n the rugged spirit of the Defy Extreme, Zenith continues to seek inspiration from the raw, elemental beauty of wild terrains with the Defy Extreme Glacier.

As a watch made to brave the elements no matter how far off the beaten path, Zenith sought to highlight the environments that the Defy Extreme was destined for with a series of evocative special editions that integrate natural stones within the ruggedness of the toughest 1/100th of a second chronograph around.

Blurring the lines between precision watchmaking and sculptural, wearable art, the Defy Extreme Glacier is directly inspired by frozen barren landscapes, where only those truly adapted to endure the harsh and extreme environment can thrive.

An integral part of the titanium case, the component that protects the pushers as well as the dodecagonal bezel are crafted from chalcedony, a crystalline semi-translucent stone with a pale blue hue that evokes the frozen glaciers. Meticulously cut and polished by hand, each stone is different and exhibits slightly different colours and fibrous structures, making each of the 50 examples of the Defy Extreme Glacier essentially a unique piece.

The open dial of the Defy Extreme Glacier reveals the inner workings of the innovative and singular El Primero 1/100th of a second automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre and its two regulating organs beating at 50Hz for the chronograph and 5Hz for the timekeeping. Keeping with the ice-cold theme, the chronograph counters are made in transparent sapphire crystal that’s given a frosted finish, recalling a layer of ice that allows light to pass through.

Completing the look of this conceptual piece are the supplied durable black Velcro strap and white rubber strap, which can be easily swapped with the titanium bracelet using the quick strap-change mechanism on the back of the case.

The Defy Extreme Glacier is made in a limited edition of 50 pieces, available exclusively at Zenith physical and online boutiques.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Key points: Pusher’s protectors & bezel made of Calcedony. Stronger, bolder and more powerful design. 1/100th of a second Chronograph movement. Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the Chrono hand. 1 escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH - 5 Hz) ; 1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH - 50 Hz). Certified Chronometer. Screwed-in crown. Full Interchangeable strap system. 2 straps included: 1 Rubber with folding buckle & 1 Velcro. Sapphire dial.
• Movement: El Primero 9004, automatic
• Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
• Power reserve: approx. 60 hours
• Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at 9 o’clock
• 1/100th of a second Chronograph: Central chronograph hand that makes one turn each second, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 60-second counter at 6 o’clock, Chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o’clock
• Finishes: Special oscillating weight with satined finishings
• Material: Brushed Titanium & Calcedony
• Water resistance: 20 ATM
• Case: 45 mm
• Dial: Tinted sapphire with three silver-coloured counters
• Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
• Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
• Bracelet & Buckle: Brushed titanium bracelet. Full Interchangeable strap system. 2 straps included: 1 White Rubber with folding buckle & 1 Velcro. Titanium Triple folding clasp.
• Price 25,900 CHF