Zenith Defy Extreme is a watch for the modern adventurer
With a titanium case and oversized proportions, the Zenith Defy Extreme makes a bold statement

Bold, tough and accurate, the new Zenith Defy Extreme nods to core design codes from the Zenith Defy family of watches.
The movement and transparent dial are familiar features from previous collections, making a natural fit in this generously upsized new model – at 45mm, the case is larger than its predecessors and cuts an imposing silhouette. The twelve angles of the caseback look back to the angular bezel synonymous with the Defy designs from the 1960s. Slick and secure, the oversized proportions continue in the chronograph counters and hands.
Three new versions of the Defy Extreme, each with a strong titanium base, have been unveiled. A focus on block colour means the movements are neatly coded to match the individual designs of each watch, with the titanium reworked in different finishes for each model. In the first piece, microblasted titanium case becomes sleek when paired with black design details; in the second, a play on texture with brushed and polished microblasted titanium case brings a tactility to blue accents. In the third iteration, microblasted titanium is softened when teamed with a polished rose gold case and gold-plated design features. Straps in titanium, Velcro and rubber make for fuss-free sporty updates, an appropriate choice as the watch releases coincide with Zenith’s first outing as official timekeeper and founding partner for Extreme E, the new off-road electric racing championship.
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Other new watch releases this year include the Defy 21 Felipe Pantone, a boldly colourful and technical collaboration with the artist, the Defy 21 Ultrablue which casts the case and movement in deep hues of blue and the jewelled Defy 21 Spectrum series.
INFORMATION
Hannah Silver joined Wallpaper* in 2019 to work on watches and jewellery. Now, as well as her role as watches and jewellery editor, she writes widely across all areas including on art, architecture, fashion and design. As well as offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, Hannah is interested in the quirks of what makes for a digital success story.
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