ZENITH DEFY EXTREME CARL COX LIMITED EDITION 06.9100.9004/21.I001

DeFy collection: creating the future of watchmaking

With the return of the DEFY collection in 2017, the star-spangled brand never ceases in its never-ending pursuit of precision through innovation. Indeed, this collection represents Zenith’s creative “laboratory”, combining cutting-edge Manufacture movements with futuristic shapes and materials, perpetuating Zenith’s heritage, always surpassing itself and setting new standards of performance and elegance.

In fact, the DEFY collection allows the Manufacture to showcase not only its unparalleled technical prowess and most advanced developments, but also its bold, modern aesthetic language. Whether set pieces or artistic collaborations, ZENITH represents high frequency through a full range of colors and contrasts. Always seeking to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues, ZENITH has developed a unique expertise in the art of applying striking colors in the most unexpected places.

ZENITH and DJ Superstar Carl Cox present the limited edition Defy Extreme

Carl Cox, British DJ, producer and friend of the ZENITH brand, is a living legend in the world of electronic music. Unanimously regarded as a pioneer, he is credited with taking his art to new heights, thanks to a unique sound that never ceases to touch audiences worldwide. With ZENITH, he shares not only a spirit of innovation and daring, but also authenticity and, above all, loyalty to oneself.

The second edition of its kind, the highly anticipated DEFY Extreme Carl Cox follows on from the DEFY 21 Carl Cox released in 2020. This time, ZENITH and the internationally renowned DJ have turned up the volume a few notches and explored the world of electronic music in greater depth. The second watch born of their collaboration is the subject of a limited edition of 100 pieces.

Steel & Gold: a retro touch for this avant-garde watch

For this new DEFY Extreme Carl Cox limited edition, ZENITH went back to the source and drew inspiration from one of the legendary DJ’s most indispensable tools: the turntable. With the fastest, most robust chronograph ever made by ZENITH to set the tempo, the idea was to integrate design elements from Carl Cox’s favorite turntable set. For the first time ever, the DEFY Extreme’s case is made of yellow gold and bead-blasted steel, giving it a much brighter, shimmering appearance than polished or brushed steel, while also giving it a minimalist, nostalgically retro-futuristic look. Matte yellow gold accents on the dodecagonal bezel and push-piece guards evoke the gilded pick-up arm of the records.

This Defy Extreme case is water-resistant to 200 m and boasts aggressive styling that shines with angles and virility. It measures 45 mm in diameter and is 15.40 mm thick. In addition to the integrated bead-blasted steel bracelet, the limited edition DEFY Extreme Carl Cox comes with a black rubber strap and a black Velcro strap that can be easily fitted, without tools, thanks to the quick-change mechanism integrated into the case.

A turntable and vinyl records!

The openwork dial forms the high-frequency mixing stage. Above the smoked sapphire crystal base, three black chronograph counters take the form of miniature vinyl records, with concentric grooves and a recessed center. They capture and reflect light as if they were rotating. The register at nine o’clock subtly integrates the Carl Cox logo without disturbing the overall balance of the dial, while preserving space. The minute track is adorned with perfectly aligned dots reminiscent of the stroboscope effect found on the faces of Carl Cox’s favorite turntables. The power reserve indicator, at 12 o’clock on the smoked sapphire plate, adopts the shape of a machine-like ON/OFF hand, once again paying homage to Mr. Cox’s training.

The dial’s gold-plated hands and hour markers considerably enhance its visual appeal. They create a strong contrast with the black dial and add an extra layer of color to the watch.

A very high-frequency automatic caliber!

Since its creation in 1865, ZENITH has never stopped striving to become the leader in precision and performance. “Master of Chronographs” is not just a title but an aspiration to aim higher, to go further. It also bears witness to the Manufacture’s illustrious past and its many achievements in the development of mechanical chronographs. And the Manufacture has succeeded in pushing back the limits of precision and performance with its revolutionary El Primero 21 reference 9004 movement!

Both on the front and through the sapphire caseback, you can indeed admire the unique construction of the El Primero 21 high-frequency automatic chronograph to 1/100th of a second. The movement, at the cutting edge of performance and precision, incorporates two independent gears and regulating organs, with frequencies of 5 Hz (36,000 vph) and 50 Hz (360,000 vph) respectively for the time display and chronograph function. This extremely high operating frequency offers precision and time measurement enabling a 1/100th of a second display: it’s the only chronograph movement of its kind in production.

Furthermore, the two barrels of this caliber ensure a 50-hour power reserve and up to one hour of continuous chronograph operation. It features 53 jewels and is chronometer-certified by the COSC. For the DEFY Extreme Carl Cox limited edition, the star-shaped oscillating weight and plate have been coated in black.