As part of its 160th anniversary program, ZENITH continues to honor its storied legacy with creations that marry natural beauty and technical mastery. Lapis lazuli, with its profound celestial blue, mirrors ZENITH’s emblematic shade — a sign of infinity, accuracy and the quest for excellence. The Manufacture now presents an exceptional iteration of its most audacious and advanced chronograph: the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli, issued in a limited run of 50 pieces.

Encased in a dramatic blend of microblasted yellow gold and polished steel, the 45 mm DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli unveils a mesmerising openworked dial fashioned from this deep blue stone. Its translucent layers reveal glimpses of the pioneering movement beneath, a mechanical wonder capable of timing to 1/100th of a second with uncompromising precision.

The DEFY Extreme’s assertive, angular silhouette is reinterpreted through the contrast between mirror‑polished steel and the warm, satin glow of yellow gold that frames the dodecagonal bezel and pusher guards. This interplay of finishes enhances the watch’s sculptural presence, while golden accents recur on the hands, hour markers and across the lapis dial itself. Each dial is a one‑of‑a‑kind natural artwork: its intense blue is flecked with sparkling pyrite inclusions, guaranteeing that no two examples are identical. The outer 1/100th‑of‑a‑second scale is printed in blue, achieving a cohesive chromatic balance across the face.

Powering the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli is the El Primero 9004 calibre, a notable advancement of ZENITH’s famed high‑frequency chronograph. It remains the sole mechanical chronograph in regular production able to measure 1/100th of a second. This feat is achieved through two independent escapements: one running at 5 Hz (36,000 VpH) for timekeeping, and a second at an extraordinary 50 Hz (360,000 VpH) dedicated to the chronograph. The latter propels the central chronograph hand to complete a full rotation every second, allowing crystal‑clear readings down to a hundredth of a second.

The openworked dial showcases the movement’s kinetic architecture, with the chronograph seconds at 6 o’clock, chronograph minutes at 3 o’clock, the power‑reserve display at 12 o’clock and the small seconds at 9 o’clock. Through the sapphire caseback, the view continues with the signature star‑shaped rotor in a satin‑brushed finish, a modern emblem of ZENITH’s watchmaking savoir‑faire.

True to the adaptable character of the DEFY Extreme line, this special edition includes an interchangeable strap system operated via push‑buttons on the caseback. It is supplied with three distinct options: a steel bracelet, a black embossed rubber strap with folding clasp, and a black Velcro strap, enabling the wearer to switch effortlessly from sporty to refined.

The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli, limited to 50 pieces, is available now at ZENITH boutiques, online and through authorised retailers worldwide.