Zenith Unveils the "Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II"

Le Locle, July 7, 2026: The "Defy Extreme," the ultimate expression of the El Primero chronograph. Pursuing high-frequency precision and uncompromising performance, this timepiece, featuring two escapements, continues to reign as the only mechanical chronograph capable of measuring 1/100th of a second. The "Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II" embodies this concept with a darker, sharper, and more contemporary style, exploring the dialogue between technical materials and natural stones.

Following the first "Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli," which combined steel and yellow gold, this new model adopts a completely different material approach. Limited to 25 pieces, the "Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II" elevates metallic reflections with the deep matte texture of forged carbon, creating a sharper, more technical impression.

Here too, contrast is at the heart of the design. Against the dark, random surfaces of carbon and titanium, the vibrant, powerful blue of lapis lazuli stands out. This timepiece harmonizes disparate materials with vastly different origins and appearances: a natural stone that evokes a connection to the cosmos, and carbon and titanium engineered for performance and durability. The 45 mm case, combining carbon and titanium elements, offers lightness, robust durability, and the bold architecture of the "Defy Extreme." Its matte surface absorbs rather than reflects light, accentuating the geometric shape of the case and giving it a stealthy, understated yet sophisticated presence on the wrist.

The open-worked dial features lapis lazuli counters, bringing depth, color, and unexpected beauty. Natural pyrite inclusions within the stone create shifting reflections with every change in angle, offering delicate golden glints against the dark structure. Applied yellow gold-plated indexes and Super-LumiNova ensure legibility in any environment without disrupting the overall aesthetic. The display includes central hours and minutes, a small seconds at 9 o'clock, a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, a 60-second counter at 6 o'clock, and a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock. The chronograph center hand completes one revolution per second, allowing for clear and intuitive reading of 1/100th of a second.

Beating inside is the El Primero 9400 caliber, equipped with two independent escapements. The first maintains timekeeping at 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour), while the second powers the chronograph at an astonishing 50 Hz (360,000 vibrations per hour). This dual-escapement architecture enables the measurement of elapsed time in 1/100th of a second increments, while providing a 50-hour power reserve for the timekeeping function and a 50-minute power reserve for the chronograph function. A star-shaped rotor with a satin-brushed finish can be admired through the sapphire case back. The "Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II" comes with a black rubber strap with a folding buckle and a high-performance black velcro strap, which can be smoothly interchanged using the "Defy Extreme's" interchangeable strap system, directly integrated into the case back.

The "Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II" will be available at Zenith boutiques worldwide, online boutiques, and authorized retailers.

Defy Extreme

10.9102.9004/51.I200 / El Primero 9400 automatic / Power reserve approx. 50 hours / Carbon & Titanium / Case diameter 45 mm / Open-worked dial, lapis lazuli counters / 20 ATM water resistance / Black rubber strap, black velcro strap included / 4,999,500 yen (tax included) / Released July 2026 / Limited production of 25 pieces