Zenith has unveiled the Defy Chronograph USM, a timepiece that marries the brand’s avant-garde approach to chronographs with an unexpected partner: USM Modular Furniture, the Swiss company renowned for its Bauhaus-inspired designs. This collaboration doesn’t just yield a watch, but a complete concept where horology and interior design meet, offering something refreshingly different in today’s landscape of special editions.
Zenith and the Spirit of Defy
Founded in 1865, Zenith has long been associated with the El Primero, the world’s first high-frequency automatic chronograph movement. The Defy collection represents the brand’s most experimental and progressive line, a platform where engineering and design push beyond the conventional.
By partnering with USM, a manufacturer celebrated for its modular steel furniture systems, Zenith is underscoring its own commitment to modularity, precision, and modernity. The Defy Chronograph USM is less about nostalgia and more about showing what Swiss creativity can achieve when two disciplines intersect.
A Technical Showcase in Steel
The new Defy Chronograph USM features a 42mm stainless steel case with the signature angular architecture that has defined the Defy range since the late 1960s. Its faceted design is paired with a brushed finish that reinforces its industrial, modern character. At its heart ticks the El Primero 3600, Zenith’s latest generation of its legendary calibre, beating at 5 Hz (36,000 vph).
This movement not only offers chronograph precision to 1/10th of a second, but also delivers a robust 60-hour power reserve, making it both technically advanced and reliable for daily wear. The movement is visible through the sapphire caseback, where Zenith has added a custom rotor designed in the style of USM’s modular ball joint.
Everyday Utility Meets Bauhaus Flair
On the wrist, the watch balances functionality with bold personality. The integrated ladder bracelet, a revival of the original 1969 Gay Frères design, enhances comfort and brings an unmistakably vintage touch, while still aligning with today’s preference for integrated sports watches. The chronograph layout is classic El Primero—tri-compax with a running seconds at 9 o’clock—ensuring immediate legibility.
Paired with its modular display box, designed by USM to match the watch’s industrial aesthetic, the Defy Chronograph USM appeals to collectors who not only appreciate mechanical watchmaking but also see their watch as part of a broader lifestyle object, bridging horology, architecture, and interior design.
Price, Availability, and Final Thoughts
The Zenith Defy Chronograph USM is limited to 60 pieces worldwide per model and will be available through Zenith boutiques and the brand’s online channels. Pricing is set at $11,800 USD, which places it squarely in line with Zenith’s premium chronograph offerings while adding a unique design collaboration into the mix.
From my perspective, this release perfectly illustrates how a brand can create a limited edition with real depth—not just a new dial color, but a genuine cross-disciplinary dialogue. It’s a watch that speaks to those who value design as much as they value mechanics. And honestly, if you’ve ever dreamt of your passion for watches extending beyond the wrist into the way you live and design your space, this Zenith delivers exactly that. If you like the Defy collection but are looking for a toolwatch, check out the Revival Diver Shadow and the Extreme Diver Shadow !
