Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Zenith Defy Extreme Chroma Editions
Zenith is consolidating the Defy Extreme series position as its flagship for modern chronograph technology: high-frequency, modular construction, and an unmistakably contemporary design.
Zenith continues to evolve its high-frequency El Primero chronograph platform with two new references that combine the brand’s core technical identity with a sharper, more architectural use of colour. The Defy Extreme Chroma Limited Editions mark the next phase of the Chroma concept, introduced in 2022 with the Defy 21 Chroma and followed by the Chroma II series in 2023. This time, the design moves beyond ceramic cases to incorporate titanium and ceramic hybrids, built around Zenith’s most advanced chronograph movement, the El Primero 9004.
The Chroma versions of the Defy Extreme use the collection’s familiar, sharp, faceted, and multi-layered 45mm case design. One edition is made of microblasted titanium with black elements, while the other combines brushed and polished titanium with a white ceramic bezel, crown, and pusher guards. The form is recognisably Defy: a dodecagonal bezel, prominent pushers, and the robust structure that provides the watch with 200m water-resistance. The combination of titanium and ceramic adds visual contrast and keeps the large watch wearable thanks to reduced mass.
The openworked dial serves as both interface and window into the El Primero 9004 calibre beneath. The multi-layered structure reveals the gear train, bridges, and sub-dials without compromising legibility. The bridges are PVD-coated in a rainbow gradient, forming a visual backbone that extends outward through the applied elements. The hour markers are rhodium-plated and faceted, filled with a “rainbow” varnish gradient that shifts tone across the dial’s perimeter, subtle near the base, more vivid at the outer track.
The hands are equally technical: faceted, rhodium-plated, and filled with Super-LumiNova for legibility against the openwork background. The central chronograph seconds hand, completing one full rotation every second, is the visual anchor, its high-speed motion underscoring the 1/100th-of-a-second capability. Around it, the chronograph minute counter sits at 3 o’clock, the chronograph seconds counter at 6 o’clock, the small seconds at 9 o’clock, and the chronograph power reserve at 12 o’clock. Each sub-dial hand tip corresponds to the sub-dial’s chromatic gradient, aligning colour with function.
As mentioned, both references employ the El Primero 9004, a calibre that defines Zenith’s modern technical direction. Its twin escapement configuration, one at 5Hz (36,000 vibrations/hour) for timekeeping and another at 50Hz (360,000 vibrations/hour) for the chronograph, allows measurement of elapsed time to 1/100th of a second. The central chronograph’s seconds hand completes one full rotation of the dial every second, producing a distinctive mechanical rhythm that has become a visual signature of the movement. Power reserve is 50 hours, with separate barrels ensuring stable torque for each train.
Both watches are supplied with three interchangeable strap options: a rubber strap matching the case tone, a titanium bracelet, and a black Velcro strap. The quick-change system, standard on the Defy Extreme, makes transitions straightforward without the need for tools. Both models are limited to 100 pieces, priced at CHF 19,900 / EUR 21,600 / USD 20,600.
For more details, please visit Zenith-Watches.com.
