Produced between 1971-73 in very limited numbers, the Zenith Defy Gauss is now only beginning to get the recognition it deserves from collectors (in strong part to mdwe and the lurkers trying to copy) Production levels in total of; 950 for the silver dial; 600 for the blue; 550 for the black- in which dials were made of anti-magnetic material.
Like the standard tonneau defy, spaceman, and tv case in same production period, the Gauss featured a Zenith caliber 2562pc shock resistant protected high frequency 28.8k movement. The aggressive and futuristic 38mm unpolished steel tonneau case was water resistant to 300m (superior to the Rolex Milgauss of similar production period).
This example is on an unpolished Gay Freres 22mm tapering mono link lobster bracelet with ZR lug stamp and 1971 production year, the first year of production of the Defy Gauss.
There just is not that many good examples of these left, in that many have been separated from their faraday cages over time. Features the original and correct Zenith crown which most found examples have been replaced in service as these were heavily worn pieces designed for engineers around strong magnetic fields.
As many of you know I am a huge Yankees fan and I am also a sucker and a half for a good blue dial stainless piece and having this piece in my collection in a blue dial was an absolute must. This was purchased from the original owners son in Europe several years ago and although it does not get the wrist time it deserves, it is a cornerstone of my collection I will never sell.
-Uncle C
Lovely pieces! Both the write-up and the watch. I was never into steel sport watches, but seeing and reading more about the Defy is changing my perspective. So much care and engineering that seems way ahead of its time. I guess we should be thankful that the sheep aren't much onto them quite yet. Also, I still don't get the hype over Gerald Genta's designs, but that's probably another topic. Lol.
Brilliantly written. Lobed reading it. Thank you