Once in a while, a watch brand will remind people that a chronograph can be a serious technical instrument and a completely fun flex at once. That’s what Zenith’s latest move is, and it’s a doozy.
The Le Locle-based maison has added two new interpretations of its DEFY Extreme: the Ultraviolet and the Lapis Lazuli II.
Both run on the 45mm El Primero 9004 — the only regular-production mechanical chronograph that measures elapsed time to 1/100th of a second, thanks to two independent escapements (one for timekeeping, one driving the chronograph).
Most chronographs make one balance wheel do double duty, which is exactly why they can’t measure much finer than a fifth of a second. Zenith splits the job in two — one ticking at 5 Hz to keep the actual time, a second one running at a frantic 50 Hz solely to drive the chronograph — which is the whole reason it can carve down to that tiny fraction of time.
The Ultraviolet ($20,100) is the louder of the two, though that’s not an insult. The violet-tinted sapphire dial features matching counters in a matte titanium case, shipping with multiple strap options in violet rubber, titanium, and black Velcro.
The Lapis Lazuli II ($37,100) is the collector’s piece. Where the original paired steel with yellow gold, this second edition swaps in a forged carbon case with titanium components, so the deep blue stone dial pops against matte black. The run is limited to 50 pieces, so if you’ve been meaning to drop a bundle of cash, better move fast.
Zenith is killing the color game
Some history helps here. Zenith’s El Primero debuted in 1969 as one of the world’s first automatic high-frequency chronographs, and the DEFY line traces to the same year, originally nicknamed the “time safe” for its vault-like construction.
Not content to coast on past wins, Zenith has treated the DEFY Extreme like a color palette — Felipe Pantone, tiger’s-eye “Jungle,” rainbow Chroma, and now violet sapphire and forged carbon.
It’s aimed squarely at younger collectors who want horological credibility and streetwear color options in one package. Neither is subtle, but that’s kinda the point.
Where to Buy It
Both are available through Zenith boutiques and select authorized retailers. The Ultraviolet runs $20,100, the Lapis Lazuli II $37,100 — and with only 50 of the latter worldwide, it won’t hang around.
