Performance and design, new Defy Extreme collection, with titanium or titanium and rose gold case (45 mm), tinted sapphire dial with three colored counters, black, blue or gold colored main plate, El Primero 9004 automatic chronograph movement, frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz), titanium bracelet with additional rubber and Velcro® straps.
Zenith is pushing form and function to new heights in its Defy collection of resolutely futuristic watchmaking with the Defy Extreme, a new expression of superlative precision and ruggedness, an all-terrain 1/100th of a second chronograph.
The Defy Extreme is essentially a supercharged Defy, where the outlines and details are accentuated and further holistic details are masterfully integrated: A larger 45mm case with a water-resistance of 200 metres, sharper lines, more pronounced edges, and an overall silhouette that exudes robustness, resilience and a penchant for exploring new horizons. The design is reinforced by the addition of components protecting the pushers, and screw-down crown.
One of the Defy Extreme’s most striking elements is the twelve-sided ring placed under the bezel that extends down to the twelve-sided case back; reminiscent of the Defy A3642 from the 1960s and its faceted bezel. The interplay between materials and their finishes serves to add another dimension of modernity. The matte titanium and matte titanium with rose gold versions feature an entirely matte-finished microblasted surface for a monolithic look, while the titanium version with blue accents is finished to bring out the different facets of the metal with polished, satin-brushed and matte surfaces.
The dial of the Defy Extreme has been conceived in a way to enhance legibility while allowing a clear view of the ground-breaking 1/100th of a second chronograph calibre, with two escapements beating at 36’000 VpH for the timekeeping part and 360’000 VpH for the chronograph. Consisting of a transparent sapphire crystal, the dial features applied oversized and slightly overlapping chronograph counters that emphasize volume and legibility. The hands as well as the applied hour markers are also extra-large and filled with copious amounts of Super-LumiNova guarantee readability in the darkest situations. And to further enhance the tonality of the watch and the depth of the movement, the movements are coloured galvanically to match and complement their sturdy exterior: Black for the matte titanium, blue for the polished titanium and gold for the titanium and rose gold.
Because uncompromising performance in extreme conditions also means adapting to the environment around us, each Defy Extreme comes with three different straps with quick strap-change mechanisms: A mircroblasted or polished and satin-brushed titanium bracelet, a rubber strap with a folding buckle matching the case and, a first for Zenith and the DEFY line, a Velcro® strap that can be easily and precisely adjusted on the go, with the textile material perfectly suited for any situation – and certainly not afraid of getting wet. Going beyond a simple cosmetic switch-up, each option offers different properties for a different wearing experience, perfectly adapted to its surroundings and the activities it takes on, no matter how extreme.
Prices: USD 18,000 and USD 22,000
Zenith has found a most suitable setting for the Defy Extreme collection, by becoming Official Timekeeper and Founding Partner of Extreme E, a new off-road electric racing championship.
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