The Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli stands as a remarkable celebration of technical prowess and artistic expression, unveiled in a limited edition of 50 pieces to honour the brand’s 160th anniversary. This watch exemplifies Zenith’s pursuit of horological innovation, combining a daring design with one of the most sophisticated chronograph movements available today. The Defy Extreme’s bold, architectural case and its celestial blue lapis lazuli dial coalesce into an object both striking and precise, where every detail is meticulously crafted to highlight Zenith’s mastery.
The dial is a captivating spectacle, crafted from genuine lapis lazuli, a natural stone with deep celestial blue hues that perfectly reflect Zenith’s signature colour. Its surface is adorned with shimmering pyrite inclusions, endowing each dial with a unique constellation-like quality, ensuring no two pieces are identical. This openworked dial offers translucent glimpses of the intricate movement beneath, arranged with notable clarity: the chronograph seconds counter is positioned at 6 o’clock, the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, and a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock. The hour markers and hands are gold-plated, faceted, and generously coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1, allowing excellent legibility while complementing the warm tones of the yellow gold bezel. Surrounding the dial is an outer scale for precise 1/100th of a second readings, rendered in a blue hue that harmonises the dial’s elements seamlessly.
At the heart of this timepiece beats the exalted El Primero 9004 calibre, a technical tour de force that pushes chronograph precision into extraordinary realms. This movement features two independent escapements: one operating at 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour) dedicated to timekeeping, ensuring traditional accuracy, and the other at a blistering 50Hz (360,000 vibrations per hour) reserved for the chronograph function. This remarkable duality enables the chronograph’s central hand to complete a full revolution every second, thus measuring elapsed time down to the 1/100th of a second with absolute precision. The movement’s finishing includes a signature openworked architecture visible through the dial and a sapphire case back showcasing a star-shaped oscillating weight with a satin-brushed finish, a contemporary emblem of Zenith‘s fine craftsmanship. The calibre boasts a 50-hour power reserve, securing robust autonomy for daily wear and precision.
The case of the Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli is a commanding 45mm in diameter with a thickness of 15.4mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 51mm, embodying both presence and architectural sharpness. Its construction marvelously juxtaposes the cool sheen of polished stainless steel with the warm matte radiance of microblasted yellow gold, exclusively adorning the dodecagonal bezel and pusher protectors. This interplay enhances the sculptural lines of the case, while the screwed-in crown and water resistance rated at 20 ATM reinforce the watch’s robustness. The design extends its versatility through a fully interchangeable strap system, with a polished steel bracelet, a black embossed rubber strap with folding clasp, and a black Velcro strap included, allowing effortless transition from sport to more refined contexts.
Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli is a profound expression of technical sophistication and artisanal elegance. It is a wristwatch that not only achieves the seemingly impossible feat of measuring 1/100th of a second mechanically but does so within an enthralling design framed by natural lapis lazuli and precious materials. Limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, it represents a collector’s objet d’art, a celebration of Zenith’s storied heritage and a beacon of contemporary watchmaking audacity. This exceptional timepiece echoes Zenith’s core values of precision, innovation, and beauty, making it a pinnacle creation for connoisseurs who demand horological excellence and uniqueness on the wrist. It is, without question, a statement piece that resonates well beyond its technical virtues to capture the imagination of any enthusiast. The Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli is available now for 32’900 CHF / 34’900 Euros / 33’900 USD, continuing Zenith’s legacy of pushing the boundaries of what a mechanical watch can achieve.
