Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II and Ultraviolet
Zenith expands its wildest chronograph collection with two striking new editions, combining natural stone, forged carbon, violet sapphire and the high-frequency El Primero 9004.
The Zenith Defy Extreme is not a watch designed for discretion. This most radical interpretation of the brand’s high-frequency chronograph features an oversized architectural case with an openworked display and offers a spectacle of a central chronograph hand completing one rotation every second. Since the series was introduced, Zenith has produced quite a few bold editions, like the colourful Pantone and Chroma models, the wildly reflective Mirror and Glacier, Desert and Jungle, a trio of hostile environment-inspired versions. The latest pair, the Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II and Defy Extreme Ultraviolet, continue the experimental approach.
The Lapis Lazuli II follows the steel-and-yellow-gold edition introduced at the end of last year. Its imposing 45mm case, measuring 15.4mm thick and 51mm lug-to-lug, now combines forged carbon and titanium. The irregular, matte carbon surfaces absorb light and emphasise the angular construction of the Defy Extreme, while keeping this substantial chronograph relatively lightweight. Water resistance is 200m.
The openworked dial is fitted with lapis lazuli chronograph counters, their intense blue colour and natural pyrite inclusions standing out against the dark carbon; contrast is the central theme. As every stone is different, the pattern and golden flecks vary slightly from one watch to another. Yellow gold-plated applied markers and faceted hands, both filled with Super-LumiNova, add another strong accent.
The Defy Extreme Ultraviolet features a dark grey, almost reflection-free case made from microblasted titanium. The dimensions and construction are identical, but the use of violet-tinted sapphire for the dial immediately changes the appearance and personality. Purple counters create a layered, almost transparent display, revealing parts of the movement underneath. The concept recalls the Defy 21 Ultraviolet of 2020, now offered within the far more aggressive design of the Defy Extreme.
Despite their contrasting looks, both watches share the same display. Central hands indicate the hours and minutes, with small seconds at 9 o’clock. The chronograph features a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a 60-second counter at 6 o’clock, with the power reserve displayed at 12. The real spectacle is the central chronograph seconds hand, which completes one full rotation every second.
This is made possible by the El Primero 9004 automatic calibre and its dual-escapement construction. The timekeeping mechanism runs at Zenith’s traditional high frequency of 36,000 vibrations/hour (5Hz). A second, independent escapement dedicated to the chronograph operates at 360,000 vibrations/hour (50Hz), allowing the chronograph to measure elapsed time to 1/100th of a second. The movement provides 50 hours of power reserve for regular timekeeping, while the chronograph has approximately 50 minutes of autonomy. On the Ultraviolet, the star-shaped rotor is finished in matching violet.
Both models also feature Zenith’s interchangeable strap system. The Lapis Lazuli II comes with a black rubber strap and an additional black Velcro strap. The Ultraviolet is worn on a violet rubber and is sold with a microblasted titanium bracelet and a black Velcro strap. Limited to 25 pieces, the Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II is priced at CHF 32,900 or EUR 36,800. The non-limited Defy Extreme Ultraviolet is priced at CHF 17,900 or EUR 20,200. For more details, please visit zenith-watches.com.
