Bling-ing in style (and with a cause!): the Zenith Swizz Beatz Defy Edition Set No. 1

Aug 06, 2018,11:26 AM
 

Since a few years Zenith can count on the friendship (and support) of American rapper,  DJ and record producer Swizz Beatz from New York City. Considering himself an avid watch collector as well, Swizz Beatz got his creative talent aimed squarely are the new Defy collection - with a result that is not exactly 'classic' or 'elegant', but has a very vivid charm to it: I had the chance to get up and close with the complete Swizz Beatz Defy Set No. 1:



Swizz Beatz needs no introduction for those deeply into hip-hop music, where he is mostly known as - according to his American rapper and producer colleague Kanye West - "the best rap producer of all time". Indeed, his discography and more so the albums he produced for fellow musicians speak for themselves - as are his Grammy Award nominations and wins. Swizz Beatz is married to American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys.

When Zenith CEO Julien Tornare joined Swizz Beatz at Baselworld 2018 to present the full three watch set of their collaboration the lobby at the brand's booth was busting with people and an ever hotter air:



Even noted watch author Gisbert Brunner could not resist to be in the first row:



We have witnessed may such 'brand ambassadors' over time, but rarely do you see such a personal involvement to the level Swizz Beatz demonstrated: With perceptible pride and stamina he showed and explained the watches to the guests, patiently smiled at the cameras smartphones, and answered the questions of journalists. All too often I have seen such ambassadors dissappearing after the stage show, not so with Swizz Beatz, whom I could see many times later during the fair just mingling with the people at the Zenith booth. Very nice to see!



So, let's go back to the set of three watches: Swizz Beatz' artistic concept was to highlight the performance attributes of the Zenith watches by creating aesthetially very light cases accentuated with vibrant orange (to be honest, the concept looks like he had a long cigar session with one particularly notorious PuristS' moderator...).

All pieces have in common a gleaming white dial, orange accents on hands and indices (orange Super-LumiNova) and are worn on a white rubber straps with orange alligator leather insert.

The watches as well as the presentation case are inscribed with Swizz Beatz motto “Never let people tell you what you can’t do, because sky’s not the limit, it’s just the view”. I'll comment on that a bit later.



There are three different Defy references in this set (from left): A Defy El Primero 21 (in white gold and set with round and baguette cut diamonds), a Defy Zero G, (with a titanium case), and finally another Defy El Primero 21 (in a white ceramic case).

All watches with the serial number 1 are available as this set of three, while they can also be bought separately (with a different serial number, of course).

Let's start with the first one, the Defy El Primero 21 in a diamond-encrusted white gold case:



This one comes with a 44mm white-gold case that has been set with 288 round diamonds, and in addition to this a further 44 baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel. Suprisingly, this works quite nicely with the Defy case (you should see this watch with proper lightning, this is a spectacular, airy view!), the Defy case appears to be a a perfect stage for gem-setting.

The piece is limited to 5 watches.



The next one is the Defy Zero G in a Swizz-Beatized version, with a 44mm titanium case. At this time I have unfortunately no information a to whether the piece is limited.





Finally, the unusual one: The Defy El Primero 21 in a white ceramic case:



Limited to 25 pieces, this is perhaps the most unsual of the three (as far as Zenith is concerned, at least). The slightly ebony coloured case transmorphes, thanks to colour, almost seemlessly into the strap.



A side-view shows the Swizz Beatz inscription, here in orange:



Swizz Beatz' own life was troublesome at start, coming from a disrupted immigrant family and later being involved in violent bahaviour when at school, the artist still discovered his creative musical talent, got help and support from his uncles (both active in the music industry), only to become, as noted above, one of the most important and influential rappers and hip-hop producers. He later, in 2014, enrolled in and graduated from Harvard Business School's Owner/President Management executive programme.

Swizz Beatz is proud of having sensed the opportunities which were presented to him, and turned them into a high rising career for himself. Today, he supports children to take on education as a tool to raise themselves up. "It’s been a blessing coming from the Bronx, going to Harvard. A lot of people were saying why would you go to school? It’s never too late to get your education, further your education.” He continued by encouraging others to seek education as well. “Knowledge is power. It don’t have to be an Ivy League shool. Just as long as you’re doing your thing, do your thing.”

This is the foundation which fuelled his career. And I personally think this is perfectly expressed in his motto that is engraved on the watch cases as well as on the straps: “Never let people tell you what you can’t do, because sky’s not the limit, it’s just the view”.

... and then I look at this image below... how he looks at the watches, the hands of Zenith CEO Julien Tornare on his shoulders, Jean-Claude Biver smiling... Yes, I am pretty sure that the image reflects a short moment of thankfulness and friendship.



Does Swizz Beatz have a personal favourite from the set? I asked, and got this answer:


No, this is not the one in the left of the box. This is one is the first ever created, called the Defy El Primero 21 Swizz Beatz Edition Unique (with a special textile-on-rubber strap), and auctioned off with all proceeds going to Gathering for Justice, a non-profit organization founded in 2005 by Harry Belafonte to fight child incarceration and the racial inequalities in the justice system.

Put your money where your mouth is...

Thanks for reading,
Magnus


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I like the white ceramic Defy El Primero 21

 
 By: MTF : August 6th, 2018-17:33
If you're going for impact, the white and orange ceramic watch does it. I'm not into rapping or hip hop but appreciate strong deep beats. The sort that rumbles in your chest and breaks your speakers. Regards, MTF

I have no idea why brands need to associate themselves with celebs who most cannot identify with specially when collection seems fully capable of carrying its own weight on its own merit...

 
 By: redcorals : August 7th, 2018-06:35
....Only thing which comes to my mind is am I paying premium for these endorsements/appearances? Then again these $BB must have done their marketing and sales research to go that route. buyin into the social influencers phenomenon on separate thread perha... 

As far as I know, Swizz Beatz is not one of the 'expensive' ambassadors...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : August 7th, 2018-12:07
as he is a true freind of Zenith and a collector. But I get your sentiment in general - and agree! Magnus

Not bad looking Watches but the idea is useless!

 
 By: Makilla : August 8th, 2018-00:10
i don’t understand why Zenith needs to do this to sell a special edition box set. It’s completely non sense. Tanks for sharing anyway Magnus. Laurent

It´s nonsense

 
 By: Nicole_S : August 8th, 2018-07:16
because the idea behind it does not work. Zenith still has a lot to learn. Nici

Because it makes a silly excuse to produce a special edition!

 
 By: Makilla : August 8th, 2018-11:46
just like the Cohiba version pilot type 20. What does a pilot watch have to do with Cohiba cigars? I mean there’s no relation between these 2 whatsoever. Same goes for this box set. A brand shouldn’t just produce a special edition just for the sake of doi... 

That’s good at least!

 
 By: Makilla : August 8th, 2018-23:31
Basically if someone likes a particular piece, he won’t have to buy all 3 of them at a time.

Correct! [nt]

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : August 9th, 2018-01:09