Zenith has unveiled its third limited edition model inspired by the electric rally racing championship.
Zenith Defy Extreme, which is among the most striking models of the brand both visually and technologically, constitutes a perfect basis for many special models with these features. The newest of these special models, the Defy Extreme E Copper X Prix, is inspired by the Extreme E, the off-road racing series that uses electric SUVs in remote areas of the world. Zenith, who is also the official timekeeper and co-founder of the rally, has increased the number of models dedicated to Extreme E to three with this model.
For the final race of the 2022 Extreme E championship, the teams head well beyond the road to South America, a first in the electric rally racing championship. One of the world's leading copper mining areas and the Atacama Desert, Chile, which takes an innovative and sustainable approach to its operations, offers the perfect setting to unveil the brand's third special edition watch dedicated to the Extreme E race. Innovative materials used in the model family are matched for this model with earth tones reminiscent of the copper mines of the region while featuring recycled and upcycled elements from the championship.
The new model comes with the current Defy Extreme style case designed with a diameter of 45mm. There are sapphire crystals on both sides of the case, in which carbon and micro-sandblasted titanium materials are used together. The screw-down crown and large chronograph pushers are made of carbon fiber, while the pusher guards and twelve-sided bezel are made of titanium. The sporty case is waterproof up to 200 meters.
The eye-catching model is home to a perforated dial designed in colors that match the theme. Copper-tone components added on a tinted sapphire crystal background reference the dry, rocky terrain of the Chilean desert and copper mines. Super-LumiNOVA-filled hands and indices promise optimal readability in almost any environment, contrary to the complex design of the dial at first glance.
The sporty model works with the Caliber El Primero 9004 movement, which also gives life to many Defy Extreme models of the brand. The automatic chronograph movement operates at a frequency of 5Hz (36,000vph), which is considered the symbol detail of the El Primero concept and offers a power reserve time of up to 50 hours when fully wound. 1/100 sec. The chronograph function, which can measure with precision, takes this feature from the chronograph escapement, which works at an astonishing 50Hz (360,000vph).
The new model is secured to the wrist with a rubber strap infused with the materials of the upcycled Continental CrossContact tires used in the first season's races. The model also comes with two additional straps in black rubber and black Velcro that can be easily replaced with a quick strap change mechanism.
The list price for the model, which is limited to only 20 pieces, is CHF 26,900.
