Zenith continues to express the theme of high-frequency chronometry through light and colors in the scintillating DEFY 21 Spectrum bejeweled collection. While brightly colored dials have recently enjoyed a comeback in watchmaking, Zenith has taken an unexpected and novel approach in the DEFY 21 Spectrum series, by incorporating striking colors everywhere but the dial. Whether it’s the colored chronograph movements achieved through innovative pigmentation processes or the natural brilliance and hue of precious stones, the DEFY 21 Spectrum is a whole new take on vivid, kinetic vibrancy.

At the core of this striking and highly exclusive collection is the El Primero 21, Zenith’s revolutionary 1/100th of a second chronograph calibre that beats at the astonishing rate of 50Hz —360’000 vph. The fastest chronograph in production and the only one to accurately and legibly measure and display 1/100th of a second time measurements, the El Primero 21 elevates high-frequency chronometry to uncharted new heights. To express this exceptional mechanical prowess, Zenith has sought to visualize the notion of frequencies through color and lights.

Aptly named Spectrum after the range of colors produced by the different wavelengths of visible light, this collection of dazzling DEFY 21 pieces consists of five models that take on different frequencies of visible light. The common element across these five models is a 44 mm stainless steel case, which has been entirely embellished with 288 brilliant-cut white diamonds. Each version features a bezel set with 44 baguette-cut precious stones, with matching colored movements and rubber straps: green tsavorites for the green edition, orange sapphires for the orange edition, blue sapphires for the blue edition, amethyst for the purple edition, and black spinels for the black edition.

Creating these exceptional feats of both advanced watchmaking and traditional gem-setting requires the laborious selection of stones of the same size, color, and VVS quality, then meticulously setting them into the metal by the hands of skilled artisans.

Each of the five watches is limited to 10 pieces and exclusively available at Zenith boutiques around the world.

Sticker Price CHF 34,900 Swiss Francs —approximately $38,000 USD. For more info on Zenith click here.