Following the success of the 2022 white ceramic DEFY 21 Chroma and the 2023 white and black ceramic Chroma II versions, Swiss luxury watch brand ZENITH has launched two new limited-edition DEFY Extreme Chroma models.
Beyond its exceptional technical prowess, the DEFY Extreme collection has always been a platform for creative and bold design expression. The two ZENITH DEFY Extreme Chroma editions blend titanium and ceramic, accented with unique color palettes.
The watch features a sharply angled 45mm case crafted from either micro-blasted or brushed titanium, while the dodecagonal bezel, pusher guards, and crown are finished in either black micro-blasted titanium or white ceramic. This skillful combination of materials and finishes highlights the architectural geometry of the DEFY Extreme watch, reinforcing its bold and dynamic character. Designed for superior performance, this timepiece is water-resistant to 20 ATM.
The DEFY Extreme Chroma watch houses a unique El Primero 9004 automatic movement, its bridges coated with PVD to display a vibrant array of colors. This mechanical rainbow is partially revealed through the openworked black or white dial, with the dial markers and printed patterns perfectly echoing the movement's colors to create a smooth gradient effect. Each movement boasts its own unique color combination.
This dazzling color extends to the tips of the auxiliary dial hands—indicating chronograph hours and minutes at 9 and 3 o'clock respectively, chronograph power reserve at 12 o'clock, and small seconds at 6 o'clock. The case back continues this colorful theme, with ZENITH's signature star-shaped rotor appearing in a striking blue on the black version and a vibrant green on the white version.
From a technical standpoint, the El Primero 9004 is unique in its ability to measure elapsed time to an accuracy of 1/100th of a second—a remarkable achievement thanks to two independent escapement systems, each with its own mainspring barrel and regulator.
The first movement vibrates at 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour) to ensure precise timekeeping; the second movement operates at an astonishing 50 Hz (360,000 vibrations per hour), driving the chronograph function. The central chronograph seconds hand completes one revolution per second around the dial, allowing for accurate readings down to one-hundredth of a second.
Like all DEFY Extreme watches, the Chroma version features a quick-change strap system, easily operated by pressing a button on the case back. For added versatility, each watch offers three strap options: a black or white textured rubber strap with a folding clasp, a titanium bracelet with a matching finish, and a black Velcro strap.
ZENITH DEFY Extreme Chroma Editions Movement: El Primero 9004 Caliber 1/100th of a second chronograph movement; Frequency: 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz); Power Reserve: 50 hours Functions: One escapement (36,000 vibrations per hour – 5 Hz), one chronograph escapement (360,000 vibrations per hour – 50 Hz), "rainbow" PVD-coated bridges, and a special green or blue satin-polished rotor.
Reference Number 97.9113.9004/33.I200
Case Material: Micro-blasted titanium Diameter: 45 mm Thickness: 15.4 mm Luminous distance: 51 mm Screw-down crown Water resistance: 20 ATM
Black dial Skewed openwork Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, multi-faceted, and coated with "rainbow" lacquer.
Hands: Rhodium-plated, multi-faceted, and coated with colored lacquer.
Black rubber strap With folding clasp; also available with a titanium strap and a black Velcro strap
The strap system is fully interchangeable.
Reference Number 95.9114.9004/69.I203
Case Material: Titanium and white ceramic Diameter: 45 mm Thickness: 15.4 mm Luminous distance: 51 mm Screw-down crown Water resistance: 20 ATM
Dial: White skeletonized Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, multi-faceted, and coated with "rainbow" lacquer.
Hands: Rhodium-plated, multi-faceted, and coated with colored lacquer.
White rubber strap with folding clasp; also available with a titanium strap and a black Velcro strap; the strap system is fully interchangeable.