Zenith celebrates its 160th anniversary with a bold release: the Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli, a 50-piece limited edition that continues the brand’s push into avant-garde design and technical excellence. By incorporating vivid lapis lazuli stone counters into one of its most high-performance chronographs, Zenith brings new visual flair to the Defy Extreme platform while leaning into the broader trend of stone dials in contemporary watchmaking.
The Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli is built around a bold 45mm case constructed in mirror-polished stainless-steel, with sharp facets and aggressive lines that reflect the identity of the Extreme line. Measuring 15.4mm in thickness with a 51mm lug-to-lug, it wears large but deliberate. Yellow gold accents provide contrast and refinement, applied to the twelve-sided microblasted bezel and to the protective elements surrounding the pushers. The overall design gives a sense of structured force, amplified by the sharp transitions between surfaces.
On the flipside a sapphire exhibition caseback reveals the high-frequency El Primero 9004 movement. The wide star-shaped rotor, dual escapement structure, and industrial bridge layout are clearly visible through the faceted crystal. Also integrated is Zenith’s interchangeable strap system, allowing the wearer to quickly switch between the included mirror-polished bracelet, black rubber strap, or black Velcro strap, all of which attach securely with solid end links and fit flush against the case.
Flanking the screw-down crown are oversized pushers protected by angular yellow gold guards, underscoring the tool-watch ambitions of this otherwise luxurious piece. Water-resistance can reach up to 200 meters (660 feet), ensuring reliable durability despite the open-worked and complex case construction.
The dial of the Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli is a layered, architectural composition built atop an openworked base. Its skeletonized construction reveals key components of the El Primero 9004 beneath, while providing visual depth and industrial character. The deep blue lapis lazuli sub-dials introduce a rich natural element, their gold-speckled inclusions creating a subtle interplay with the polished surfaces of the movement and case.
Arranged in a tri-compax layout, the lapis lazuli counters are placed at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, serving the 30-minute, 60-second, and small seconds functions respectively. A fourth stone disc sits at 12 o’clock, housing a linear power reserve indicator. Framing these elements is a vivid blue outer scale, dedicated to 1/100th-of-a-second chronograph readings, a hallmark of the Defy Extreme’s ultra-high frequency engine. Gold-plated applied hour markers are mounted on the rehaut, echoing the yellow gold accents of the bezel and pusher guards.
The hands are gold-plated and filled with Super-LumiNova, ensuring nighttime visibility. The openworked chronograph seconds hand features Zenith’s signature star-shaped counterweight, extending the brand’s design language across functional elements. 
Combined with the lapis lazuli’s natural elegance, the dial delivers a striking balance of technical precision and visual opulence.
Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli
The “Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli” (Ref#: 06.9200.9004/51.I001) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber El Primero 9004 with 53 jewels and 36,000 vph. It comes equipped with a dual regulating organ, one for timekeeping and one for the chronograph that runs at 360,000 vph. Power reserve can last up to 50 hours, when fully wound.
Mounted on this watch is a mirror-polished stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp, accompanied by two additional straps: a black embossed rubber strap 
and a black Velcro strap. All three options use Zenith’s interchangeable strap system, allowing the wearer to swap styles with ease. 
The Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli is a limited edition of only 50 pieces worldwide, offering collectors a rare fusion of cutting-edge engineering and natural stone artistry within the brand’s most technically advanced chronograph line.
For more up to date information visit the official Zenith website here.
MSRP: $33,900.00 USD
Feel Free To Contact Us For Availability At: