Zenith
Chronomaster Sport
$11,200
The DEFY Extreme has always stood as the most radical expression of the El Primero chronograph, and with the DEFY Extreme Lapis Lazuli II, Zenith pushes its exploration of natural stone into darker, sharper territory. Following the first Lapis Lazuli edition in steel and yellow gold, this new interpretation trades metallic reflections for the deep matte texture of forged carbon. Limited to 25 pieces, the 45mm case combines carbon and titanium, bringing together lightweight construction and high structural resistance, while the textured surfaces absorb light rather than reflecting it, giving the watch a stealthier presence on the wrist.
Contrast drives the design. Set within the openworked dial, the lapis lazuli counters introduce depth, color, and unpredictability, their natural pyrite inclusions catching the light differently from every angle and throwing subtle golden reflections against the darker architecture of carbon and titanium. Yellow gold-plated applied indexes with Super-LumiNova preserve legibility without disturbing the visual balance. The display arranges central hours and minutes with small seconds at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, a 60-second counter at 6 o’clock, and a chronograph power reserve at 12 o’clock, while the central chronograph hand sweeps a full rotation every second.
Inside beats the El Primero 9004, built around two independent escapements: one running at 5Hz for timekeeping, the other at 50Hz exclusively for the chronograph, making this the only mechanical chronograph in regular production measuring to 1/100th of a second. Power reserves run 50 hours and 50 minutes respectively, with a satin-brushed star-shaped rotor visible through the sapphire case back. A black rubber strap and black Velcro strap are both included, exchangeable via the integrated interchangeable strap system.
