The Zenith Defy Extreme E Copper X Prix

Released last year, the Zenith Defy Extreme has become the Le Locle-based brand’s most daring and robust watch, with an unmistakable look and a movement capable of recording elapsed times with insane precision. With such an aggressive, bold look, and its capacity to mix-and-match materials, it was also the perfect vehicle for collaborations and racing spirit. As the official timekeeper and a founding partner of Extreme E, the off-road racing series using electric SUVs in remote parts of the world, Zenith has released several special edition models, and the newest is here, the Zenith Defy Extreme E Copper X Prix. 

For the latest race of the 2022 Extreme E championship, the teams are heading far off the beaten path to South America, a first for the electric rally racing championship. One of the world’s foremost copper mining areas and one that is incorporating an innovative and sustainable approach to its operations, the Atacama Desert, Chile, sets the stage for the unveiling of the watchmaker’s third special edition watch commemorating an Extreme E race. And the classic innovative materials of the collection are now matched with earthy tones that recall the copper mines of the region, while incorporating recycled and upcycled elements from the championship.

The new Zenith Defy Extreme E Copper X Prix shares most elements with the classic version of the Defy Extreme, and mostly updates the materials and colours. This version is crafted in lightweight yet durable carbon fibre, including the crown and chronograph pushers. The pusher protectors as well as the twelve-sided bezel are made in contrasting microblasted titanium. The dial, openworked and revealing the movement through a tinted sapphire crystal, features coppery-brown accents that evoke the dry, rocky terrain and copper mines of the Chilean desert. The display consists of central hours/minutes, a small seconds at 9 o’clock, a 60-second and a 30-minute counter and the frenetic central seconds offering 1/100th of a second measurement and performing one rotation per second.

Under the hood of the Defy Extreme E Copper X Prix is the in-house, automatic, chronometer-rated calibre El Primero 9004. The main specificity is to push the signature high-frequency concept to a whole new level, with a two-regulator architecture. One beats at 5Hz and regulates the time. The other one, independent and activated together with the chronograph, beats at 50Hz or 360,000 vibrations per hour and is responsible for the 1/100th of a second chrono. The movement is also visible through the sapphire display back, emblazoned with the Copper X Prix logo.

These races are also bringing sustainability and environmental awareness to the forefront, and as such this edition of the Zenith Defy Extreme is worn on a rubber strap infused with materials of upcycled Continental CrossContact tires that were used in the first season’s races. Here, it features a black rubber central element surrounded by a brown Cordura-effect rubber inlay. It is also delivered with two additional straps in black rubber and black Velcro, which can be easily swapped with a quick strap-change mechanism.

The Zenith Defy Extreme E Copper X Prix will be produced in 20 Pieces and priced at CHF 26,900. For more details, please visit www.zenith-watches.com.