Le Locle, December 2, 2025 – One of the brand’s most striking creations, the Chroma editions embody ZENITH’s technical mastery and daring avant-garde spirit, seamlessly combining high-frequency chronometry with vibrant, expressive design. Following the resounding success of the 2022 DEFY 21 Chroma in white ceramic and the 2023 Chroma II editions in white and black ceramic, this bold fusion of cutting-edge engineering and artistic vision now returns in two new DEFY Extreme limited editions.
Beyond its remarkable technical prowess, the DEFY Extreme collection has always served as a platform for creativity and bold design expression. With the Chroma limited editions, the innovative ZENITH 1/100th of a second chronograph demonstrates how colour can be explored without limits, even on the world’s most advanced high-frequency chronograph.
The two ZENITH DEFY Extreme Chroma editions combine titanium and ceramic, accentuated by a distinctive spectrum of colours. Their angular 45mm case comes either in microblasted titanium or in brushed and polished titanium, while the dodecagonal bezel, pusher protectors and crown are crafted in black micro-blasted titanium or white ceramic. The interplay of materials and finishes accentuates the DEFY Extreme’s architectural geometry, reinforcing its bold and dynamic character. Engineered for performance, it offers water resistance up to 20 ATM, making it ready for the most demanding conditions.
Inside the DEFY Extreme Chroma beats a unique version of the automatic El Primero 9004 calibre, whose bridges are PVD-coated in a spectrum of colours. This mechanical rainbow is partially revealed through the openworked black or white dial, where the markers and printings mirror the movement’s chromatic palette in a seamless gradient. Each movement displays its own distinctive colour composition. This vivid spectrum also extends to the tips of the subsidiary dial hands – for the chronograph hours and minutes at 9 and 3 o’clock, the chronograph power reserve at 12 o’clock, and the small seconds at 6 o’clock. On the reverse side, the polychrome theme continues with ZENITH’s signature star-shaped rotor, rendered in a striking blue hue for the black edition and electric green for the white edition.
From a technical standpoint, the El Primero 9004 sets itself apart through its ability to measure elapsed times to 1/100th of a second – a remarkable achievement made possible by two independent escapement systems, each with its own barrel and regulator. The first beats at 5 Hz (36,000 vph) to ensure precise timekeeping, while the second operates at an astonishing 50 Hz (360,000 vph) to drive the chronograph. The central chronograph seconds hand completes one full rotation of the dial every second, allowing readings of elapsed time accurate to 1/100th of a second.
Like all DEFY Extreme models, the Chroma editions feature a quick-change strap system, easily operated via push buttons on the back of the case. For enhanced versatility, each watch comes with three strap options: a black or white embossed rubber strap with folding buckle, a titanium bracelet with matching finishes, and a black Velcro strap.
The DEFY Extreme Chroma is released in two limited editions of 100 pieces each, available at ZENITH boutiques, online, and through authorized retailers worldwide.
ZENITH: THE HEART OF WATCHMAKING
Founded in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland, ZENITH has been at the forefront of Swiss watchmaking for over 160 years, driven by a pioneering spirit and a relentless pursuit of precision. As the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, ZENITH has continuously revolutionized horology by developing and manufacturing in-house movements, most notably the El Primero, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre launched in 1969, renowned for its unparalleled precision and high-frequency performance.
ZENITH’s timepieces celebrate its dedication to innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. The CHRONOMASTER collection highlights the brand’s mastery of high-precision chronographs, the DEFY showcases technical innovation and bold design, while the PILOT collection celebrates ZENITH’s storied aviation legacy with distinctive, adventure-ready timepieces. This unwavering commitment to precision has been recognized with an unparalleled 2,333 chronometry prizes, underscoring ZENITH’s enduring legacy of excellence. The calibre 135, having won most of those prizes went through a modern re- engineering integrating up-to-date technical solutions and materials. ZENITH decided to give it a new home in its newly introduced G.F.J collection.
Throughout its history, ZENITH timepieces have accompanied pioneers who dared to dream big and achieve the extraordinary: from Louis Blériot’s historic flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking stratospheric free-fall jump. This daring spirit continues to drive the Maison as it redefines the future of Swiss watchmaking. Celebrating over a century and a half of excellence, innovation, and purpose, ZENITH remains at the forefront of Swiss horology, empowering those who challenge conventions and strive for greatness.
From Le Locle to the world, from 1865 to now, ZENITH is the heart of watchmaking.
DEFY EXTREME
Reference: 97.9113.9004/33.I200
Key points: 1/100th of a second chronograph movement. Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the chronograph hand. Screwed-in crown. Sapphire dial. Black rubber and additional titanium bracelet and Velcro strap. Fully interchangeable strap system.
Movement: El Primero 9004
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours
Functions: 1 escapement for the watch (36,000 VpH - 5 Hz) 1 escapement for the chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz)
Finishes: "Rainbow" PVD-coated bridges and special blue colored oscillating weight with satined finishings
Price: $20,600 USD // $26,700 CAD
Material: Microblasted titanium
Water resistance: 20 ATM
Case: 45mm / Thickness : 15.4 mm / Lug to lug : 51 mm
Dial: Black openworked
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with "Rainbow" varnish.
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with colored varnish.
Bracelet & Buckle: Black rubber with folding clasp, additional titanium bracelet and black Velcro strap.
DEFY EXTREME
Reference: 95.9114.9004/69.I203
Key points: 1/100th of a second chronograph movement. Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the chronograph hand. Screwed-in crown. Sapphire dial. White rubber and additional titanium bracelets and Velcro strap.. Fully interchangeable strap system.
Movement: El Primero 9004
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours
Functions: 1 escapement for the watch (36,000 VpH - 5 Hz) 1 escapement for the chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz)
Finishes: "Rainbow" PVD-coated bridges and special green colored oscillating weight with satined finishings
Price: $20,600 USD // $26,700 CAD
Material: Titanium and white ceramic
Water resistance: 20 ATM
Case: 45mm / Thickness : 15.4 mm / Lug to lug : 51 mm
Dial: White openworked
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with "Rainbow" varnish.
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with colored varnish.
Bracelet & Buckle: White rubber with folding clasp, additional titanium bracelet and black Velcro strap