Introducing the New Zenith DEFY Extreme
By Amanda Evans | 3 minute read
Established in 1865, Zenith watches have accompanied remarkable individuals with big dreams, striving to achieve the impossible. Zenith seeks to inspire the pursuit of dreams and turn them into reality. Innovation is Zenith’s guiding star and with the in-house design and manufacture of exceptional movements, teamed with a desire to push the boundaries of possibility, Zenith continues to shape the future of Swiss watchmaking.
Built for the Elements
Pushing the boundaries of performance and design to their limit, Zenith launched their DEFY Extreme collection at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2021. The collection expresses a combination of precision and ruggedness in its mechanics and aesthetics, and this uncompromising 1/100th of a second chronograph commands high performance in the most extreme environments, perfect for the thrill-seeking individual seeking an all-terrain instrument for their endeavours.
Consider the DEFY Extreme as an amplification of the DEFY collection. Aesthetically the architecture of the watch is more pronounced with a larger 45mm case and profile that speaks volumes about its robust identity and durability. This is a watch that is unashamed of its resilience and masculine form. The reinforced design incorporates components that offer additional protection for the pushers and screw-down crown. Enhanced ergonomics for this cutting-edge chronograph with display back include water resistance to 200 metres and a striking twelve-sided ring under the bezel extending down to the twelve-sided case back.
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
Unmistakeably modern in terms of its proportions, construction, materials and finish the DEFY Extreme is daring, yet there are noticeable traits from some of the earliest retro-futuristic models of the 1960s that are apparent such as the angular case and faceted bezel. The unique choice of materials adds extra dimension to the watch with both the matte titanium and matte titanium with rose gold accents versions having a matte-finished and microblasted surface that resembles a weathered monolith. The titanium version with blue accents has polished, satin-brushed, and matte surfaces that bring life to the different facets of the metal.
Bigger, Better and Brighter
The dial of the watch is all about legibility. Everything is bigger, brighter, and emphasized with volume whilst allowing a clear view of the incredible 1/100th of a second calibre with its escapements beating at 36’000 VpH for the timekeeping and 360’000 VpH for the chronograph. Enhanced hour markers are filled with Super-Luminova® and the movement are each coloured to match the individual colours of each design exterior.
To ensure the DEFY Extreme can adapt to all environments, each watch comes with three alternative straps and a quick strap-change mechanism. A microblasted or polished and satin-brushed titanium bracelet, a rubber strap with folding buckle or a Zenith first, an easily adjustable Velcro® strap.
It seems that Zenith have thought of everything – durability; performance; ergonomics and aesthetics taking the DEFY line to another, more Extreme level.
