Zenith’s anniversary year has produced its fair share of headline pieces. This one sits outside the fanfare. A stone dial, a familiar case, and a quiet nod to where the brand started.
At a glance
- Case: 45 mm, steel with yellow gold
- Dial: Lapis lazuli, openworked
- Movement: El Primero 9004, 1/100th second chronograph
- Water resistance: 200 m
- Straps: Steel bracelet, rubber, Velcro
- Edition: Limited to 50 pieces
- Price: 32,900 CHF
Zenith has been marking its 160th anniversary with a string of special pieces, each tied back to the brand’s long history and its connection to the colour blue.
The new Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli is part of that story. It takes the existing Defy Extreme design and swaps the standard dial for a thin slice of lapis, a stone known for its deep blue tone and natural gold flecks.
The case remains true to the Extreme format. It’s large at 45 mm, angular, and designed to make an impact. Steel is the main material, with yellow gold used around the bezel and pushers. The mix gives the watch a sharper visual outline and ties into the blue-and-gold theme running through Zenith’s anniversary pieces.
Zenith keeps things practical with its strap setup. The watch comes with a steel bracelet, a rubber strap and a Velcro strap, and swapping between them is straightforward. It helps the size feel more flexible for everyday wear.
Inside is the El Primero 9004 movement, which powers Zenith’s high-speed chronograph. Press the chronograph button and the central hand completes one full rotation every second.
It’s a technical feature that has become a signature of the brand.
Only 50 pieces will be made. It fits neatly into what Zenith has been doing throughout its anniversary year: leaning on its heritage, using blue as a consistent thread, and experimenting with materials that give familiar designs a fresh angle.
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