Zenith Defy Chronograph USM

For Geneva Watch Days 2025, Zenith unveils the Defy Chronograph USM, a four-piece capsule collection created in collaboration with Swiss design house USM Modular Furniture. Inspired by both brands’ formative years in the late 1960s, the series marries Zenith’s heritage of high-frequency chronographs with USM’s iconic color palette and industrial design philosophy. Each reference reimagines the original 1969 Defy case, which is now equipped with chronograph functionality for the first time, resulting in a vibrant yet historically rooted collection that pays tribute to legacy innovation. Powered by the El Primero 400, and limited to just 60 pieces per colorway, the Defy Chronograph USM offers a unique fusion of horology and modular design culture.
The Zenith Defy Chronograph USM is housed in a 37mm stainless-steel case with a thickness of 13.9mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 44mm. Its angular profile mirrors the original 1969 Defy design, featuring an octagonal case shape with a 14-sided bezel and integrated hooded lugs. The case surfaces alternate between brushed and polished finishes, offering a dynamic visual interplay that enhances the watch’s bold architectural presence.
Flipping the watch over reveals a sapphire exhibition caseback that showcases the historic El Primero 400 caliber in full detail. The movement is decorated with Geneva stripes across the rotor and bridges, and its architecture allows for an unobstructed view of the column wheel and oscillating components. Additional engravings around the caseback include references to the model, water resistance, and the limited-edition status of each piece.
A pair of pump-style chronograph pushers flank the screwdown crown on the right side of the case, allowing for seamless operation of the stopwatch functions. A domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment safeguards the front, offering clarity and scratch resistance in all lighting conditions. Water-resistance can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet), ensuring the watch is suited for everyday wear.
The Zenith Defy Chronograph USM features a bold and colorful dial design inspired by USM Modular Furniture’s signature palette. Available in four vibrant colorways: USM Green, Pure Orange, Golden Yellow, and Gentian Blue, the dial surface is matte-lacquered, creating a rich, saturated tone that enhances the geometric case design. Each version retains the angular aesthetic of the original Defy while presenting a thoroughly modern visual identity rooted in the collaboration’s 1960s design ethos.

Atop each dial are three silver-toned sub-dials arranged in a traditional 3-6-9 layout, featuring a fine concentric circular pattern that contrasts beautifully with the matte base. A square-aperture date window is discreetly placed at 4:30, maintaining symmetry while offering added functionality. The applied square-shaped hour markers and central hands are rhodium-plated and filled with Super-LumiNova for low-light visibility, further enhancing legibility across all four colorways.Adding a whimsical yet thoughtful touch, the chronograph seconds hand is tipped with a luminous USM Haller ball joint, as a subtle nod to the modular furniture brand and its design language.This playful detail is positioned directly above Zenith’s applied star logo at 12 o’clock, creating a layered visual alignment that reflects both brands’ appreciation for functional design and precision engineering.

The “Zenith Defy Chronograph USM” (References below) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber El Primero 400 with 31 jewels and 36,000 vph. It comes equipped with a silicon lever and escape wheel for enhanced durability and resistance to magnetism. Power reserve can last up to 55 hours, when fully wound.
Mounted on these watches is Zenith’s retro-inspired stainless-steel ladder bracelet, originally designed in 1969 by Gay Frères and now fully modernized with solid links and a machined folding clasp. The integration of the bracelet into the angular case design preserves the unmistakable Defy silhouette, offering excellent articulation and a comfortably snug fit. Although no strap alternative is offered with the USM edition, the bracelet’s nostalgic aesthetics and ergonomic wear make it a standout feature that complements the chronograph’s bold dial colors and sporty wrist presence.
Each version of the Zenith Defy Chronograph USM is produced as a limited edition of just 60 pieces, totaling only 240 watches across the four colorways. This ultra-limited production underscores the exclusivity of the capsule collection and reinforces its appeal to collectors.
For more up to date information visit the official Zenith website here.