With this release, Zenith has produced two limited edition Defy Extreme Chroma watches made using both titanium and ceramic components combined with a rainbow gradient PVD finish over all of the El Primero 9004 movement bridges. Both of the watches will be limited to 100 units and cost CHF 19,900. The watches represent an advancement of the Chroma concept initially introduced last year with the Defy 21 Chroma by providing a new method of applying color architecturally on the high frequency chronograph platform.
Each of the two different configurations for the 45 mm case uses a titanium and ceramic hybrid (microblasted titanium with black elements, or brushed/polished titanium with white ceramic bezel/crown/pusher guard), which provides the dodecagonal bezel and rugged case design to achieve a 200 meter water resistance rating while keeping the weight down due to titanium construction.
The openworked dial allows for viewing of the El Primero 9004 calibre’s dual escapement architecture and its PVD coated bridges in a multi-colored rainbow gradient add visual dimension to the applied elements. Rhodium plated hour markers have been given a rainbow varnish gradient fill to create a visually dynamic look as the color changes around the dial edge from a muted base tone to a vibrant tone near the outer ring.
The El Primero 9004 movement has a unique configuration where there are two escapements: a 5Hz escapement for timekeeping and a 50Hz escapement for chronograph measurement. With this configuration the elapsed time is measured to 1/100th of a second and the central chronograph hand makes a complete revolution every second. Two separate mainspring barrels provide stable torque over the 50-hour power reserve.
Rhodium plated faceted hour and minute hands, filled with Super-LumiNova, enhance readability of the openworked dial. At 3 o’clock is the chronograph minute counter, at 6 o’clock is the chronograph seconds counter, at 9 o’clock is the small seconds counter and at 12 o’clock is the chronograph power reserve counter. Each sub-dial hand tip matches the corresponding chromatic gradient of the respective sub-dial, associating color with function.
Included with each of the limited edition Chroma watches are three different strap options: rubber that matches the tone of the case, titanium bracelet and black Velcro strap. All three of these straps can be quickly changed without requiring any tools. The limited edition Chroma watches represent the next stage of Zenith’s strategy to position the Defy Extreme as the leader for modern chronograph technology based upon high frequency operation, modular construction and current aesthetic design.
