Editor’s Note: Need a quick watch fix? This preview of the new Zenith Defy Extreme Carbon Fibre is a GET TO THE POINT (GTTP) review with all the info you want / need to know QUICK. For our usual detailed hands-on reviews, please head to our dedicated reviews section here.
What Is It
Presenting the new 45mm diameter and 15.4mm thick monolith Zenith Defy Extreme Carbon Fibre with a multi-layered tinted sapphire dial with three black-coloured counters.
It is big, bold, sporty, and as rugged as they come. Whether you are at the off-road electric rally racing championships or simply lounging around, the Zenith Defy Extreme gives you the chance to enjoy watchmaking at its daredevil best.
Why, Where, and When
These wrist mammoths are inspired by the larger than life Extreme E event; for those who may not be aware like I wasn’t, “Extreme E is an FIA-sanctioned international off-road racing series that uses spec silhouette electric SUVs to race in remote parts of the world, such as the Saudi Arabian desert or the Arctic”.
In Sydney, both Gregory Jewellers and Swiss Concept are/used to be the Authorised dealers. Globally, the new Zenith Defy Extreme should be available at Zenith physical boutiques and online boutiques around the world.
The ref. 10.9100.9004/22.I200 features an impressive 200m water resistance, and retails for 36’100 AUD and was first announced as part of the third edition of the LVMH Watch Week 2022 (January 24 – 28, 2022).
Basic Specs of The Zenith Defy Extreme
Inside the new Zenith Defy ExtremeCarbon Fibre ticks at rocket speed the El Primero 9004 automatic.
This 32.8 x 7.9mm movement comprises 293 components and 53 jewels, beats at the high frequency of 5Hz for time and super fast 50Hz — a separate escapement beating at a 360’000 vph that can measure nearest 1/100 of a second — for the chronograph, and provides a decent (min.) 50-hour power reserve.
Full Throttle With The Zenith Defy Extreme
Even though the watch is big, I like how the use of light yet durable carbon fibre and titanium case materials offset that and should enhance the wearing pleasure. Staying true to the inspiration, I also respect that the new Defy Extreme’s tinted sapphire dial takes on the colours of EXTREME E electric rally races.
It is also decently finished, featuring a black coloured main plate on movement in addition to a special black coloured oscillating weight with satined finishing.
Often timepieces like this tend to be more on the gimmicky side and for enhancing the wow factor of a watch collection left stale inside a safe, but thankfully the new Zenith Defy Extreme with its practical 50-hour power reserve, Chronometer certification, 200m water-resistance and inclusion of three easily interchangeable straps is bait for exploring any real life adventures millionaires may wish to embark upon.
As for watch geeks, the charm of the exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the Chrono hand will always be the big draw.
Last but not the least, adrenaline junkies will find joy in knowing that Zenith will be developing special editions of this new Zenith Defy Extreme for each of the upcoming EXTREME E races.
To find out more about the new Zenith Defy Extreme and other Zenith watches, please head to their website here. All images unless otherwise stated are courtesy are ©Zenith. All rights reserved.
