Zenith’s new ladies’ collection is as versatile as is it vivacious.

Collectors of an earlier vintage would remember the days – and the type of watches – that Zenith used to court women with. Decidedly flamboyant, the brand’s feminine creations were typically primed for attention; dials adorned with swirly Arabesque numerals, vampy colours and stones, and heart-shaped windows that offered a peek into the movements. With those watches consigned to memory, given Zenith’s latest round of product streamlining, the brand appears to be changing tack as it attempts to entice women back into its fold, with a subtler approach that dials down on previous collections’ ostentation while staying seductive.

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And Zenith’s latest, long-awaited weapon of choice? The new Defy Midnight collection. The brand describes the new collection as “sporty-chic” and it is not too far off the mark. Framed by the Defy’s signature round-in-tonneau case shape, accentuated by sexy, pronounced angles, and alternating brushed and polished finishing that highlight the unique profile, the Defy Midnight watches certainly exude casual luxury, though we wouldn’t exactly call it sporty ourselves.

That said, it’s not a bad thing that athletic appeal isn’t the first thing that comes to our minds. Instead, we believe the Defy Midnight’s true allure rests in its unfussy glamour. The stainless steel case is set with diamonds on the bezel for a touch of bling and, sized at 36mm, radiates presence without being overbearing. Elsewhere, the dial takes things up a notch with a sprinkling of stars (some of which glow in the dark) and vertically gradated effect that evoke the night sky, along with diamond-set hour markers that add to the dazzle.

For its debut, the Defy Midnight offers only time and date displays, powered by Zenith’s in-house Elite automatic movement with 50-hour power reserve. The watch’s ‘basic’ set-up, backed by a proven engine, keeps things simple at the backend while allowing for the rest of the watch to shine. And the Defy Midnight more than makes up for its pared down functionality with its multifaceted personality.

First, the watches come in a choice of navy, black or white dials (the latter in mother-of-pearl), each just as resplendent and full of character. After you’ve settled on your preferred dial option, you can customise your own Defy Midnight by pairing it with a bracelet, or a selection of satin or leather straps in a variety of colours. Each Defy Midnight comes with three additional coloured straps and interchangeable folding clasp, which you can easily swap, thanks to the watch’s quick strap-change mechanism located at the back of the bracelet and strap.

So, would you like a Defy Midnight that exudes classy evening wear sophistication? Or do you fancy something a bit more capricious and colourful? Zenith leaves the decision, quite literally, at your fingertips.

Case	36mm stainless steel
Dial	Gradient blue, grey or mother-of-pearl
Movement	Self-winding Elite 670
Strap	Stainless steel with interchangeable strap system. Comes with 3 different coloured straps
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power Reserve	48 hours
Price	With diamonds on bezel S$15,600, without diamonds on bezel S$12,700

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