The tale of the two tourbillons in theZenith Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon

Zenith’s El Primero movement has largely been its crowning glory, but in the past the brand has paired this phenomenal 1/100th of a second movement with a double tourbillon in the Defy line, to create its most complicated chronograph movement. Now, Zenith has unveiled the Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon, housing this movement within the Defy Extreme line.

The titanium Zenith Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon

Launched in two references – one black carbon and 18K rose gold (Ref. 12.9100.9020/78.I200) and another brushed titanium (Ref. 95.9100.9020/78.I001) – both watches are a picture of ruggedness, thanks to the Defy Extreme aesthetic, and of precision, given the double-tourbillon movement. Featuring a skeletal dial with tinted transparent sapphire elements that reveal all, one can see the two independent tourbillons at 8 o’clock and 10 o’clock in star-shaped cages.

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Zenith Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon in carbon and 18K rose gold

The time-keeping tourbillon completes a rotation in 60 seconds, while the chronograph’s tourbillon takes five seconds to complete one, making it among the fastest tourbillons ever made, as well as the only 1/100th of a second chronograph beating at the phenomenal rate of 50 Hz / 360,000 vph. The watch is powered by the El Primero 9020 with a minimum of 50 hours power reserve for the watch, and 50 minutes for the chronograph, which is indicated at 12 o’clock. At 3 o’clock rests the 30-minute counter, and at 6 o'clock, the small seconds counter. Turn the watch over and you see the star-shaped oscillating weight with satined finishings.

Zenith Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon's star-shaped oscillating weight

In keeping with the hardy vibe of the Defy Extreme line, the 45mm watches are created in carbon fibre and titanium, largely sporty materials. The carbon fibre model comes accentuated with a sandblasted matte rose gold twelve-sided bezel, and this also features on the crown, and the hands and hour markers. This reference is paired with black textured rubber straps, while the watch comes with two additional Velcro straps, one with a carbon effect and another with a cordura effect. The titanium version has a mix of satin-brushed, polished and matte surfaces including the bracelet, and comes with two additional straps – one rubber with folding buckle and the second, a velcro.

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