Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II: A Deep Blue Stone Set Against a Dark Chronograph Design

A lapis lazuli dial is one of the classic ways of lending a watch depth and a sense of individuality. In the new Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II, however, the natural stone is not paired with an elegant case, as one might initially expect, but with carbon, titanium and a chronograph whose central hand rotates once per second. It is precisely this contrast that makes the watch more interesting than just another coloured variant within the Defy range.

Contrast as a starting point

Lapis lazuli possesses a distinctive presence. Its blue is neither painted nor printed, but is interwoven with natural shades and pyrite inclusions which, depending on the angle of the light, appear as fine golden particles. In the Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II, this material is not presented as a solid, smooth surface, but is integrated into an open movement architecture.

This alters its effect. The blue of the lapis lazuli is set amongst bridges, subsidiary dials, hands and scales. The natural pyrite inclusions remain visible, but are not showcased as the sole focal point of this watch. They are set against a watch whose design language is characterised by edges, cut-outs and technical displays.

Darker, more technical, uncompromising

The new Lapis Lazuli II follows on from an earlier Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli in steel and yellow gold. The main difference lies in the case, as the first version stood out primarily for its lighter metal surfaces and gold accents, whereas Zenith has now opted for carbon and titanium for the case. As a result, the watch appears darker, more subdued and has a significantly more technical look. Whilst lapis lazuli remains the material used on the dial, it is showcased in a completely different way. The original combination of stone, steel and gold has been replaced by a darker carbon-titanium version, which places less emphasis on elegance and aims to highlight the technical potential of the Defy Extreme more strongly.

Carbon, titanium and a stone with a character all of its own

The carbon-titanium case measures 45 millimetres in diameter, and its proportions remain true to the Defy Extreme style: angular, large and striking. With a thickness of 15.4 millimetres and a lug-to-lug width of 51 millimetres, this watch is certainly not designed to be understated. At the same time, the carbon fibre provides a different wearing experience to classic precious metal or steel cases.

Visually, it is the different surfaces that set the tone: carbon, for example, does not reflect light evenly, as it has a matt, irregular texture. This creates a kind of visual texture that complements the lapis lazuli well. The stone, too, is never entirely uniform: the blue varies in depth and intensity from stone to stone, the pyrite inclusions break through the surface to varying degrees, and small irregularities in the structure of the lapis lazuli make each dial unique.

The open dial makes deliberate use of this characteristic. The lapis lazuli dials are arranged almost in the shape of a shamrock at the centre of a skeletonised structure, which provides them with a background that is not plain but full of variety. Yellow gold-coloured applied hour markers and faceted hands echo both the golden inclusions and the mineral depth of the stone, without turning the watch entirely into a piece of jewellery. Super-LumiNova SLN C1 ensures good legibility, which is particularly important in the dark with such a complex display.

Displays with a sense of speed

The basic time is displayed in the traditional manner via central hour and minute hands, with the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock. On the right-hand side, the chronograph’s 30-minute counter is positioned at 3 o’clock, whilst a 60-second counter is situated at 6 o’clock. At 12 o’clock, the watch displays the remaining power reserve of the chronograph.

At the centre lies the feature that sets the Defy Extreme apart from ordinary chronographs: the central chronograph hand. When in operation, it completes one full revolution per second. This makes measuring hundredths of a second not only technically possible, but also visually apparent. The display almost seems as though it is accelerating itself.

El Primero 9004: Two escapements, two functions

Inside, the El Primero 9004 calibre is at work. Its distinctive feature lies in the deliberate separation of its functions. One escapement is responsible for the time display and operates at 5 hertz, or 36,000 half-vibrations per hour. The second escapement is dedicated exclusively to the chronograph and runs at 50 hertz, or 360,000 half-vibrations per hour.

This design explains why the chronograph can measure time to one hundredth of a second. Zenith achieves this not by simply scaling the display, but by incorporating a dedicated high-frequency train for the stopwatch function. The power reserve is 50 hours for the running time display and 50 minutes for the chronograph. In addition, the star-shaped rotor with a satin-finished surface can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back.

You can find out more about Zenith and the use of the natural stone lapis lazuli here

Straps and Wearing Options

The watch comes with two black straps, although the rubber strap with a folding clasp is likely to be the more practical option for everyday wear. The black high-performance Velcro strap, which is also included, emphasises the Defy Extreme’s serious, instrument-like character more strongly. Both can be swapped using the collection’s quick-change system, which is integrated directly into the case construction.

Particularly with a watch of this size and technical complexity, the straps are more than just accessories. They determine whether the lapis lazuli is presented more as a contrast or as part of an overall functional aesthetic. However, with the straps included in the package, the watch clearly leans towards the sporty, technical side in both cases.

Limited Edition, Price and Availability

The Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II is released as a limited edition of 25 pieces. The reference number is 10.9102.9004/51.I200 and the price is €36,800. The watch is available from Zenith boutiques and authorised retailers.

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