was hoping you could let me know where you got this amazing watch winder from. Any help would be much appreciated. Keep up the great work.

Try the Defy21 which is like a chrono on speed. It’s just insane. But in a good way. Great on strap or bracelet. The blue dial really pops.

Bruce being a long time follower of yours. Great content! I'm currently thinking of adding a genta style watch into my collection. Considering the ML Aikon in PVD or this Zenith Defy. Is the Zenith worth it for the price about 5x more than ML? Anyway when are you going to review the new Zenith Defy Skyline? Waiting for it!

This watch is really eye-catching.

Man what a breathtaking piece of art! Zenith really knocked it out of the park with this open dial... also the polished edges on a titanium bracelet are a thing of beauty. I'm jealous Bruce 😍

I always wanted this watch but now I *need* it! 😍

congratulations....my dream watch by far...

It is simple for me: I like looking at that dial and the works beneath. It seems special.

Awesome review! What’s the winder in your intro I want one?!

Absolute beauty!

Such a beautiful piece and excellent presentation! The lume on the indexes was a nice little bonus

When i think of these new defy models i immediately think of Jean Claude Biver. So unique and revolutionary yet still classical in many ways.

Have this on the alligator/rubber strap. One of the best values for money on the market,

Nice review, Bruce. Watch is stunning. Rolling wrist shots are amazing. Only thing I could possibly prefer is the rotor be like the Chronomaster Sport, less obtrusive. And maybe nice heavy steel. But wow if that's all I can complain about... Oh! And have the AD offer it to me for the price of a Samurai. Perfect. 🤪

I want this watch. But I've purchased 2 watches this month. Wife would kill me.

Good video :) If you keep this watch for a year, I will buy this model :) Also I got already the 38mm El Primero 1969 edition, and for me Zenith proved to be a solid and quality brand. Bracelet on my model is amazing, but it does have half links. I am surprised if the bracelet on Defy Classic skeleton does not offer any half-links. Perhaps Zenith sells them separately :D

Zenith has the best rotor design period.

The dial looks like a cool wheel from a supercar maker

Nice watch!

That's lovely. 😍👍🏻👍🏻

Such a cool watch. I love it. Gotta go bracelet!

I ordered mine and it’s supposed to arrive next month. Can’t wait!

That is one stunning piece of wrist art! Beautiful

Amazing.I just may buy 1

Bruce, would you still get the titanium version if you were to buy right now or the new version with the el premiero movement and the quick change strap system?

Thanks Bruce for the excellent Marcos. I have one and couldnt help to notice that the lume is all C3 on mine. Yours has BGW9 on 6 oclock. Wonder if this is an updated ver?

What size is your wrist? Mine is 6.75 inches and I'm worried about purchasing it and then it won't fit well due to it not having 1/2 links or micro adjustments.

Could you choose between this and the Santos? Such different watches but both pack a punch and are a bit different.

How does is compare to your Vacheron Overseas in your eyes? I am aware that the Vacheron costs three times as the Defy Classic. But you seem even more excited about this Zenith!

Still love the watch, but couldn’t find a good fit so I bought the overly expensive rubber strap, and don’t forget the extra titanium pieces to fit it to the case: strap: 215 €, clasp: 410€ and zxtra titanium parts for the case fitting: 135€ and gues what, it still doesn’t fit well, it’s exactly the same to loose or to tight fit as with the bracelet! Try before you buy if you can. (i could not because sold out everywhere)

Im thinking about getting the El Primero (newest one) or this one... which one would you recommend for its bang for buck?! Thanks Bruce.

Crows like shiny objects too. No worries.

Power reserve is arguably the most over rated spec out there. That aside, this is a high frequency, 5hz movement, 50 hours of power reserve is very good for a 5hz movement. GS now offers a longer power reserve, but that movement is arguably a bit more finicky now. The longer your power reserve, the longer you need to wind, look at the latest from Oris. They’ve got a five day power reserve, but by many accounts, it’s not realistic to assume it’ll get their by self winding, you’ve got to do a lot of manual winding to get that five days of power reserve. Zenith, suggests that to get the full fifty hours, you need yo wear the watch for multiple days twelve hours a day. That’s in the manual online. Most people, I doubt they hit that. Should you hit that kind of wear time, PR becomes a moot point anyway. Screw down crown- I own an El Primero, it gets a good bit if wear time, but I don’t wear it to work where I do a ton of walking. Therefore, I do need to wind it regularly. It’s not the easiest thing to wind. Any watch I need to wind as part of a routine, I prefer a non screw down crown. There’s one less component to go wrong by way of stripping. Sometimes less is more.

Buy what you like and DEFY all re-sell value thoughts! The world of watches is pretty boring as it is with all investment talk, unobtainable watches beeing flashed on Instagram, Rolex this Rolex that.... Super cool watch by the way. Im happy you still love it!

That's a fabulous watch! I wasn't previously interested in the skeletonized dial, but this really makes me start to like it. I tend to disagree on the screw down crown. I figure that's important for a dive watch, but for a watch that doesn't market itself as a dive watch, probably less so. Zenith lists this one at 10 ATM water resistance as is, which they claim is "resistant to all water sports." That being said, like you, I'd probably go with a water watch for the water and this one for looking beautiful. It's like my Chronomaster Sport, 10 ATM, and I"m thinking, "I'm not wearing this kayaking. That's clearly why I have the Deepsea!" :-)

This is a unique piece. Well done!

Not normally a fan of open dial watches but that one pretty much kills it.... plus the the hands and indices still manage to look really legible.

the case and bracelet are perfect. but im not a fan of skeleton dial and the blue version doesnt do anything for me either... waiting patiently for more variety to come (i wish) like what they did for the ladies ones

I have wanted to buy this exact watch for some time now, but still have not pulled the trigger yet.

I like the simple dial defy classic. Brilliant watch. Bracelet is stunning too.

Love it. I have the blue dial variant. Simply ticks all the boxes. It’s a keeper for me

I have the El Primero Defi 21 in blue on a blue Alligator face rubber back strap, an absolute stunner. Forget about being a Rolex follower, although I have a Rolex day date Presidential on 18k yellow gold vintage 1989 and had it from new. Defi 21 high herology

I’m very curious to know why you wear your watches so loose. Does it bother you when it slips onto your wrist? No hate here, I’m honestly super curious!

Class, class, class! It's really hard to harmonize the skeletonized concept with legibility and Zenith got it perfect in this configuration. The "beefness" of the bracelet and the way it catches the light, man, beautiful! Having Fed in the context of the purchase adds a nice taste to the whole experience, I suppose. Great review!!!

Great video and intro. How does it compare to your Santos?

Thats a beautiful piece BW! My favorite watch is by Zenith, the Pilot Type 20. Great content 🙌

That's a beautiful watch and importantly on the skeleton its still very legible to read the time.

I think the biggest negative is it’s not very legible but it’s lovely and wish more companies made grade 5 titanium watches

Here is a question for you Bruce, and a tricky one. I have bought myself a lot of watches a bias towards Rolex and Omega, but also Tudor, Cartier, Grand Seiko and Vacheron. Looking to buy myself something different and have two watches in mind, one of which I know you have reviewed and you may have looked at the otter. Am torn between the Defy 21 or the JLC Polaris chrono. Similar price point and both from wonderful manufacturers. I also am torn to the ceramic Speedy Apollo 8, but with Omega being my favourite brand I may be in part sub consciously drawn to that as I am attracted to Omega like a moth to the flame! The other two have a smarter look I would say. I wear a suit for work, but dress very casually outside of work. Do all Defy models have quick release bracelet or is that just the extreme? Thanks Bruce. Dave.

Man it rocks

What will be a great price for this piece? USD 6k?

Can titanium finish on the band or dial be polished / buffed to remove damage or scratches down the road?

can't believe you sold this

Yes but when it’s time for the service, expect to be swindled out.

Why aren't they making different color dials ?

How much was this when it was still available on AD?

Would it be a good everyday watch?

Is this watch better then the chronomaster sport??

Excellent craftsmanship but not my style. I want to see the time. As for seeing the movement, that's what display case backs are for. It's like driving around in my Audi A6 with no hood so everyone can see the engine. Only my opinion. I think skeleton movements are OK on old style carriage clocks. This is heading into Hublot territory

Cool intro

I can imagine Gaff in Blade Runner donning this as he creates origami. "Too bad she won't live. But, then again, who does?"