A Chronograph Built on Contrast

The DEFY Extreme was conceived as the most radical expression of the El Primero chronograph. Built around high-frequency precision and uncompromising performance, its dual-escapement architecture remains the only mechanical chronograph in regular production capable of measuring elapsed time to 1/100th of a second. With the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II, ZENITH continues exploring the tension between technical materials and natural stone through a darker, sharper and more contemporary interpretation of the concept.

Following the first DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli edition unveiled in steel and yellow gold, ZENITH now reinterprets the concept through an entirely different material approach. Produced in a limited edition of 25 pieces, the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II replaces metallic reflections with the deep matte texture of forged carbon, creating a sharper and more technical expression of the original watch.

The contrast remains central to the design. 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. The 45mm case combines carbon and titanium elements, pairing lightweight properties and high structural resistance with the bold architecture of the DEFY Extreme. The matte, textured surfaces absorb light rather than reflecting it, reinforcing the graphic geometry of the case while giving the watch a more stealth-like presence on the wrist.

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. Yellow gold-plated applied indexes and Super-LumiNova maintain legibility in all conditions without disrupting the overall visual balance. The display is organised around central hours and minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock, a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o'clock, a 60-second counter at 6 o'clock and a chronograph power reserve indication at 12 o'clock. At the centre, the chronograph hand completes a full rotation every second, transforming the 1/100th-of-a-second indication into something both visible and instinctively readable.

Inside beats the El Primero 9004 calibre, developed around two independent escapements. One operates at 5 Hz (36,000 VpH) for standard timekeeping, while the second beats at 50 Hz (360,000 VpH) exclusively for the chronograph. This dual-escapement construction allows the movement to measure elapsed time to 1/100th of a second while maintaining a 50-hour power reserve for the timekeeping module and 50 minutes for the chronograph function. Through the sapphire case back, the star-shaped oscillating weight appears in a satin-brushed finish.

The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II is delivered with both a black rubber strap with folding clasp and a black high-performance Velcro strap. Both can be exchanged through the DEFY Extreme interchangeable strap system integrated directly into the case back.