First Look: The New Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II and Ultraviolet
Zenith expands its high-frequency chronograph collection with two new Defy Extreme models. Featuring the El Primero 9004 movement, these timepieces blend architectural design with exotic materials.
First Look: The New Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II and Ultraviolet
Zenith has expanded its Defy Extreme line with two new interpretations of its high-frequency chronograph: the Lapis Lazuli II and the Ultraviolet. Both timepieces utilize a 45mm architectural case and an openworked display, continuing a design trajectory that includes previous bold editions such as the Chroma, Pantone, Glacier, Desert, and Jungle models.
The Lapis Lazuli II serves as a successor to a first edition released in 2025. While that original model paired steel with yellow gold, the Lapis Lazuli II combines forged carbon and titanium. The matte carbon surfaces are irregular, designed to absorb light and emphasize the watch's angular construction. This model features chronograph counters made of lapis lazuli, showing intense blue colors and natural pyrite inclusions that vary between individual watches. To provide contrast, Zenith added yellow gold-plated faceted hands and applied markers, both filled with Super-LumiNova.
In contrast, the Defy Extreme Ultraviolet utilizes a microblasted titanium case in a dark grey, reflection-free finish. This model features a dial made of violet-tinted sapphire with matching purple counters. The layered, transparent construction allows parts of the movement to be visible from the front. This colorway is a reference to the Defy 21 Ultraviolet released in 2020. Unlike the Lapis II, the Ultraviolet uses rhodium hands and indexes paired with black accents in the chronograph and small seconds registers.
Both watches are built to the same substantial dimensions: 45mm in diameter, 51mm lug-to-lug, and between 15.1mm and 15.4mm thick. They are rated for water resistance to 200m.
Technical Specifications and Movement
The two models are powered by the El Primero 9004 automatic calibre. This movement is distinguished by a dual-escapement construction that separates timekeeping from chronograph functions to localize wear.
- Timekeeping Escapement: Operates at 36,000 vibrations/hour (5Hz).
- Chronograph Escapement: Operates at 360,000 vibrations/hour (50Hz).
This configuration allows the central chronograph seconds hand to complete one full rotation every second, measuring elapsed time to 1/100th of a second. The movement provides 50 hours of power reserve for regular timekeeping, while the chronograph has approximately 50 minutes of autonomy. On the Ultraviolet model, the star-shaped rotor is finished in violet.
The shared display layout includes central hour and minute hands, a small seconds counter 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.
Strap Options and Pricing
Zenith continues its use of interchangeable strap systems for both releases. The Lapis Lazuli II comes with a black rubber strap and a black Velcro strap. The Ultraviolet is provided on a violet rubber strap and includes both a microblasted titanium bracelet and a black Velcro strap.
| Model | Availability | Price (CHF) | Price (EUR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II | Limited to 25 or 50 pieces* | 32,900 | 36,800 | 37,100 / 33,900* |
| Defy Extreme Ultraviolet | Non-limited | 17,900 | 20,200 | 20,100 |
*Sources disagree on the limited edition count for the Lapis Lazuli II, citing both 25 and 50 pieces, and provide varying USD price points.
The watches are available through Zenith boutiques and select authorized retailers.
