Zenith has recently released the third version of its Extreme E collection of timepieces. A first for Extreme E racing, the next race in the 2022 championship takes place in South America, far off the beaten path. Where the race is to take place, in the Atacama Desert, Chile, is also the location of one of the world’s foremost copper mining facilities, a mine that has an innovative and sustainable approach to its operations. This is what this latest piece by Zenith is commemorating. The Defy Extreme E Copper X Prix combines both carbon fiber and titanium while using earthy tones on the dial and strap to recall the copper mines of this region.
The design elements in this third version of the Defy Extreme E timepiece remain relatively unchanged from the previous models. Zenith states that this is the world’s lightest and most robust 1/100th of a second automatic high-frequency chronograph watch. The watch also uses recycled and upcycled elements from the championship to make it as environmentally friendly as possible.
The 45mm case is composed of a mixture of carbon fibre and titanium. The case, bezel, and chronograph pushers are crafted from carbon fibre, while the pusher protectors and the twelve-sided bezel are made from titanium. The multi-layered dial features a tri-counter layout, while also displaying a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock.
The tri-counter layout at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock is transparent, allowing the movement underneath to be seen. The inscriptions on these sub-dials are where Zenith has referred to the copper mine of Chile. The coppery-brown inscriptions can be a bit subdued against the transparent sub-dials but nevertheless reference the watch’s design inspiration.
As per the previous two iterations, the Defy Extreme E Copper X Prix comes with Zenith’s El Primero 9004 movement. The movement has two escapements, one for the watch, which operates at a frequency of 5hz (36, 000 VpH), and another escapement for the chronograph functions, which operate at a frequency of 50hz (360, 000 VpH). The movement gives out a reasonable power reserve of approximately 50 hours.
To round off this model, Zenith has given the Defy Extreme E Copper X Prix a rubber strap that is infused with materials of upcycled Continental Cross Contact tires. These were tires that were used in the first season’s races and are no longer needed. To match the copper reference on the sub-dials, this velcro strap has a black central element with the surrounding parts are brown Cordura-effect rubber inlay. The watch also comes with two additional straps, a black rubber strap, and a black velcro strap.
This third iteration of the Zenith Defy Extreme collection of timepieces will only be limited to a number of 20 units worldwide. The Defy Extreme E Copper X Prix can be purchased exclusively through Zenith’s physical or online boutiques.
Design Specification:
- Case: 43 mm
- Case Material: Carbon fibre and Titanium
- Dial: Tinted sapphire with three black coloured counters
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating inside
- Water resistance: 200 meters
- Bracelet: Copper recycled tires velcro strap with 2 other straps.
Movement:
- El Primero 9004 automatic movement
- Frequency: 3Hz (21, 600 VpH)
- Power reserve: 50 hours
- Functions: Hour, Minutes and Small Seconds
