Zenith has expanded its high-performance DEFY Extreme collection with two distinctive new models: the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II and DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet.
While dramatically different in appearance, both watches are built around the same technical foundation — Zenith’s El Primero 9004 calibre and its unusual dual-escapement architecture, capable of mechanically measuring elapsed time to 1/100th of a second.
DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II: Natural Stone Meets Carbon
The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II follows Zenith’s earlier steel-and-yellow-gold Lapis Lazuli edition but takes the concept in a darker, considerably more technical direction.
Limited to only 25 pieces, the new model combines a 45mm case made from carbon and titanium with the rich blue tones of natural lapis lazuli. Rather than the reflective character of precious metal, the forged carbon introduces an irregular matte texture that gives the watch a stealthier presence.
The real visual highlight sits within its openworked dial. Lapis lazuli is used for the counters, with naturally occurring pyrite inclusions producing tiny golden reflections as the watch catches the light. Yellow gold-plated indexes and hands, treated with Super-LumiNova, complement these details while maintaining legibility.
Behind the design is the El Primero 9004, which employs two independent escapements. The timekeeping portion operates at 5Hz, or 36,000 vibrations per hour, while a second escapement dedicated entirely to the chronograph runs at an extraordinary 50Hz, or 360,000 vibrations per hour.
This allows the central chronograph hand to complete an entire revolution every second, making measurements down to 1/100th of a second visible directly on the dial. The watch provides a 50-hour power reserve for regular timekeeping, while the chronograph has a separate 50-minute reserve.
Water resistance is rated to 200 metres, and the watch comes with both a black rubber strap and a black high-performance Velcro strap, which can be changed using Zenith’s integrated interchangeable strap system.
DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet: High Frequency Goes Purple
If the Lapis Lazuli II draws its personality from natural stone, the DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet takes a more futuristic approach.
The model revisits a colour story Zenith first explored with the DEFY 21 Ultraviolet in 2020, bringing its vivid violet aesthetic into the more angular architecture of the DEFY Extreme.
Its 45mm case is constructed entirely from matte microblasted titanium, creating an almost reflection-free surface that emphasises the case’s sculptural lines. Titanium also helps keep the substantial case relatively lightweight while offering high strength and resistance.
Against this dark exterior, violet takes centre stage. The watch features a violet-tinted sapphire dial, matching violet subdials and transparent elements that expose the mechanical architecture underneath. Even the star-shaped oscillating weight visible through the back receives a violet treatment, carrying the colour theme through the movement.
Like its Lapis Lazuli sibling, the Ultraviolet uses the El Primero 9004 with separate 5Hz timekeeping and 50Hz chronograph escapements. Its central chronograph hand races around the dial once every second to display 1/100th-second measurements.
Versatility comes from three strap options. The watch arrives on a violet rubber strap, with a microblasted titanium bracelet and black Velcro strap also included. All three can be swapped through the integrated quick-change system.
Two Personalities, One Extreme Chronograph
The two releases demonstrate very different sides of the DEFY Extreme. The Lapis Lazuli II mixes the unpredictability of natural stone with engineered carbon and titanium, resulting in a particularly exclusive 25-piece edition. The Ultraviolet instead uses colour and transparency to give the high-frequency chronograph an overtly contemporary character.
The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II is priced at S$51,600 and limited to 25 pieces worldwide.
The DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet is priced at S$28,000 and is available through Zenith boutiques, online and authorised retailers worldwide.
