The ZENITH DEFY Extreme collection expands with two striking new additions that showcase the Maison’s approach to high-frequency watchmaking. The new DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet and DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II share the same groundbreaking movement. However, each watch expresses it through a distinctly different design language.
Both releases build on the DEFY Extreme’s reputation as ZENITH’s most advanced chronograph. Each watch is powered by the El Primero 9004, the world’s fastest serially produced automatic chronograph. Moreover, its dual-escapement architecture measures time to 1/100th of a second while maintaining exceptional precision for everyday wear.
Rather than introducing new mechanics, ZENITH DEFY Extreme collection focuses on materials and colour. As a result, the two watches reveal how contrasting aesthetics can completely transform the personality of the same technical platform.
DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet
The DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet takes inspiration from one of the most energetic regions of the light spectrum. Consequently, the watch embraces vivid violet tones throughout its design. A 45mm matte microblasted titanium case provides a muted architectural backdrop for violet sapphire elements, matching chronograph counters and a violet star-shaped oscillating weight.
Transparency also plays an important role. Violet-tinted sapphire reveals the movement beneath while adding visual depth to the dial. Meanwhile, the monochromatic palette strengthens the watch’s technical character without overwhelming its clean geometry.
In addition, ZENITH equips the watch with an interchangeable strap system. Owners can choose between a violet rubber strap, a titanium bracelet or a black Velcro strap. This versatility allows the watch to move easily between sport and everyday wear.
DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II
By contrast, the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II celebrates the beauty of natural materials. Limited to just 25 pieces, the watch pairs a forged carbon and titanium case with counters crafted from natural lapis lazuli. Each dial is therefore unique, thanks to the stone’s distinctive pyrite inclusions.
The contrast between deep blue lapis lazuli and matte forged carbon defines the watch’s identity. At the same time, yellow gold-plated indexes introduce warmth without distracting from the natural stone. The openworked dial further enhances depth while keeping the counters as the visual focal point.
Like the Ultraviolet, this model houses the El Primero 9004 and features the DEFY Extreme interchangeable strap system. However, its combination of advanced materials and rare natural stone gives the limited edition a more collectible character.
Together, these two releases demonstrate ZENITH‘s ability to reinterpret a single high-performance platform through different creative perspectives. Ultimately, the DEFY Extreme collection continues to prove that exceptional engineering and expressive design can evolve side by side.
(Images: ZENITH)
