Introducing Zenith Unveils the Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli

The Defy collection represents Zenith’s boldest and most contemporary vision. Within this family, the Defy Extreme stands as the most technically ambitious expression, created to showcase advanced chronograph engineering within a highly architectural case. For this latest edition, Zenith introduces a new version featuring a lapis lazuli dial to mark its 160th anniversary.

The case measures 45 mm in diameter and 15.4 mm in thickness, with a lug-to-lug length of 51 mm. It is crafted from polished stainless steel and accented with microblasted yellow gold elements on the dodecagonal bezel and crown guards. The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the openworked architecture of the movement and the star-shaped oscillating weight. A screw-down crown ensures water resistance of 200 meters.

The dial is built on an openworked structure and elevated by counters crafted from natural lapis lazuli stone. The rich blue tone is punctuated by natural golden pyrite inclusions, making every dial unique. The layout features a small seconds display at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, and a 60-second chronograph counter at 6 o’clock, along with a linear power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock. Gold-plated hands and applied indices are treated with Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility, while the central chronograph seconds hand carries Zenith’s signature openworked star counterweight.

At the heart of the watch lies the El Primero 9004, an in-house automatic chronograph movement that operates at a frequency of 36,000 vph (5 Hz), while the chronograph regulating system runs at an extraordinary 360,000 vph (50 Hz). This construction allows the central chronograph hand to complete one full rotation per second, enabling clear reading of elapsed times down to 1/100th of a second. The movement delivers a power reserve of approximately 50 hours when the chronograph is not in use.

The watch is delivered with Zenith’s interchangeable strap system, allowing quick and easy changes between a polished stainless steel bracelet, a black embossed rubber strap with a folding clasp, and a black Velcro strap. The watch is limited to 50 pieces and is priced at CHF 32,900, which is equivalent to AED 131,600.

For more information, visit Zenith’s official website.