In the world of haute horology the most captivating timepieces are shaped by the tension between opposing forces, heritage and innovation. With the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II, ZENITH transforms this philosophy into a mechanical statement, pairing one of Earth’s oldest natural stones with modern watchmaking’s most advanced materials to create a chronograph that feels both futuristic and elemental.
By replacing traditional metallic finishes with forged carbon and allowing the vivid depth of lapis Lazuli to take centre stage, the latest DEFY Extreme interpretation pushes the boundaries of ZENITH’s signature high frequency chronograph design. This piece is limited to just 25 pieces world wide.
Where Ancient Stone Meets Advanced Engineering
The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II begins with a material conversation between two worlds.
Lapis lazuli, a gemstone historically treasured for its intense blue hue and natural golden pyrite inclusions, has long been associated with rarity and wonder. Within the openworked dial of the DEFY Extreme, each lapis lazuli counter becomes unique with shifting patterns and subtle golden reflections that ensure no two pieces are exactly alike.
Against this organic backdrop sits a 45mm case crafted from forged carbon and titanium; materials chosen not only for their lightweight strength but for their distinctly modern character. Unlike polished metals that reflect light, the matte carbon surface absorbs it, creating a darker, more technical presence that highlights the architectural lines of the DEFY Extreme silhouette.
This deliberate contrast defines the watch: a natural material shaped by millions of years of geological transformation placed alongside materials born from aerospace inspired engineering.
A Chronograph Designed Around Extreme Precision
Beneath its striking exterior lies the mechanical innovation that has defined ZENITH’s legacy for decades. The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II is powered by the El Primero 9004 calibre, a movement built around two independent escapements, one dedicated to traditional timekeeping and another exclusively designed for the chronograph function.
The first escapement operates at 5 Hz to maintain everyday time accuracy, while the second operates at an extraordinary 50 Hz, allowing the watch to measure elapsed time down to 1/100th of a second.
This high frequency architecture transforms the chronograph function into a visual spectacle. The central chronograph hand completes a full rotation every second, turning precision into movement that can be seen instantly on the wrist.
The display architecture reflects this technical complexity while maintaining balance: hours and minutes appear centrally, small seconds sit at 9 o’clock, the 30 minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, the 60 second counter at 6 o’clock, and the chronograph power reserve indication at 12 o’clock.
Through the sapphire case back, the movement’s star-shaped oscillating weight is revealed with a satin-brushed finish. This offers a final glimpse into the craftsmanship beneath the surface.
A Modern Expression Of The DEFY Legacy
First introduced as the most radical evolution of the El Primero chronograph, the DEFY Extreme collection represents ZENITH’s pursuit of uncompromising performance. The Lapis Lazuli II continues this legacy by combining the Maison’s historic mechanical expertise with a contemporary approach to materials and design.
The watch also embraces versatility through ZENITH’s interchangeable strap system, arriving with both a black rubber strap featuring a folding clasp and a black high performance Velcro strap. Integrated directly into the case design, the system allows the wearer to shift between a more refined technical look and a sportier expression.
Water resistant to 20 atmospheres, the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II is built as a collector’s piece and a performance instrument. A rare balance between visual artistry and mechanical endurance.
Swiss Watchmaking, Written In Stone
Since its founding in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1865, ZENITH has built its reputation around pushing the limits of precision. From the legendary El Primero calibre introduced in 1969 to today’s high frequency innovations, the Maison’s history has always been defined by those willing to challenge convention.
The DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II continues that tradition by proving that technical mastery and artistic expression do not have to exist separately. Instead, they can collide to create something entirely new. A watch forged from carbon, and ancient stone, it is a reminder that the future of luxury is about the contrasts, and craftsmanship that make every second count.
