Zenith Announces the DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet

LE LOCLE, July 7, 2026: Befitting a timepiece that pushes the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking, the DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet, named after the most powerful rays in the light spectrum, maintains timekeeping at 5Hz while driving the chronograph at an astonishing 50Hz. The ultraviolet color transcends mere aesthetics, symbolizing enhanced performance, energy, and power, reflecting Zenith's relentless pursuit of high-frequency precision.

The DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet reinterprets the unique aesthetic of color and material explored by Zenith in the 2020 DEFY 21 Ultraviolet. The 2020 model, with its matte sandblasted titanium case housing a violet-toned movement, was a striking embodiment of contemporary watchmaking. With the DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet, this aesthetic is newly rendered through the sharper, more architectural silhouette of the DEFY Extreme.

The edgy 45 mm case is crafted entirely from matte micro-blasted titanium, its near-reflectionless dark appearance highlighting the watch's geometric form. The subdued finish enhances the DEFY Extreme's sculptural appeal, bringing out the pure beauty of its lines and structure. Titanium is an ideal material for a watch of this size, boasting an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This makes the case surprisingly lightweight and comfortable to wear. Hypoallergenic and durable, titanium powerfully embodies the DEFY Extreme's uncompromising approach to performance and wearability.

The DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet emphasizes visual depth and technical precision through its faceted, multi-layered construction, combining violet-tinted sapphire elements with color-matched violet sub-dials. The design prioritizes transparency, revealing the underlying movement architecture. The display features central hours and minutes, a small seconds at 9 o'clock, a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o'clock, and a 60-second counter at 6 o'clock. The chronograph central hand, completing one rotation per second, measures elapsed time with 1/100th of a second precision, displayed with exceptional legibility. A chronograph power reserve indicator is located at 12 o'clock.

This technical feat is made possible by the two escapements within the El Primero 9004 caliber. Two independent escapements are integrated into the movement, each operating at a different frequency. The first maintains timekeeping at 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour), while the second drives the chronograph at an astonishing 50Hz (360,000 vibrations per hour). The second escapement allows the chronograph hand to complete one rotation per second, providing a clear and intuitive reading of measured 1/100th of a second intervals. The color concept extends to the movement visible through the case back, where Zenith's iconic star-shaped rotor is adorned in violet.

Emphasizing versatility, the DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet comes with a violet rubber strap featuring a folding buckle, as well as two additional straps: a micro-blasted titanium bracelet and a high-tech black velcro strap. The DEFY Extreme's easily interchangeable strap system allows for seamless strap changes, adapting the watch for technical endeavors or everyday wear.

The DEFY Extreme Ultraviolet will be available at Zenith boutiques worldwide, online boutiques, and authorized retailers.

DEFY EXTREME

97.9100.9004/80.I209 / El Primero 9400 Automatic / Power reserve approx. 50 hours / Matte micro-blasted titanium / Case diameter 45 mm / Violet-colored sapphire dial / 20 ATM water resistance / Supplied with violet rubber strap, black velcro strap, and micro-blasted titanium bracelet / ¥2,695,000 (tax included) / Launching July 2026