Zenith continues to push the limits of performance and design to the extreme for the trailblazers who forge their own path and leave a mark on time with the DEFY Extreme, an all-terrain 1/100th of a second chronograph. Zenith is pushing form and function to new heights with the latest addition to the DEFY line of resolutely futuristic watchmaking with the DEFY Extreme, a new expression of superlative precision and ruggedness. Zenith is going far beyond the conventional to uncharted territories, where those who forge their own path on the road less traveled can leave their mark.

“The character of the Defy Extreme comes from its sharp titanium case, faceted and carved like a boulder in a storm. We wanted to make the DEFY design even more futuristic and assertive.” Sébastien Gobert, Designer at Zenith

From an aesthetic perspective, the DEFY Extreme represents a supercharged DEFY, where the outlines and details are accentuated and further holistic details are masterfully integrated: A larger 45mm case, 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. Ergonomics as well as durability are enhanced, with a water resistance of 200 meters —an impressive feat for a cutting-edge chronograph with a display back. One of the DEFY Extreme’s most striking elements is the twelve-sided ring placed under the bezel, which extends down to the twelve-sided case back.

Unequivocally modern in its choice of proportions, architecture, materials and finish, the DEFY Extreme does carry on some of the distinctive traits from the earliest retro-futuristic DEFY models of the 1960s such as the A3642, included the angular case and its faceted bezel. To further highlight its uniquely daring design, 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, recalling a monolith subtly and uniformly weathered by the elements over time. Moreover, 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 groundbreaking 1/100th of a second chronograph calibre El Primero 9004 automatic, 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 superluminova a guarantee readability in the darkest situations. And to further enhance the tonality of the watch and the depth of the movement, the movements are colored galvanically to match and complement their sturdy exterior: Black for the matte titanium, blue for the polished and gold for the titanium and 18K 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.

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. On this exciting new partnership, Zenith CEO Julien Tornare shared:

“Building a green and sustainable future is something very much at the core of what Zenith is doing today and the reason why we began the ZENITH GREEN initiative two years ago. We are absolutely thrilled to join Extreme E as its Official Timing Keeper and Founding Partner. It’s exciting!”

Sticker Price $18,000 USD for titanium and $22,000 USD for two-tone. For more info on Zenith click here.