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Zenith unveils bold new versions of its high frequency chronograph

• The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II features a Lapis Lazuli dial and a forged carbon and titanium case. It is a limited edition of 25 pieces. • The DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet features a violet tinted sapphire dial and a matte sandblasted titanium case. • Both are powered by a Manufacture automatic movement with a dual-escapement architecture that can measure elapsed time up to 1/100th of a second.
Kunaal Khemka
July 14, 2026
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Zenith DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet.

What are the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II and DEFY Extreme Ulraviolet?

They are bold new versions of the DEFY Extreme, Zenith’s high-frequency chronograph. The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II combines a dial crafted from its namesake natural stone housed in a forged carbon and titanium case. The DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet combines a violet sapphire dial housed in a matte sandblasted titanium case. Both versions are powered by a state-of-the-art high-frequency automatic movement with a dual-escapement architecture that can measure elapsed time up to 1/100th of a second. 

What are their dial features?

Zenith DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II.
Image: DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II: The yellow gold plated hands contrast beautifully with the blue natural stone. “Set within the openworked architecture of the dial, the lapis lazuli counters introduce depth, colour and unpredictability. The natural pyrite inclusions embedded within the stone catch the light differently from every angle, creating subtle golden reflections against the darker construction of the watch.”

DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II: The four Lapis Lazuli subdials form the centerpiece of the dial. 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 60-second counter at 6 o’clock, small seconds counter at 9 o’clock and the chronograph power reserve at 12 o’clock. The faceted hands are yellow gold plated and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1 (except for the chronograph power reserve hand). The openworked outer dial offers a glimpse into the El Primero 9004 movement. The faceted hour-markers, applied on the subtle hour and minute scale are yellow gold plated and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1.

Zenith DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet.
Image: DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet (same as header image): Incredible attention to details. Notice the 1/100th of a second scale on the outer flange. The “100” and the tip of the central chronograph hand are yellow, as are the chronograph hands (30-minute counter, 60-second counter, tip of the chronograph power reserve hand and bits of the power reserve scale).

DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet: Its sapphire dial is violet tinted with matching subdials. 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 60-second counter at 6 o’clock, small seconds counter at 9 o’clock and the chronograph power reserve at 12 o’clock. The faceted hands are rhodium-plated and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1 (except for the chronograph power reserve hand). The openworked outer dial offers a glimpse into the El Primero 9004 movement. The faceted hour-markers, applied on the subtle hour and minute scale are rhodium-plated and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1.

 

Does the chronograph function feature a dedicated escapement?

Zenith DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet.
Image: DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet caseback. The star-shaped automatic winding rotor (also the brand’s logo) is satin-brushed finished. The ultraviolet elements contrast well with the matte sandblasted titanium case. In this image, the watch is on its violet rubber strap. On the header image, it is on its microblasted titanium bracelet.

Yes. Both versions are powered by El Primero 9004, a high-frequency automatic chronograph movement that drives the central hours and minutes, small seconds (9 o’clock), and chronograph functions: central hand that makes one turn each second, 30-minute counter (3 o’clock), 60-minute counter (6 o’clock) and the chronograph power reserve (9 o’clock).

The movement features two escapements: the first is dedicated to standard timekeeping and beats at 5 Hz (36,000 vph), whereas the second is dedicated to the chronograph and beats at 50 Hz (360,000 vph). The movement comprises 293 parts and 53 jewels and delivers a power reserve of (approximately) 50 hours for the timekeeping module and 50 minutes for the chronograph function.

What are their case and strap features?

Zenith DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II.
Image: DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II side profile. A big bold watch with an abundance of dial and case details. An interplay of different materials and colours. Notice the chronograph pushers and the brand’s logo embossed on the crown. “The vivid blue intensity of lapis lazuli stands against the dark irregular surfaces of carbon and titanium, bringing together two materials that could not be more different in origin or appearance: one natural and almost cosmic, the other engineered for performance and resistance.”

DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II: Forged carbon and titanium case. The watch comes with a black rubber strap with a folding clasp and an additional black high-performance Velcro strap.

DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet: Matte sandblasted titanium case. The watch comes with a violet rubber strap with a folding clasp. An additional microblasted titanium bracelet and a black high-performance Velcro strap are provided.

Both versions measure 45 mm (diameter) * 15.4 mm (thickness). Lug-to-lug distance: 51 mm. Dial side and caseback feature a sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 20 ATM or (approximately) 200 metres.

What do we think?

Zenith DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II.
Image: DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II. This version is sold out at the time of writing. The DEFY Extreme is a Certified Chronometer and features the brand’s interchangeable strap system.

Zenith’s El Primero was the world’s first in-house automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre when it was launched in 1969. It made the brand famous and remains as relevant today as it did almost six decades ago. It certainly helps them stand out in a crowded marketplace of numerous watch brands, each with its own history. The DEFY Extreme is a “radical expression” of the El Primero, capable of measuring elapsed time up to 1/100th of a second. (The El Primero in the brand’s Chronomaster collection measures up to 1/10th of a second.)

The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II and DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet are bold versions of this model, powered by a sensational movement and priced rather accessibly. Either version is a compelling choice for collectors who appreciate fine craftsmanship and exceptional horology.

Also Read: Zenith unveils new versions of the fantastic G.F.J.

Additional Details

Name: DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II

Reference: 10.9102.9004/51.I200

Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 32,900

Limited edition of 25 pieces.

Name: DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet

Reference: 97.9100.9004/80.I209

Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 17,900

International Warranty: Two years, extendable to an additional three years by registering on the brand’s website. The latter is applicable for watches purchased from January 1st, 2022.

Please click here and here to learn more.

Media Permit No: 0953878
© 2026 The Cornea Impression
Media Permit No: 0953878
© 2026 The Cornea Impression