Geneva, September 4th, 2025 – Two pillars of Swiss excellence, ZENITH and USM Modular Furniture, have come together to launch an exclusive watch collection that fuses horological mastery with architectural ingenuity. This collaboration pays tribute to the groundbreaking spirit of the 1960s — the decade that saw the creation of the USM Haller modular system (1965) and the debut of ZENITH’s revolutionary El Primero chronograph (1969). Reimagining what might have happened had their creative paths crossed at that pivotal moment, ZENITH and USM present a bold reinterpretation of the original ZENITH DEFY, now introduced as a chronograph. The result reflects their shared values: Swiss precision, purposeful aesthetics, and a vision of modernity that transcends time. Accompanied by a custom-designed USM Haller timepiece chest created specifically for this edition, the timepiece reflects a mutual elevation of watchmaking and modular design, a thoughtful interplay where each enhances the other. Together, they form a cohesive whole where design and precision meet: this timepiece embodies a seamless blend of form and function. More than a collaboration, it is a statement of enduring craftsmanship and forward-thinking vision. Conceived to resonate not only with collectors and aficionados of fine watchmaking, but also with designers, architects, and art enthusiasts, this capsule edition pays tribute to creative minds and visionaries across disciplines.
To bring this original collaboration to life, ZENITH and USM delved into the bold spirit of the 1960s — a transformative era that redefined form and function, and a pivotal moment in the histories of both brands. Asking themselves, “What might these two icons of Swiss craftsmanship have created together back then?”, they set out to design something entirely new, a timepiece that never was, yet one that seamlessly channels the aesthetic and cultural codes of the era.
The 1969 ZENITH DEFY served as the natural starting point for this creative fusion. With its sharply angular case and faceted contours, the DEFY’s bold, octagonal silhouette and fourteen-sided bezel echo the signature design language of USM — celebrating clarity, structure, and strength. The result is a striking interplay of geometry and surface, where each finish reflects the shared values of both houses.
Though the original DEFY was offered in multiple iterations and laid the foundation for today’s DEFY collection, it was never produced as a chronograph.
The new DEFY Chronograph USM is, in essence, a piece of “imagined heritage” — an answer to the question: What if the 1969 DEFY had been equipped with the groundbreaking El Primero, the world’s first high-frequency automatic chronograph? And further still, what if it had drawn subtle inspiration from another design icon of the same era, the USM Haller system?
Patented in 1965, the USM Haller modular furniture system has become a cult symbol of enduring modernity. Defined by its chrome-plated steel tubes, connector ball joints, and coloured metal panels, it remains a masterpiece of clarity, versatility, and industrial elegance. Decades later, its capacity to evolve and inspire creative expression remains unmatched, a perfect counterpart to ZENITH’s own legacy of precision and innovation.
The DEFY Chronograph USM is housed in a compact 37.3 mm stainless steel case that stays true to the bold geometry of the original DEFY. Its octagonal shape is accentuated by a 14-sided bezel, while pump-style chronograph pushers enhance its vintage-inspired silhouette. The watch is paired with the iconic “ladder” bracelet, originally designed in 1969 by the renowned Gay Frères company exclusively for ZENITH. Water resistance is rated at 10 ATM, ensuring robustness to match its design integrity.
The dial is marked by applied square hour markers with horizontal grooves, reinforcing the watch’s architectural character. Available in four vibrant USM signature colours – USM Green, USM Pure Orange, USM Golden Yellow, and USM Gentian Blue – each variation pays homage to the modular aesthetic of the USM Haller system. The three overlapping chronograph counters are rendered in silver with a fine concentric circular finish, adding both texture and depth, a subtle nod to the iconic USM handle through their rhodium-plated azuré pattern.
A subtle yet playful detail: the chronograph second hand is tipped with a miniature USM Haller ball joint, filled with SuperLuminova for visibility in low light. When the chronograph is activated, it reveals the ZENITH star cleverly hidden beneath, a nod to the intricate storytelling woven into the piece. Each dial colour is produced in a limited edition of 60 pieces.
At the heart of the DEFY Chronograph USM is the legendary El Primero 400 calibre, built upon the legacy of the iconic El Primero 3019 PHC, the world’s first automatic high-frequency chronograph introduced by ZENITH in 1969. Over 55 years later, this movement continues to set the standard in precision chronometry with its 5Hz high-frequency escapement, automatic winding, and column-wheel chronograph architecture. It powers central hour and minute hands, small seconds at 9 o’clock, chronograph functions, and a date window at 4:30.
Visible through the transparent sapphire case-back, the movement’s rotor is adorned with an openworked ZENITH star motif, flanked by the ZENITH El Primero and USM logos, a refined detail that speaks to the harmony between horological and architectural precision.
Each watch is available individually or as a set, and each option includes exclusive USM Modular furniture and a unique watch box. The DEFY Chronograph is available exclusively from ZENITH’s physical, online boutiques and through authorized retailers worldwide.
A tribute to timeless design
Benoit de Clerck, CEO of ZENITH: “This partnership unites the excellence of Swiss design and horology, embodying a mutual appreciation for enduring, modern aesthetics. The modular design of USM Haller, celebrated for its functional beauty, resonates with our own dedication to craftsmanship in watchmaking.”
Alexander Schärer, CEO & President of the Board: “Both USM Modular Furniture and ZENITH were founded as owner-driven workshops integrated in a microcosm of Swiss craftsmanship — a shared origin that has naturally guided us toward partnership. ZENITH is a company that not only mirrors our heritage, but also embodies values profoundly aligned with our own. Though our products, industries, and even our clientele may appear distinct at first glance, they are ultimately bound by a shared devotion to timeless quality, refined aesthetics, and purposeful functionality.”
