Extreme E is an FIA-sanctioned international off-road racing series that uses spec silhouette electric SUVs to race in remote parts of the world. The grand finale of the Extreme E tour is around the corner and after four races on three continents across wildly different terrains, the final electric rally racing showdown of 2022 is taking place in the seaside city of Punta del Este in Uruguay. A country that’s leading the way when it comes to renewable energy production and electrification, the country currently generates over 98% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily wind and hydropower. Extreme E is committed to promoting the switch to electric vehicles and decarbonizing transport, which is also a main focus of the Uruguayan government as the next step in its renewable energy journey. Much like Uruguay, Extreme E is actively trialing new renewable energy sources on-site to reduce the need for fossil fuels.
It is against this seemingly paradoxical yet optimistic backdrop of innovative solutions to renewable energy and the preservation of fragile ecosystems that Zenith is presenting the DEFY Extreme E ‘Energy X Prix’ in a limited edition of 20 pieces that combines a 45 mm carbon fiber case with micro-blasted titanium pusher protectors and striking purple accents on its open multi-layered dial.
True to the purpose of Extreme E and Zenith’s Horiz-On initiative, it incorporates recycled and upcycled elements from the championship in the strap as well as the packaging. The Zenith DEFY Extreme E 'Energy X Prix' Limited Edition is equipped with a fully interchangeable strap system that allows switches between an Energy X Prix recycled tires velcro strap and a second strap included.
Partially visible through the dial and the sapphire display case back, one can glance at the Zenith El Primero 9004 calibre powering this watch. This automatic movement is the fastest automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre in production, offering time measurement down to 1/100th of a second with two escapements. One independently beats at 5Hz —36’000 vph— for the timekeeping part and the other at 50Hz —360’000 vph— for the chronograph function. The sapphire crystal on the case back features the Energy X Prix logo in purple and white.
Sustainability and environmental awareness are at the forefront of Zenith and Extreme E’s partnership and are immediately tangible across their shared endeavors. As such, the DEFY Extreme E ‘Energy X Prix’ is delivered with a rubber strap infused with materials of upcycled Continental CrossContact tires that were used in the first season’s races.
Matching the Energy X Prix purple accents on the dial, the Velcro strap features a black rubber central element surrounded by a purple Cordura-effect rubber inlay. The DEFY Extreme E ‘Energy X Prix’ is delivered with two additional straps in black rubber and black Velcro, which can be easily swapped without any tools by using the case back’s the ingenious and intuitive quick strap-change mechanism.
Rugged in form and function, the Zenith DEFY Extreme E 'Energy X Prix' Limited Edition is the world’s lightest and most robust 1/100th of a second chronograph, designed to brave the harshest environments in some of the world’s most remote destinations.
The Zenith DEFY Extreme E ‘Energy X Prix’ will be made in a limited edition of only 20 pieces and will be available exclusively at Zenith online and Zenith boutiques around the world.
Sticker Price $27,100 USD. For more info on Zenith click here.
