Zenith Watches Brand
Zenith Defy Extreme Chroma — The High‑Frequency Mechanical Rainbow
Luxferity, 03.12.2025
A New Chapter for Zenith’s Boldest Chronograph
In a triumphant celebration of colour and chronometry, ZENITH unveils the DEFY Extreme Chroma limited editions — two striking incarnations of its 1/100th‑of-a-second high‑frequency chronograph, engineered for the connoisseur who demands both mechanical mastery and aesthetic audacity. Announced in Le Locle on December 2, 2025, these newest DEFY Extreme models mark a vivid milestone in the Manufacture’s ongoing journey of innovation.
Secret Alloy
With their architectural 45 mm cases in titanium and ceramic, and a boldly openworked dial revealing a “mechanical rainbow” within, the Chroma editions reaffirm ZENITH’s ability to marry precision engineering with expressive design — a synergy once explored in the earlier “Chroma” experiments such as the DEFY 21 Chroma and Chroma II. DEFY 21 Chroma · Chroma II
Photon Sphere
“A bold fusion of cutting-edge engineering and artistic vision” — the Chroma editions are testament to a Maison unafraid to play with light, colour and movement.
Glacier Blue
Materials, Design & Movement: Where Form Meets Function
- Case & materials: Each Chroma edition features a 45 mm case crafted from micro‑blasted titanium — either left in its raw finish or brushed and polished for subtle contrast. The twelve‑sided bezel, pusher protectors and crown are rendered in black micro‑blasted titanium or white ceramic, creating a bold interplay between geometry and finish that emphasizes the DEFY Extreme’s dynamic, architectural silhouette.
- A mechanical rainbow beneath the sapphire dial: At the heart of the watch lies a unique version of the automatic El Primero 9004 calibre. Its bridges are PVD‑coated in multiple hues, producing a gradient spectrum visible through the open‑worked dial — and echoed in the rhodium‑plated hour markers, hands, and subsidiary dial hands. No two movements present the same colour composition, ensuring each piece is visually unique. On the reverse side, the star‑shaped rotor continues the polychrome theme, with bold blue and electric‑green finishes for respective editions.
- Chronograph performance: The El Primero 9004 powers a dual‑escapement system: one beating at 5 Hz (36,000 vph) for timekeeping, the other at a staggering 50 Hz (360,000 vph) to drive the chronograph. The central chronograph seconds hand completes a full rotation every second — a signature of ZENITH’s 1/100th‑of-a-second chronograph legacy.
- Versatile wearability: Reflecting the rugged heritage of the DEFY Extreme, both Chroma editions are water‑resistant to 20 ATM and come with a quick‑change strap system. Each watch includes three straps: a black or white embossed rubber strap, a titanium bracelet, and a black Velcro strap — offering adaptability whether in a formal setting or on the move.
Rattrapante R.U.R.
Two Editions, 100 Pieces Each — A Collector’s Dream
| Edition | Case & Dial Finish | Rotor Colour | Strap Options | Retail Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 pcs — “Black Edition” | Microblasted titanium case, black openworked dial | Blue rotor | Black rubber, titanium bracelet, black Velcro | 19,900 CHF / 21,600 EUR / 20,600 USD |
| 100 pcs — “White Edition” | Titanium + white ceramic case, white openworked dial | Electric green rotor | White rubber, titanium bracelet, black Velcro | 19,900 CHF / 21,600 EUR / 20,600 USD |
*As announced in the official press release.
Mount Erebus Deep Blue Full Rose Gold 5N
Continuity with Zenith’s Chromatic Legacy
The DEFY Extreme Chroma does not emerge in isolation — it is part of an evolving lineage of ZENITH’s chromatic experiments. In 2021, the brand introduced the DEFY 21 Chroma, where a matte white ceramic case served as a canvas for a full spectrum across dial and movement. DEFY 21 Chroma explored the interplay between high‑frequency chronometry and visible light. Later, the Chroma II series expanded the palette further in both white and black cases. Chroma II
Mount Erebus Deep Blue Rose Gold And Rubber
The new Extreme Chroma pushes this concept further: it doesn’t just place colour on the surface — it integrates it deep within the movement architecture, letting each timepiece become a no‑two‑alike mechanical jewel. Compared to the gemstone‑adorned high‑jewellery pieces of the DEFY 21 Spectrum collection, which leaned into brilliance and precious materials, the Chroma editions retain a raw, technical, avant‑garde spirit even while embracing exuberance. DEFY 21 Spectrum
Mount Erebus Deep Blue Rose Gold And Alligator
The Meaning of Chroma in Haute Horlogerie
In a world where luxury often means restraint, the Chroma editions stand as a defiant affirmation that technical mastery and expressive boldness can — and should — coexist. The 1/100th‑second chronograph remains one of the pinnacles of mechanical precision, yet here it is wrapped in a vivid display of colour, movement and light.
Mount Erebus Deep Blue Yellow Gold And Alligator
For the modern connoisseur — someone who sees timepieces not merely as tools, but as statements — the DEFY Extreme Chroma offers something rare: a living sculpture on the wrist, where every glance reveals new hues, new reflections, new details. With only 200 pieces worldwide, ZENITH extends an invitation not to simply own time, but to own a piece of mechanical art.
Mount Erebus Deep Blue Yellow Gold And Rubber
Publication Note: Considering the growing trend of chromatic high‑frequency chronographs exemplified by ZENITH’s recent releases in the DEFY 21 and Extreme lines, the DEFY Extreme Chroma will almost certainly become a reference point for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Watch lovers may also revisit our earlier coverage, such as the DEFY 21 Ultrablue article, to appreciate how ZENITH has progressively explored the intersection of frequency, light and design.
Mount Erebus Deep Blue Full Yellow Gold 2N
