Seeking to push boundaries and explore new creative paths, ZENITH has a special sense when it comes to applying striking colours where least expected. And with the new DEFY 21 Chroma II limited editions, the watchmaker proves that colours can be used without limits – even on the world’s most innovative high-frequency chronograph.

Presented at the LVMH Watch Week in 2022, the DEFY 21 Chroma limited edition was an instant hit. Its combination of a white ceramic case, a wide palette of colour accents and the world’s only serially produced high-frequency 1/100th of a second automatic chronograph calibre made it a compelling and outstanding offering. Now, ZENITH has revisited this unique recipe to create two editions of the DEFY 21 Chroma II in black and white ceramic – each with its own range of colours.

The two versions of the DEFY 21 Chroma II take on different tones within the same spectrum of colours. The black ceramic version brings forth a range of tones based on the primary colours, while the white ceramic version features brighter accents with an emphasis on blues and pinks.

The ceramic case gives way to a refracted rainbow spread evenly across the open dial, the tips of the hands and the movement, all in a perfectly transitioning gradient of colours spanning the entire spectrum. The meticulously applied colours on the markers and 1/100 of a second scale extend beyond the dial and out of the case, with the crown’s rubber grip ring as well as the cordura-effect rubber straps’ stitching following the colour arrangement of the dial.

The timepiece has an open which dial features raised chronograph counters matching the cases’ colours, beneath which the movement is visible. Each bridge is finished in a different metallic colour, again following the gradient of the dial’s markers. Visible through the dial as well as the sapphire case back, one can admire the uniquely constructed El Primero 21 automatic high-frequency 1/100th of a second chronograph that’s at the peak of performance and precision, featuring two independent regulating organs and gear trains for the timekeeping and chronograph functions, operating at frequencies of 5Hz (36’000 VpH) and 50Hz (360’000 VpH), respectively.

The new Chroma II in white ceramic is limited to 500 pieces and available at ZENITH boutiques and selected retailers around the world, while the black ceramic edition of 500 pieces is available at all ZENITH authorized points of sale.