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
![Zenith Defy Extreme watch in titanium](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/58rDrAuSj2m4kdv7nPv6xE-415-80.jpg)
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.
RELATED STORY
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
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
Samuel Ross unveils his Hublot Big Bang watch design
Samuel Ross brings a polished titanium case and orange rubber strap to the Hublot Big Bang watch
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Playful design meets chic heritage in the Hermès Kelly watch
The new Kelly watch from Hermès rethinks the original 1975 timepiece
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Discover the tonal new hues of the classic Nomos Club Campus watch
The Nomos classic wristwatch Club Campus now comes in two new collegiate colours. The perfect graduation gift from the Glashütte manufacture
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Bulgari unveils the thinnest mechanical watch in the world
The new Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra watch is a record-breaking feat of engineering
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Breitling and Triumph unite on a racy new watch and motorcycle
1960s design codes are infused with a contemporary edge in the collaboration between Breitling and Triumph
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Gerald Genta’s mischievous Mickey Mouse watch design is rethought for a new era
The Gerald Genta Retrograde with Smiling Disney Mickey Mouse watch pays tribute to Genta’s humorous design codes
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Shinola honours Georgia O’Keeffe with a new watch
Shinola Birdy watch stays faithful to the minimalist codes of Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting, My Last Door
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Bulgari’s new book celebrates women and high jewellery
Bulgari Magnifica: The Power Women Hold, published by Rizzoli New York, takes a closer look at the female muses who inspired the spectacular Magnifica high jewellery collection
By Hannah Silver Last updated