Following the DEFY Extreme Desert launched in 2021, Zenith is now going to the other end of the spectrum, to the opposite kind of terrain and weather conditions, with the DEFY Extreme Glacier.

Blurring the lines between precision watchmaking and sculptural, wearable art, the DEFY Extreme Glacier is directly inspired by frozen barren landscapes, where only those truly adapted to endure the harsh and extreme environment can thrive.

An integral part of the titanium case, the component that protects the pushers as well as the dodecagonal bezel are crafted from chalcedony, a crystalline semi-translucent stone with a pale blue hue that evokes the frozen glaciers. Meticulously cut and polished by hand, each stone is different and exhibits slightly different colours and fibrous structures, making each of the 50 examples of the DEFY Extreme Glacier essentially a unique piece.

The open dial of the DEFY Extreme Glacier reveals the inner workings of the innovative and singular El Primero 1/100th of a second automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre and its two regulating organs beating at 50Hz for the chronograph and 5Hz for the timekeeping.

Keeping with the ice-cold theme, the chronograph counters are made in transparent sapphire crystal that’s given a frosted finish, recalling a layer of ice that allows light to pass through.

Completing the look of this conceptual piece are the supplied durable black Velcro strap and white rubber strap, which can be easily swapped with the titanium bracelet using the quick strap-change mechanism on the back of the case.

The DEFY Extreme Glacier is made in a limited edition of 50 pieces, available exclusively at ZENITH physical and online boutiques.