Zenith has designed a Piece Unique DEFY Chronograph in support of contemporary artists via the TimeForArt Swiss Charity Auction
Last year, Zenith teamed up with Swiss furniture maker USM to create something a little different for the DEFY collection, taking the original 1969 design and reimagining it as a chronograph, with the colourful designs of USM Haller furniture worked into the watch. Now, the two brands are back with another version, this time created as a unique piece for TimeForArt, the benefit auction supporting contemporary art through the Swiss Institute.
The new DEFY Chronograph USM TimeForArt takes the same basic design as last year’s release but makes one major change. The colourful dial has been replaced by a mirror-polished surface, with four different colours used across the chronograph counters and hands. It also comes with a one-of-a-kind USM sideboard designed specifically for the project, which is a nice addition to the collaboration.
A Partnership Built On Design
But let’s take a look back at how Zenith and USM partnered in the first place. USM patented its modular furniture system in 1965, while Zenith introduced the original DEFY and the El Primero automatic chronograph in 1969. Both companies were developing designs that would go on to become important parts of their respective industries, and both products are very much children of the 1960’s.
When the two brands first collaborated in 2025, they took the original DEFY and reimagined it as a chronograph, combining the familiar case shape with the El Primero 400 movement and a choice of four colours from USM’s furniture range. The result brought together the design of both companies, with the colourful dials and small details connecting the watch to the modular furniture system.
For this latest release, the dial has been given a different treatment. The mirror-polished surface reflects its surroundings, so its appearance changes depending on the light and where you are wearing it. The three overlapping chronograph counters retain their circular grained finish, while the four colours associated with USM appear across the dial together for the first time on the counters, seconds hand and the outer track.
USM Golden Yellow, USM Pure Orange, USM Green and USM Gentian Blue are used across the printed details and hands, adding some colour to the reflective surface. The central chronograph seconds hand is finished in USM Gentian Blue and has a miniature USM ball joint towards the end, a small but cool detail that ties the watch back to the furniture that inspired it.
The DEFY(ning) Characteristics
The watch retains the 37mm stainless-steel case from the original collaboration, with its octagonal shape and fourteen-sided bezel. It also comes with the stainless-steel ladder bracelet, a design that dates back to the original DEFY introduced in 1969. Most of the familiar details remain, and what you get is a watch that has been plucked out of the 1960s and placed firmly in 2026.
Inside is the El Primero 400, Zenith’s automatic column-wheel chronograph calibre. It beats at 5Hz / 36,000 VpH and offers a 55-hour power reserve, with hours, minutes, small seconds, date and chronograph functions. The movement is the same one used in the original DEFY Chronograph USM, continuing the El Primero story that began in 1969, and now a defining characteristic of Zenith.
The watch also comes with a unique piece of USM Haller furniture created specifically for TimeForArt. The mirrored sideboard has an integrated storage compartment (see the previous image with the watches) that can hold up to 24 watches. A glass top displays the first layer of the collection, while a lockable compartment below opens to reveal a drawer for additional storage.
It’s a great addition, especially given USM’s background in modular furniture and the way its designs have become popular with collectors and design enthusiasts. The sideboard has been made to display and store a watch collection, while bringing the same design details found in the furniture into the world of watch collecting. It also keeps with the theme Zenith and USM created last year, which was a piece of USM furniture designed as a watch box that came with the DEFY Chronograph x USM limited editions.
Initial Thoughts
For Zenith and USM, this is another chance to bring their respective design histories together, with a unique watch and matching piece of furniture created for a good cause. The mirror-polished dial gives this version a different look from last year’s collection, while the familiar DEFY case, El Primero movement and USM colour palette keep it connected to the original collaboration.
This is one piece that both watch lovers and lovers of design will want to get their hands on, and having played around with the 2025 models in Geneva last year, I can say that these are unique-looking watches that fit well given their size and specs, plus have a load of colour. And colour is a good thing!
The DEFY Chronograph USM TimeForArt is more subtle in the design, and won’t pop on the wrist as much, so in this sense, it makes this more appealing to a wider range of collectors who may be a little “colour averse”, but still keeps within the USM theme and styling nonetheless.
This Piece Unique has been created for the third edition of TimeForArt, the benefit watch auction organised by the Swiss Institute in partnership with Phillips. The 2026 auction brings together 27 watch brands (At last count), each contributing a unique timepiece to support contemporary art.
The Zenith x USM piece, along with the other watches, will go under the hammer at Phillips New York on December 5, 2026, at 3 pm EST (US). All proceeds, including Phillips’ Buyer’s Premium, will benefit the Swiss Institute and support its exhibitions, public programs, education initiatives and community engagement.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Reference | 03.A780.400-T /01.M3642 |
| Dimensions | 37mm diameter |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Mirror-polished, with USM Golden Yellow, USM Pure Orange, USM Green and USM Gentian Blue details |
| Movement | Zenith El Primero 400 automatic column-wheel chronograph, beating at 5Hz / 36,000 VpH |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, date and chronograph |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Bracelet | Stainless-steel ladder bracelet with folding clasp |