Source: Images and content by Zenith. See the original article here - https://pressroom.zenith-watches.com/2025/11/19/zenith-defy-extreme-lapis-lazuli-precision-that-radiates-in-blue/
As part of its 160th anniversary celebrations, ZENITH continues to pay tribute to its rich heritage through creations that combine natural beauty with technical brilliance. With its deep celestial blue, lapis lazuli perfectly echoes ZENITH’s signature hue, a symbol of infinity, precision and the pursuit of excellence. The Manufacture now unveils an extraordinary expression of its most daring and technologically advanced chronograph: the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli, produced in a limited edition of 50 pieces.
Housed in a striking combination of microblasted yellow gold and polished steel, the 45mm DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli reveals a captivating openworked dial crafted from this celestial blue stone. Through its translucent depth, the dial offers glimpses of the groundbreaking movement within, a mechanical marvel capable of measuring 1/100th of a second with absolute precision.
The DEFY Extreme’s bold, angular architecture takes on a new expression through the contrast of mirror-polished steel and the warm, matte radiance of yellow gold adorning the dodecagonal bezel and pusher protectors. This play of light and texture accentuates the watch’s sculptural form, while the golden tones echo through the hands; hour markers and lapis lazuli dial itself. Each dial is a natural work of art: its deep blue surface is scattered with shimmering pyrite inclusions, ensuring that no two pieces are ever alike. Completing the composition, the outer 1/100th of a second scale is rendered in blue, creating a seamless chromatic harmony across the dial.
At the heart of the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli beats the El Primero 9004 calibre, a remarkable evolution of ZENITH’s legendary high-frequency chronograph. It remains the only mechanical chronograph in regular production capable of measuring 1/100th of a second. This technical achievement is made possible by two independent escapements: one beating at 5Hz (36,000 VpH) for timekeeping, and another at an astounding 50Hz (360,000 VpH) dedicated to the chronograph. The latter drives the central chronograph’s hand to perform a full rotation of the dial every second, enabling perfectly clear readings of elapsed times down to a hundredth of a second.
The openworked dial reveals the movement’s dynamic architecture, with the chronograph seconds counter at 6 o’clock, chronograph minutes at 3 o’clock, power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, and small seconds at 9 o’clock. Through the sapphire case back, the view continues with the signature star-shaped oscillating weight in satin-brushed finish, a contemporary hallmark of ZENITH’s craftsmanship.
True to the versatile spirit of the DEFY Extreme, this special edition features an interchangeable strap system, operated effortlessly via push buttons on the back of the case. It is delivered with three distinct options: a steel bracelet, a black embossed rubber strap with folding clasp, and a black Velcro strap, allowing the wearer to adapt the watch seamlessly from sport to sophistication.
The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli, a limited edition of 50 pieces, is available now at ZENITH boutiques, online, and through authorized retailers worldwide.
