Zenith’s DEFY Extreme Chroma returns as one of the brand’s boldest expressions of high-frequency watchmaking—a technicolor fusion of engineering and artistry that pushes the DEFY line into unapologetically avant-garde territory. Following the success of earlier Chroma releases, these new 2025 editions arrive in two 100-piece runs, each pairing titanium with black or white ceramic and an explosion of chromatic detailing.
The angular 45mm case sets the tone: a mix of micro-blasted or brushed titanium contrasted with ceramic push-guard elements, reinforcing the DEFY Extreme’s architectural presence. It’s rugged enough for real-world adventure too, boasting 20 ATM water resistance.
Inside, Zenith unleashes one of the most radical movements available today. The El Primero 9004 doesn’t just track elapsed time—it measures it to 1/100th of a second thanks to dual escapements running at 5 Hz and a blistering 50 Hz. Through the openworked dial, you see bridges coated in a full spectrum of hues, each movement with its own unique gradient. Even the chronograph sub-dial hands carry pops of color, while the rotor on the reverse shines in electric blue or green.
Three interchangeable straps—rubber, titanium, and Velcro—complete the package, enhancing versatility for collectors who want modular style without compromise. At $20,600, the DEFY Extreme Chroma isn’t just a timekeeper. It’s a kinetic rainbow powered by one of the most impressive movements in modern watchmaking—Zenith at its most daring, vibrant, and technically audacious.
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