Zenith has given its 1/100th-of-a-second El Primero 21 an unusual attire – pusher protectors and a dodecagonal bezel in tiger’s eye mineral stone. Matched with a dial featuring tiger stripes and green accents, the Defy Extreme Jungle retains the trademark double balance wheels of the model.

The movement features a conventional timekeeping balance operating at 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz), and a smaller regulator for the chronograph that beats 10 times as fast, 360,000 beats per hour or 50 Hz, enabling the chronograph to record times with a resolution of up to to 1/100th of a second.

Initial thoughts

I have long thought that the Defy Extreme was too similar to other, more famous oversized sports chronographs, that is, until I actually got to try on the Defy Extreme Jungle in person.

The new Defy still evokes other designs, but it is finely executed, with the minerals stone inlay being notably well done. At the same time, the tiger’s eye elements add some originality to the design, so this easily stands out as the most interesting model in the Defy line.

The tiger’s eye components, especially since they are prominently positioned, are likely more fragile than the same on the equivalent titanium model, but they add texture and colour so are arguably worth the sacrifice of practicality.

At US$26,900, the Defy Extreme Jungle is pricier than the average Zenith chronograph, but still a reasonable proposition given the exotic material and 1/100th of a second movement.

Tiger’s eye

The titanium case is mostly identical to that of the standard model, 45 mm in diameter and water resistant to 200 m. The angular case features a brushed finish complemented by wide polished bevels on the case sides and bezel. But it is unique with its pusher protectors and dodecagonal bezel in tiger’s eye stone.

The open-worked dial echoes the styling of the case with “tiger stripes” on the registers and green tinted registers. Interestingly, though this is a not a vintage-inspired watch, the indices, hour and minute hands, are filled with beige Super-LumiNova.

When the chronograph is started, the central seconds hand swiftly completes a full rotation around the dial in one second. The “lightning” seconds hand allows for elapsed time measurements of 1/100th-of-a-second.

Powering the watch is the El Primero 9004, which offers 50 hours of power reserve on its timekeeping barrel.

The timekeeping regulator operates at 5 Hz, whereas the chronograph regulator beats at 50 Hz – a frantic pace that powers the 1/100th of a second gear train that drives the “lightning” seconds hand.

Key facts and price

Zenith Defy Extreme Jungle
Ref. 95.9202.9004/26.I001

Diameter: 45 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 200 m

Movement: El Primero 9004
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph and power reserve indicator
Frequency: 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz) for general timekeeping; 360,000 beats per hour (50 Hz) for chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 50 hours

Strap: Titanium bracelet; khaki green embossed rubber strap with a titanium folding buckle; black Velcro strap.

Limited edition: 50 pieces
Availability: Now at Zenith boutiques
Price: US$26,900

For more, visit zenith-watches.com.