Proving that innovation begets innovation, the latest collaboration between Zenith and Extreme E sees the Swiss watch manufacture’s 1/100th chronograph receive a performance-oriented makeover. Channelling the spirit of the all-electric car racing league, the Zenith Defy Extreme E is crafted entirely from carbon fibre and features Extreme E’s official shade of Vital Green.
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The carbon fibre construction was inspired by the primarily carbon fibre cars which closed out last year’s Extreme E championship finale in Punta del Este, Uruguay. Fusing impossible lightness with extreme toughness, the high-frequency chronograph is the first model in the collection to be crafted entirely from carbon fibre, right down to the pushers. The resultant timepiece weighs in at just 96 grams, including the strap and triple-folding clasp, the latter of which is also composed of carbon fibre. The velcro strap — decked in Vital Green — is composed of materials from upcycled Continental CrossContact tires that were used in the first season of Extreme E.
The multi-layered open-worked dial signature to the Defy lineup sees the Vital Green shade applied to the sapphire crystal, creating visual depth. Powering the Zenith Defy Extreme E is the high-frequency El Primero 9004 1/100th of a second automatic chronograph movement.
Each Zenith Defy Extreme E is presented in a sturdy waterproof and crushproof case befitting of the extreme conditions of the rally, with the cases incorporating upcycled elements from the sidelines of the first season’s races: the lid coating is made from E-grip recycled tires, while the plate covering is made from parts of an Extreme E racing tarpaulin.
Limited to 100 examples, the Defy Extreme E is priced at $45,400AUD and available via the Zenith webstore.
Words by John Deckard
