As we recently confirmed, the basic Zenith El Primero caliber (and all its variations) has spawned countless different watches in various styles. Vintage, discreetly modern, innovative, and even ultra-reliable - the emblematic chronograph mechanism is represented in watches for every taste. Undoubtedly, the most impressive among them, the Zenith Defy Extreme, is a watch whose name speaks for itself... It is truly an extreme version of the Defy model, which is already a modern and bold iteration of the El Primero. First introduced as part of the permanent collection in April of this year in the form of 3 different models, Zenith now returns with the first limited series dedicated to this model - a version inspired by the desert, with astonishing materials. Here is the new Zenith Defy Extreme Desert Edition.
Introduced earlier this year, the Defy Extreme model, as you might guess from its name, is the boldest, most reliable, and technically appealing in the brand's collection. A watch clearly not for the faint-hearted, a watch that is as high-tech visually as it is mechanically. Based on the classic Defy style with its barrel-shaped case and integrated bracelet configuration, they add a hefty dose of testosterone, as well as some elements of the past - in a rather restrained form - such as the 12-sided bezel, which was once a hallmark of vintage models. The watch is massive on the wrist and extremely protected all around, but it is also a watch with mechanical exception, with an impressive dual regulator chronograph mechanism inside. First introduced in three different titanium versions - with or without coating, with ceramic or gold accents - the Zenith Defy Extreme now has its first limited series, the Desert model.
Developed in collaboration with renowned nature photographer Kourosh Keynejad, it was created around "the beauty of dry plateaus and sandy mountains," according to Keynejad. This version, named Desert Edition, plays on sandy and brown tones to evoke the extreme environmental conditions. The 45 mm diameter and 15.40 mm height water-resistant case is made of non-coated titanium. Faceted and sharp surfaces are mostly matte with polished accents highlighting the case shape. What truly sets this edition apart is the use of stone on the case. Indeed, the detail protecting the pushers, as well as the dodecagonal bezel, are made of hawk's eye - a gray-blue opaque macrocrystalline quartz named after the bird of prey that has accompanied nomads in the desert for centuries. If at first this stone may surprise, its use is quite controlled and emphasizes the sharpness of the case.
In this same vein, the semi-transparent sapphire glass dial is topped with a sand-colored module for the sub-counters and power reserve indicator, complemented by beige luminescent markers and hands, as well as applied chronograph counters in a matching tone. And if the watch comes on a titanium bracelet and an additional black Velcro strap, it looks even more relevant on the beige rubber strap, which is also included. Ps. both the straps and bracelet can be changed in seconds without tools thanks to the quick-change strap mechanism located on the back of the case.
The Zenith Defy Extreme Desert Edition watch is powered by the automatic El Primero 9004 caliber. This mechanism is equipped with two escapements, one designed for timekeeping and operating at a speed of 36,000 per hour, and the other for the chronograph, operating at a speed of 360,000 per hour. The second regulating organ is designed to counteract the enormous energy consumption of the chronograph function for indicating elapsed time with an accuracy of up to hundredths of a second. When activated, the central chronograph hand completes one full revolution per second. To maintain a sufficient energy level for the two independent escapements, the dual barrel can store up to 50 hours when the chronograph is not engaged. The mechanism is rated and certified as a chronometer, tested by Time Lab.
The Zenith Defy Extreme Desert Edition is limited to 50 pieces and is now available in Zenith boutiques worldwide and the brand's online store. The watch is priced at 21,900 Swiss Francs. For more detailed information and to order, visit www.zenith-watches.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – ZENITH DEFY EXTREME DESERT EDITION
Case: 45 mm in diameter x 15.40 mm in height - titanium case, matte with polished accents - gemstone "hawk's eye" - intermediate 12-sided bezel and pushers - screw-down crown - sapphire glass on both sides - water resistance 200 meters
Dial: tinted sapphire glass with three beige sub-counters, applied hour markers and hands with rhodium coating, faceted and covered with beige luminescent Superluminova
Movement: El Primero 9004 caliber, in-house - certified chronometer by Time Lab - automatic winding - 53 jewels - power reserve 50 hours - dual regulating organ, one for chronometer (36,000 per hour), another for chronograph (360,000 per hour) - hours, minutes, small seconds, linear power reserve, chronograph with central hand for measuring 1/100 second - 60-second and 30-minute counters
Strap: Matte titanium bracelet with triple folding clasp - also includes beige rubber strap and black Velcro strap - all equipped with interchangeable strap system
Reference: 95.9200.9004/77.I204
Availability: Limited edition of 50 pieces. Now on sale, including in the brand's online boutique
Price: 21,900 SWISS FRANCS