Zenith Drops Defy Extreme Desert Chronograph Made of Semi-Precious Stone
First in a series of limited editions inspired by extreme environments.
Zenith has collaborated with an acclaimed nature photographer on the first special edition of its rugged new Defy Extreme chrongraph, the Defy Extreme Desert.
The titanium watch features a bezel and pusher surrounds made from polished falcon’s eye semi-precious stone, which complements the sandy tones of found on the watch’s tinted transparent sapphire crystal dial, its luminescent indices and hands and its rubber strap.
The stone elements are finished by hand and, while semi-precious stones are frequently used to make dials, this is thought to be the first time natural stone has been used to form exterior case components.
Zenith
Each watch is supplied with titanium bracelet, rubber strap and black fabric velcro strap, which can be quickly swapped using Zenith’s quick-change mechanism.
California-based photographer, Kourosh Keynejad, has created a series of nine original images, which along with previously unpublished works are the basis of an exhibition inspired by the watch and the desert which has launched at FIAC inn Paris and will travel to Dubai and Tokyo before the end of the year.
The 1/100th of a second chronograph, which uses Zenith’s El Primero 21 movement, is the first in a series of forthcoming Defy Extreme pieces inspired by extreme natural environments.
Just 50 pieces are being made as part of a limited edition run and, given the organic nature of the material, each will be unique. Out now via Zenith, priced $22,000 USD.
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