Le Locle, December 3rd, 2024 – Limited to just 50 pieces, the DEFY Extreme Jungle marks the third and final installment in ZENITH’s series of 1/100th of a second chronographs, inspired by extreme environments. Following the Desert and Glacier editions, this version draws inspiration from the untamed energy and captivating mystery of the jungle.
Continuing in the rugged spirit of the DEFY Extreme line, ZENITH once again looks to wild, uncharted terrains for inspiration. Designed to withstand the harshest conditions—whether deep in the wilderness or the “concrete jungle” — the DEFY Extreme Jungle concludes a series of three evocative special editions featuring natural stones incorporated into the most robust 1/100th of a second chronograph ever made. The incorporation of such exotic gemstones into the complex case’s structure showcases a unique blend of creativity and technical mastery, adding a distinct flair while adhering to high-performance standards.
Crafted from brushed titanium, the light yet sturdy 45mm case of the DEFY Extreme Jungle features a dodecagonal bezel and pusher protectors made from Tiger’s Eye. With its striking golden to brown hues, shifting reflections and a silky sheen, Tiger’s Eye belongs to the quartz family and has long been used in jewelry and ornamentation. Each watch is unique due to the natural variations in this rare stone. Its colour striations naturally evoke the enigmatic beauty of the tiger, a symbol of strength and mystique. Engineered for high performance, the case offers water resistance up to 20 ATM, making it suitable for the most extreme conditions.
The open sapphire dial reveals the intricate workings of the watch. Further evoking the jungle theme, it is tinted in green while the tiger-colored applied counters subtly mimic tiger stripes. These are complemented by beige luminescent markers and hands, ensuring optimal legibility in all conditions.
At the heart of the DEFY Extreme Jungle beats the automatic El Primero 9004 caliber. Partially visible through the dial and fully exposed via the exhibition case back, this high-frequency chronograph is an innovative evolution of ZENITH’s legendary movement. It remains the world’s fastest automatic chronograph in production, allowing for 1/100th of a second precision. This is achieved through two independent mechanisms, each with its own power source and regulating organ: one beating at 5Hz (36,000 vph) for timekeeping, and the other at 50Hz (360,000 vph) for the chronograph. Taking advantage of the incredible speed of the latter, the chronograph seconds hand makes a full rotation every second, offering outstanding legibility of the 1/100th of a second display. This innovative movement showcases jungle-inspired finishing touches, with a khaki green main plate and a satin-brushed oscillating weight in the same hue.
The DEFY Extreme also features a practical interchangeable strap system, easily operated via push buttons on the back of the case. To enhance versatility, the Jungle Edition comes with three straps: a titanium bracelet, a khaki green embossed rubber strap with a titanium folding buckle, and a black Velcro strap.
Limited to 50 pieces, the DEFY Extreme Jungle is available at ZENITH boutiques, online, and through authorized retailers worldwide.
