Bolstering their haute horlogerie Defy Extreme models, Zenith flexes their technical muscles once more with two new renditions in Lapis and Ultraviolet.
Zenith’s emblematic Defy collection has spent its entire life doing just that: defying expectations in the best ways possible. From being strapped to motorcycles and thrown out of windows to venturing into the crushing depths of the ocean, the Defy line has made a name for itself as a stylish yet capable timepiece ready for anything.
As Zenith began to upgrade and modernise, so too did its innovations. Case in point: the Defy 21, introduced in 2017. Where Zenith’s claim to fame originally stemmed from the 5Hz movement, the Defy 21’s groundbreaking achievement was making it even faster; By a factor of ten, in fact.
In 2021, Zenith introduced the Defy Extreme, merging the fantastic mechanics and design of the Defy 21 family with the robust nature that made the original so beloved. Now, they’ve expanded the line with a duet of new models that reference the shared history of both collections, with one in Lapis Lazuli and the other in the iconic Ultraviolet.
Extreme Lightness
Make no mistake, the new Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis II and Ultraviolet models are not for the faint of wrist. At 45mm in diameter, 51mm lug-to-lug and 15.1mm thick, there’s no escaping the sheer wrist presence either watch possesses. However, the hulking nature of the Defy Extreme is balanced by Zenith’s use of high-tech materials.
On one hand, the Ultraviolet model features a micro-blasted titanium case, offering lightness and toughness in equal measure. The Lapis II, the successor to the original 50-piece Defy Extreme Lapis model, continues that theme with a case crafted from carbon fibre and titanium. Given the random nature of carbon fibre, it makes the perfect case, no pun intended, for the Lapis II’s limited edition run of 50 pieces, while the Ultraviolet joins the standard collection.
Both watches are offered on an interchangeable black rubber strap with a folding buckle, adding to the imposing yet sporty profile of the Defy Extreme collection. Should you wish to change things up, however, both watches also come with high-performance Velcro straps, while the Ultraviolet even includes a matching titanium integrated bracelet. Rated to 200 metres of water resistance, despite their high-tech movements, these Defy Extreme models live up to the name in every respect.
Extreme Looks
But of course, with extreme wearability comes extreme design, and Zenith doesn’t disappoint. Contrast remains central to the Defy Extreme’s design, featuring an openworked dial with generously applied coloured accents.
The Lapis II leans on the vivid blue intensity of its stone registers, standing brightly against the dark, irregular surfaces of carbon fibre and titanium. Warm yellow gold hands nod towards the original’s two-tone construction, echoed by the matching applied indexes that almost seem to float above the openworked movement.
Similarly, the Defy Extreme Ultraviolet combines violet-tinted sapphire elements with matching violet subdials arranged in the same layered geometric construction. Where the Lapis II builds on the first Lapis edition released in 2025, the Ultraviolet pays homage to the Defy 21 colourway of the same name, unveiled back in 2020.
The intense colour, inspired by ultraviolet light, made the Defy 21 an incredibly daring watch for its time. Seeing it return in the Defy Extreme is like seeing an old friend. Well, if that old friend happened to be an extremely bright and vibrant shade of purple. Doing away with gold, it instead finds contrast through classic rhodium hands and indexes, with black accents appearing throughout the chronograph and small seconds registers.
Extreme Movement
While you can see plenty of the movement from the front, the real magic happens behind the scenes. Since the release of the Defy 21 collection, Zenith has kept the El Primero Calibre 9004 in service throughout the Defy Extreme range. There’s no reason not to, as even after all these years it’s still one of the most advanced chronograph movements ever made.
Visible through both the display caseback and the openworked dial, the Calibre 9004 beats at 5Hz (36,000VpH) and offers a 50-hour power reserve. But the watch’s greatest technical achievement lies in its incredible chronograph movement, which beats at an astonishing 50Hz (360,000VpH) and completes a full revolution every single second.
How is this possible? The movement incorporates two independent escapements, each operating at its own dedicated high frequency, helping to localise wear between them. It’s an extraordinary feat that still manages to remain practical, bolstered by easy readability to 1/100th of a second, and even includes automatic winding.
Initial Thoughts
Though Zenith has been exploring new design directions – like its unexpected collaboration with independent watchmaker Naoya Hida – the brand’s true radicalism has always been rooted in its technology. From creating one of the first automatic chronograph movements to developing the 1/100th-second chronograph in the El Primero Cal. 9004, Zenith has long been admired for the engines powering its machines.
The Defy Extreme is no exception, and while these may appear to be contemporary designs at first glance, they’re really a return to form for the brand, demonstrating Zenith’s intention to continue the tradition of limited-edition Lapis models. Yet, they also pay tribute to their modern history with a new Ultraviolet rendition, calling back to a model once beloved.
Ultimately, this new Defy Extreme duo reflects Zenith’s renewed focus within the industry. Now and in the future, they are approaching both design and mechanical engineering with the same zeal and energy that have long defined its watches and movements.
References & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | 10.9102.9004/51.I200 (Lapis II) 97.9100.9004/80.I209 (Ultraviolet) |
| Dimensions | 45mm case diameter x 51mm lug-to-lug x 15.1mm thickness |
| Case | Carbon fibre & titanium (Lapis II) Micro-blasted titanium (Ultraviolet) |
| Dial | Openworked with lapis lazuli counters, blue & gold accents (Lapis II) Openworked with violet-tinted sapphire, black & purple accents (Ultraviolet) |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Open, sapphire |
| Movement | Automatic El Primero Cal. 9004 with 1/100th second chronograph (60sec, 30min, power reserve registers) & small seconds complications |
| Power Reserve | 50h |
| Beat Rate | 5Hz / 36,000VpH (Standard) 50Hz / 360,000VpH (Chronograph) |
| Water Resistance | 200m / 20bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Interchangeable black rubber strap with titanium folding clasp / black Velcro strap (Lapis II) Interchangeable violet rubber strap with titanium folding clasp / black Velcro strap / titanium bracelet with butterfly clasp (Ultraviolet) |