BY JOVAN K
The Zenith Defy Extreme line is basically the wild child of high-frequency watchmaking. It’s the only regular-production mechanical chronograph out there that can split time into a crazy 1/100th of a second. Zenith is pushing that hyper-fast platform into total eye-candy territory with two new drops: the Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II and the Defy Extreme Ultraviolet.
While both watches pack the same movement inside a bold 45mm x 15.4mm case, boasting 200m of water resistance. Despite their shared dimensions, they present entirely different takes on state-of-the-art materials and intense colors.
Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II
Zenith took their previous lapis model which was all about steel and yellow gold and completely flipped the script for a much meaner and more technical vibe. Limited to just 25 pieces worldwide, this 45mm beast features a case made from matte forged carbon and titanium. The dark, irregular, light-absorbing texture of the carbon makes a perfect backdrop for the star of the show: a dial made of lapis lazuli stone.
The chronograph counters feature tiny inclusions of pyrite; as every stone is different, the golden flecks form unique patterns that glint as they catch the light. Zenith tied it all together with faceted, yellow gold-plated hands and hour markers that pop against the dark carbon.
Defy Extreme Ultraviolet
If the Lapis version feels grounded and earthy, the Defy Extreme Ultraviolet feels like something straight out of a futuristic lab. It takes the vibrant purple color theme from the older, rounder Defy 21 and drops it into the much sharper Defy Extreme design.
The case is made entirely of matte microblasted titanium, giving it a stealthy, reflection-free look that highlights the sharp facets while remaining very light on the wrist. Beneath the sapphire glass, the dial features layered, purple-tinted sapphire crystal elements. It’s totally see-through, letting you stare straight into the openworked movement which has been given a deep, matching violet treatment.
Beneath the distinct aesthetics of both timepieces sits the revolutionary, automatic El Primero 9004 calibre. To achieve 1/100th-of-a-second timing without draining the power from standard timekeeping, the movement relies on a dual-escapement setup:
Timekeeping Escapement: Beats at a high-frequency 5 Hz (36,000 vph) to manage standard time, backed by a 50-hour power reserve.
Chronograph Escapement: Unleashes a hyper-frequency 50 Hz (360,000 vph) only when the chronograph is engaged.
When activated, the chronograph hand completes one full rotation around the dial every single second. Both models feature an identical display layout: a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a 60-second counter at 6 o’clock, running small seconds at 9 o’clock, and a linear chronograph power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock (chronograph mechanism depletes its power in 50 minutes of continuous running, and it is wound by hand).
Both models feature Zenith’s integrated, quick-swap interchangeable strap system. The Lapis Lazuli II (Ref. 10.9102.9004/51.I200) comes paired with a black rubber strap and an additional high-performance black Velcro strap, retailing for $37,100 USD.
The non-limited Ultraviolet (Ref. 97.9100.9004/80.I209) offers a full three-option kit, arriving on a violet rubber strap alongside a matching microblasted titanium bracelet and a black Velcro strap, priced at $20,100 USD.
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