Swiss watchmaker Zenith collaborates with renowned furniture designer USM in launching a vibrant chronograph, merging aesthetic elements from both brands.

Zenith and USM Haller Collaborate on Limited-Edition Defy Chronograph

In a unique partnership, Swiss watchmaker Zenith and Swiss furniture brand USM Haller have joined forces to create a capsule collection of the Defy Chronograph USM. This limited-edition timepiece, available now, pays homage to both brands' rich histories and shared commitment to design excellence.

The Defy Chronograph USM was first introduced in 1969, alongside Zenith's legendary El Primero movement. The El Primero 400 movement inside the Defy Chronograph USM is a descendant of the 1969 caliber, boasting a high frequency of 36,000 vph, providing exceptional chronographic precision.

The Defy Chronograph USM features a 37mm stainless steel case with a "ladder" design bracelet, a nod to the Gay Frères bracelet originally designed exclusively for Zenith in 1969. The case sports a 14-sided bezel and pump-style chronograph pushers, giving it an angular, octagonal appearance that has made it an icon in Swiss watchmaking.

The Defy Chronograph USM's dial mirrors USM's signature palette, with colours such as Gentian Blue, Pure Orange, Golden Yellow, and USM Green. The central chronograph seconds hand features a miniature USM ball joint at its tip, filled with Super-LumiNova for practical visibility.

Zenith's dial makers have created special pigments to perfectly replicate USM's unique paint formulations, ensuring a harmonious blend of style and substance. The Defy Chronograph USM also includes functions such as hours, minutes, small seconds, 30-minute/12-hour counters, and a date display.

Each Defy Chronograph USM comes with a genuine USM Haller chest in matching colours, designed to hold up to 12 timepieces. The sapphire caseback reveals Côtes de Genève finishing and dual logos acknowledging both partners.

This collaboration marks the first time Zenith has fitted their El Primero chronograph into the original 1969 Defy case design. The Defy Chronograph USM is limited to 60 pieces per colourway, making it a rare and coveted addition to any watch collection.

USM's furniture, created with architect Fritz Haller, defined modern office aesthetics. The Defy, designed by Zenith, is one of Swiss watchmaking's most architecturally bold designs. This limited-edition Defy Chronograph USM is a testament to the enduring legacy of both brands and their shared commitment to innovation and design excellence.

The Defy Chronograph USM is available now through Zenith's website for CHF 10,900 (~$11,800).

Swiss watchmaker Zenith collaborates with renowned furniture designer USM in launching a vibrant chronograph, merging aesthetic elements from both brands.