Like a Mondrian or Kandinsky painting that sears vibrant hues onto its onlookers’ memories, a Zenith novelty has a way of making a lasting impression on its owners. With the release of the new DEFY Chronograph USM, the Swiss luxury watchmaker makes it even harder to forget its latest novelty, which combines the design prowess of USM Modular Furniture with the unparalleled craftsmanship of Zenith’s artisans. Limited to 60 pieces per colour, the descendant of the lauded 1969 Zenith DEFY brings back the bright spirit of the 60’s whilst creating new memories of its own.
A true-to-life reiteration of the historical model, the new model by Zenith x USM Modular Furniture adds a modern twist to the 1969 Zenith DEFY. At 37 mm in diameter, the stainless steel wristwatch inherits the original’s fierce persona. Affixed on top of its octagonal case is a 14-sided bezel that heightens the sharpness of the watch. Aside from its main body, the DEFY Chronograph USM also keeps the stainless steel “ladder” bracelet that was originally made by eminent watch bracelet manufacturer Gay Frères.
The bold DEFY Chronograph USM paints a picturesque scene of Switzerland’s golden era, a period of great breakthroughs for humankind. Between scientific discoveries and astronomical advancements, the field of Haute Horlogerie also experienced a major win with the unveiling of the 1969 Zenith DEFY. The revolutionary timepiece, powered by the El Primero 3019 PHC, became the first automatic chronograph calibre the world had ever seen. Clad in an angular case and bezel, the luxury timepiece that beat at 5Hz birthed a new way of telling time that would be treasured for centuries to come. In the same decade, Swiss giant USM Modular Furniture made headlines with the creation of the USM Haller modular system in 1965. Both paragons for timeless designs and champions of sustainability, the Zenith x USM Modular Furniture partnership felt instinctual and may even trigger more cutting-edge innovations.
For this rendition of the cult classic, Zenith embeds special edition dials in USM Gentian Blue, USM Golden Yellow, USM Green, and USM Pure Orange—all colours that often grace the USM Haller modular system. The cheerful palette draws attention to the central focus, which are none other than the silver concentric counters. From right to left (clockwise), these contemporary counters serve as the 30-minute, 12-hour, and small seconds counters. Each one is adorned with a delicate hand in the same tone as the central dial, whereas the latter’s rhodium-plated hands are kept as is. Aside from the chronograph seconds hand that resembles a USM Haller ball joint, the only colour lent to the central hands is the SuperLuminova SLN C1 that runs along the needles’ tips. To complete the dial, Zenith wedges a date window between two of its rhodium-plated hour appliques characterised by ornate horizontal grooves.
What hides behind the vibrant face is the El Primero 400 calibre, a lineal descendant of the almighty El Primero 3019 PHC that once took the world by surprise. Like an orchestra that works in unison towards a common goal, the high-frequency calibre that beats at 36,000 VpH delivers time with utmost precision. Embellished with a Côtes de Genève oscillating weight, the automatic movement powers the watch for 55 hours. Upon turning the watch, the sapphire case back reveals the two manufacturers’ logos alongside the iconic Zenith star.
