Zenith E-Experience: The DEFY Extreme E "Desert X Prix"

It’s time to warm up the electric motors as Zenith accentuates the Extreme E experience with the new DEFY Extreme E “Desert X Prix". Being the Founding Partner and Official Timekeeper of Extreme E - the world’s first electric rally championship, Zenith is getting more and more involved with sustainable and responsible watchmaking.

The Zenith DEFY Extreme E “Desert X Prix” – the first edition dedicated to a specific race – is delivered in a suitably sturdy waterproof and crushproof watch case given the extreme conditions of the rally. The case’s lid coating is made from E-grip recycled tires, while the plate covering is made from parts of an Extreme E racing tarpaulin.

To compliment the performance for the car, since every gram of weight can impact the results, the DEFY Extreme E “Desert X Prix'' edition is crafted in astonishingly light yet highly durable carbon fibre, including the crown and chronograph pushers. The audaciously angular geometry of the case, the pusher protectors as well as the twelve-sided bezel are made in microblasted titanium.

Evoking the vast sand dunes of Saudi Arabia, the open multi-layered dial within that monolithic case features deep yellow-beige accents, the official colour of the “Desert X Prix”. Partially visible through the dial as well as the case back is the fastest automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre, offering1/100th of a second time measurements, with two escapements beating at 5Hz (36’000 VpH) for the timekeeping part and 50Hz (360’000 VpH) for the chronograph. The movement is also visible through the sapphire display back, emblazoned with the Desert X Prix logo.

The DEFY Extreme E is delivered with a black rubber strap surrounded by a yellow cordura effect rubber inlay, matching the Desert X sandy yellow accents on the dial. It also comes with two additional straps in black rubber and black Velcro, which can be easily interchanged without any tools by using the case back’s quick strap-change mechanism.

The DEFY Extreme E “Desert X Prix” will be made in a limited edition of only 20 pieces and will make its debut at the Extreme E Desert X race in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, on February 19-20, 2022. The watch will be available at Zenith’s physical and online boutiques around the world.

Defy Extreme E “Desert X Prix” Edition

Movement: El Primero 9004 automatic
Power reserve min. 50 hours
Functions: 1/100th of a second chronograph functions. Chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o'clock. Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at 9 o'clock, Central chronograph hand that makes one turn each second, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, 60-second counter at 6 o'clock
Price: 26,900 CHF (approx INR 21,91,753)
Material: Carbon & Microblasted Titanium
Water resistance: 20 ATM
Case: 45mm. Special engraving on case back with “Desert X Prix” logo