The history of time measurement is intricately linked with the story of Zenith, a name that has come to represent a persistent drive toward precision and mechanical ingenuity in Swiss watchmaking for over 160 years. Established in Le Locle in 1865, the brand was a pioneer as one of the first truly integrated manufactures, mastering the entire production process of its movements in-house. This comprehensive control over craftsmanship laid the foundation for a legacy of innovation, yielding an astounding number of chronometry prizes throughout its existence. The brand’s philosophy has always been centered on pushing the boundaries of what is mechanically possible, a quest perhaps most famously epitomized by the creation of the El Primero, the high-frequency automatic chronograph calibre that debuted in 1969 and remains one of the most significant mechanical movements in horological history.
The modern Zenith collection continues this tradition of mechanical audacity, perhaps nowhere more dramatically than in the DEFY line. The DEFY collection is where the Manufacture’s technical brilliance meets a strikingly contemporary and robust design language. Within this sphere of advanced watchmaking, the new DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli emerges as a celebration of the brand’s 160th year, seamlessly blending high-tech performance with natural, artistic materials. It represents a bold and highly limited expression of the DEFY Extreme, the most rugged and technically advanced chronograph in the brand’s current portfolio, crafted for those who appreciate both intense mechanical complexity and striking visual presence.
Courtesy of Zenith
The very architecture of the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli case is designed to command attention. Measuring a substantial 45 millimeters in diameter, the case employs a powerful contrast of materials to accentuate its angular and assertive silhouette. It is primarily constructed from polished stainless steel, providing a mirror-like sheen that catches the light. This bright, cool tone is dynamically offset by the inclusion of warm, rich microblasted yellow gold, which is strategically deployed on the striking dodecagonal bezel and the protective elements around the chronograph pushers. This thoughtful juxtaposition of polished and matte, silver and gold, creates a sculptural interplay of textures that intensifies the rugged, almost monolithic feel of the watch on the wrist.
Crucial to the unique identity of this limited edition of only fifty pieces is the dial, which is meticulously crafted from lapis lazuli. This natural, deep blue stone is celebrated for its rich, celestial hue, a color that resonates perfectly with Zenith's signature blue and its historical connection to the pursuit of the heavens and precision. The visual depth of the lapis lazuli is remarkable, evoking a dark, starry night sky. Embedded within the stone are shimmering inclusions of pyrite, which appear like tiny flecks of gold scattered across the intense blue background. It is these entirely natural variations in the stone that ensure every single watch in this boutique edition is inherently unique, carrying its own miniature, geological landscape on the wrist.
The dial is not merely a solid surface; it features an openworked design, providing captivating glimpses into the complex mechanical heart beating beneath. This partial transparency allows the wearer to observe the sophisticated inner workings of the movement, fusing the raw beauty of the natural stone with the precision of micro-engineering. The blue aesthetic is continued harmoniously with the outer ring, which carries the 1/100th of a second scale, creating a seamless chromatic flow across the entire face of the watch.
Powering the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli is the celebrated El Primero 9004 automatic calibre. This movement is a modern marvel and the mechanical culmination of over five decades of perfecting the high-frequency chronograph. It is an extraordinary achievement because it remains one of the only series-produced mechanical chronographs capable of measuring time with a precision of one one-hundredth of a second. This level of accuracy is enabled by a revolutionary dual-escapement architecture within the movement.
Courtesy of Zenith
The mechanism is separated into two entirely independent regulating organs and gear trains. The first escapement is dedicated to standard timekeeping, operating at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (VpH), or 5 Hz, which is already considered high-frequency for a regular watch movement and provides an ample power reserve of approximately 50 hours. This is the part of the movement responsible for the steady, reliable display of the hours, minutes, and small seconds.
The second, entirely separate escapement is dedicated exclusively to the chronograph function, and this is where the watch’s technical prowess truly shines. It operates at an astonishing ten times the speed of the timekeeping escapement, beating at an incredible 360,000 VpH, or 50 Hz. This ultra-high frequency is what allows the central chronograph hand to make one complete sweep around the dial every single second, providing the instantaneous visual proof of the 1/100th of a second measurement capability.
The functions displayed on the dial are a testament to the movement's complexity. The central hour and minute hands offer conventional time indication, while the small seconds are tucked away at the 9 o'clock position. The chronograph functionality is clearly mapped out: a central hand handles the 1/100th of a second measurement, while a 30-minute counter is positioned at 3 o'clock, and a 60-second counter resides at 6 o'clock. A crucial and useful feature is the chronograph power-reserve indicator, located at 12 o'clock, which informs the wearer of the remaining energy for the high-frequency chronograph escapement.
Observing the reverse side of the timepiece through the sapphire crystal case back provides a further appreciation for the El Primero 9004. The movement’s finishing is visible, and the dynamic architecture is anchored by the signature star-shaped oscillating weight. This rotor features a satin-brushed finish and is a contemporary hallmark of the Manufacture's commitment to both technical performance and aesthetic refinement in its calibres. The engraving on the case back confirms the model reference and its unique technical attributes, reinforcing the certified chronometer status of the movement.
Courtesy of Zenith
The hands and hour markers further reinforce the watch’s luxurious and legible aesthetic. They are gold-plated and faceted, designed to catch the light and provide clear reading against the deep blue background of the lapis lazuli dial. To ensure visibility in low-light conditions, both the hands and the hour markers are generously coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1, maintaining the watch’s utility across all environments, perfectly aligning with the DEFY line’s ethos of rugged performance.
In line with the DEFY Extreme’s versatile and adventurous spirit, this Lapis Lazuli edition is equipped with a user-friendly and highly practical interchangeable strap system. This mechanism, effortlessly operated via push buttons integrated into the case back, allows the wearer to quickly and securely swap between various strap options without the need for tools. The watch is delivered with three distinct choices, catering to a range of activities and settings, transforming the watch’s personality in moments.
The primary attachment is a robust stainless steel bracelet, matching the dominant case material and featuring a sharp, angular design that complements the overall architecture of the watch. For more casual or sporty occasions, a black embossed rubber strap with a folding clasp is included, offering a comfortable and water-resistant alternative. Finally, a black Velcro strap is provided, offering a secure and adjustable fit, often preferred in action-oriented or outdoor pursuits. This trifecta of options ensures the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli can seamlessly transition from a formal setting to a high-octane environment.
The water resistance of the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli is rated to a substantial 20 ATM, which translates to a depth capability of 200 meters. This high degree of water resistance is a testament to the robust construction of the case and its screwed-in crown, affirming the watch’s suitability for serious water sports and confirming its status as a highly durable and adventure-ready chronograph, despite the inclusion of the delicate, natural stone dial.
The pursuit of precision, which has defined the brand since its inception, has always been linked with the pioneering spirit. From equipping pioneers who dared to achieve the extraordinary, such as Louis Blériot during his historic flight across the English Channel, to those who broke modern boundaries, like Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking stratospheric jump, the Manufacture’s timepieces have been consistent partners to those who challenge conventions. The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli carries this heritage forward, marrying the historical quest for chronometric accuracy with materials inspired by the universe itself.
Courtesy of Zenith
The dual-escapement system is an engineering marvel that speaks volumes about the brand’s relentless pursuit of high-frequency precision. The complexity of running two separate, high-speed movements in such close proximity, one ten times faster than the other, and coordinating their functions is a feat that few other watchmakers have managed to accomplish in series production. This technological achievement is not merely for academic interest; it delivers a tangible, observable difference in the way the chronograph functions, offering an exceptionally clear and dynamic reading of time down to the hundredth of a second.
This commitment to technical superiority is also reflected in the materials chosen for the case. The use of 18-carat microblasted yellow gold, which is a key aesthetic component of the watch, provides a warmth and depth that contrasts beautifully with the cool industrial precision of the polished steel. This combination is highly effective in giving the watch a powerful visual anchor on the wrist, drawing the eye to the distinct profile of the DEFY Extreme case design, which features a pronounced dodecagonal shape framing the bezel.
The careful selection of lapis lazuli, a material revered for millennia for its deep, almost mystical blue, is a deliberate choice that elevates this timepiece beyond a mere instrument. It transforms the dial into a miniature canvas, where the natural, random scattering of golden pyrite inclusions means each of the fifty owners possesses a piece of mechanical art that is visually distinct from the others. This use of a natural, variable material injects an organic element into a mechanism defined by rigorous, absolute precision.
The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli stands as a testament to the Manufacture's ability to evolve its most iconic technical achievements while embracing bold, contemporary design. It takes the established high-frequency performance of the El Primero and wraps it in a package defined by modern materials, aggressive architecture, and a striking natural element. It is a watch designed not just to measure moments with extreme accuracy, but to make a definitive statement about the wearer’s appreciation for mechanical innovation and uncompromising style.
The overall composition of the watch is one of chromatic harmony and textural contrast. The deep blue of the lapis lazuli is echoed in the accents of the dial, while the yellow gold of the case components is picked up by the gold plating on the hour markers and hands. Even the movement's star-shaped oscillating weight, visible through the case back, is designed with a satined finish that contributes to the overall visual balance of the piece, blending high-end finishing with contemporary watch aesthetics.
Courtesy of Zenith
Looking closer at the dial details, the layout ensures that despite the wealth of information being displayed—from hours and minutes to chronograph readouts and power reserve—legibility is maintained. The faceted and polished nature of the applied gold markers and hands ensures they stand out against the deep blue background, while the chronograph counters themselves are cleanly executed, enabling quick and accurate reading of elapsed time. The visual spectacle of the central chronograph hand sweeping around the dial once per second remains the most striking indication of the movement's sheer speed.
In terms of market positioning and acquisition, the Zenith DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli, reference 06.9200.9004/51.I001, is priced at $33,900.00 USD. Its availability is naturally restricted due to the highly limited nature of the production run, with only fifty examples made. Interested individuals should anticipate that this boutique edition will be available exclusively through the brand’s own network of physical and online boutiques and potentially through select authorized retailers worldwide. Securing one of these rare pieces requires prompt action, given the exceptional technical features, the striking combination of yellow gold and steel, and the inherent uniqueness of the natural lapis lazuli dial.
Case: Material is 18-ct microblasted yellow gold and polished steel. Diameter is 45.00mm. Water resistance is 20 ATM. Thickness is 15.4 mm. Lug to lug is 51 mm. Screwed-in crown.
Movement: Calibre is El Primero 9004 automatic. Total components are 293. Frequency is 36,000 VpH (5 Hz) for the watch escapement and 360,000 VpH (50 Hz) for the chronograph escapement. Power reserve is approximately 50 hours. Functions include hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock, 1/100th of a second chronograph with central hand, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, 60-second counter at 6 o'clock, and chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o'clock.
Dial: Material is Lapis Lazuli with an openworked design. Hour markers and hands are gold-plated, faceted, and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1. Features a dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the chrono hand.
Strap: Comes with a stainless steel bracelet and two additional straps: one black embossed rubber with folding buckle and one black Velcro strap. Full interchangeable strap system.
Price: 33,900 USD / 32,900 CHF / 34,900 Euros
Reference Number: 06.9200.9004/51.I001
Notes: Limited to 50 examples, this watch is a Boutique Edition. The movement is a certified chronometer and features two independent escapements for extreme precision.