What if the original 1969 Zenith DEFY had launched with the high frequency El Primero chronograph movement? That’s the question behind Zenith’s latest release, launched in partnership with Swiss modular furniture icons, USM, fittingly called the Zenith DEFY Chronograph USM. A colourful collab that I’ve been hands-on with.
Sized at 37mm in diameter and 13.7mm thick, the first chronograph in the Revival A3 series mirrors the sharp, octagonal case of the original DEFY with its a 14-sided bezel while adding pump pushers and a water resistance of 100m. It makes the collection feel much sportier, in keeping with its new chrono status. Though it’s actually quite compact on the wrist.
Powering it is the El Primero 400, a high-frequency 5Hz, automatic, column-wheel chronograph descended from the 1969 original. It features hours, minutes, small seconds, central chronograph seconds, a 30-minute counter and 12-hour counter. You can admire it through a sapphire caseback, which is like looking into the legacy of great chronographs from the past.
The Zenith DEFY Chronograph USM comes in four USM-inspired colours: Gentian Blue, Golden Yellow, Pure Orange and… green. Why green doesn’t receive some exotic moniker I don’t know, but it’s arguably one of the more fun shades with its intense colour. Though to be honest they’re all pretty intense with the saturation turned up high. Each colour is limited to just 60 pieces.
Continuing the USM connection, the central chrono hand is tipped with a miniature USM Haller ball joint filled with Super-LumiNova, one of many playful details baked into this crossover collaboration. It’s finished on the original 1969 Gay Frères “ladder” bracelet and delivered in a custom USM Haller timepiece chest.
The price? CHF 10,900 (approx. £10,100) a few thousand more than the non-chrono variants, but that gets you an ultra-limited revival with design pedigree from two of Switzerland’s most respected design names. The Zenith DEFY Chronograph USM may have missed its moment to be the watch of the summer, but it will keep the party going on into autumn.
Price and Specs:
More details at Zenith.
