Source: Images and content by Zenith. See the original article here - https://pressroom.zenith-watches.com/2025/12/02/a-high-frequency-mechanical-rainbow-with-the-zenith-defy-extreme-chroma-limited-editions/
Le Locle, December 2, 2025 – One of the brand’s most striking creations, the Chroma editions embody ZENITH’s technical mastery and daring avant-garde spirit, seamlessly combining high-frequency chronometry with vibrant, expressive design. Following the resounding success of the 2022 DEFY 21 Chroma in white ceramic and the 2023 Chroma II editions in white and black ceramic, this bold fusion of cutting-edge engineering and artistic vision now returns in two new DEFY Extreme limited editions.
Beyond its remarkable technical prowess, the DEFY Extreme collection has always served as a platform for creativity and bold design expression. With the Chroma limited editions, the innovative ZENITH 1/100th of a second chronograph demonstrates how colour can be explored without limits, even on the world’s most advanced high-frequency chronograph.
The two ZENITH DEFY Extreme Chroma editions combine titanium and ceramic, accentuated by a distinctive spectrum of colours. Their angular 45mm case comes either in microblasted titanium or in brushed and polished titanium, while the dodecagonal bezel, pusher protectors and crown are crafted in black micro-blasted titanium or white ceramic. The interplay of materials and finishes accentuates the DEFY Extreme’s architectural geometry, reinforcing its bold and dynamic character. Engineered for performance, it offers water resistance up to 20 ATM, making it ready for the most demanding conditions.
Inside the DEFY Extreme Chroma beats a unique version of the automatic El Primero 9004 calibre, whose bridges are PVD-coated in a spectrum of colours. This mechanical rainbow is partially revealed through the openworked black or white dial, where the markers and printings mirror the movement’s chromatic palette in a seamless gradient. Each movement displays its own distinctive colour composition. This vivid spectrum also extends to the tips of the subsidiary dial hands – for the chronograph hours and minutes at 9 and 3 o’clock, the chronograph power reserve at 12 o’clock, and the small seconds at 6 o’clock. On the reverse side, the polychrome theme continues with ZENITH’s signature star-shaped rotor, rendered in a striking blue hue for the black edition and electric green for the white edition.
From a technical standpoint, the El Primero 9004 sets itself apart through its ability to measure elapsed times to 1/100th of a second – a remarkable achievement made possible by two independent escapement systems, each with its own barrel and regulator. The first beats at 5 Hz (36,000 vph) to ensure precise timekeeping, while the second operates at an astonishing 50 Hz (360,000 vph) to drive the chronograph. The central chronograph seconds hand completes one full rotation of the dial every second, allowing readings of elapsed time accurate to 1/100th of a second.
Like all DEFY Extreme models, the Chroma editions feature a quick-change strap system, easily operated via push buttons on the back of the case. For enhanced versatility, each watch comes with three strap options: a black or white embossed rubber strap with folding buckle, a titanium bracelet with matching finishes, and a black Velcro strap.
The DEFY Extreme Chroma is released in two limited editions of 100 pieces each, available at ZENITH boutiques, online, and through authorized retailers worldwide.
