If there is one watch that should have nothing to fear from the test bench, that would have to be the Defy Xtreme by Zenith, which is the object of this particular test. As its name quite rightly implies, this is a watch that makes ambitious claims in terms of its resistance. The test methods customarily used for this column are indeed well below the level of performances boasted. The version provided by Zenith for this article was the Defy Xtreme Open El Primero in titanium and rosegold… in particular. So let’s take a closer look.

The Exterior
It seems obvious at first glance, even for a novice, that this impressive model truly deserves its name. The construction of the 46.5 mm diameter case immediately dispels any desire to doubt the water resistance to 1000 metres displayed on the dial. The overall weight is fairly substantial, even though – apart from the rose gold markers on the rotating bezel and the pusher heads – it is mostly made of black titanium. The crown and pushers are naturally screw-locked, and the latter feature a carbon insert, whereas the crown is guarded from hard impacts by an impressive protective system. To ensure it performs well at extreme depths, the case middle is fitted with an automatic helium valve at 10 o’clock.

Beneath its apparently traditional appearance, the bracelet also represents a significant technical feat. The central elements are in rose gold and the outer elements in black titanium reinforced by lateral Kevlar® inclusions. The triple folding clasp is also machined from brushed black titanium.

Now let’s get back to the dial – or dials, I should say – featuring multiple levels and materials including antishock Hesalite®, carbon fibre and blackened honeycombed aluminium. The result is impressive, even though readability is not the priority here, as confirmed by the absence of luminescent material on the rotating bezel and the limited luminescent surface area on the hands and dial. Moreover, the finishing of the minutecounter “pointer” and the opening onto the heart of the movement, both shaped like a turbine, are not ideal – but these are fortunately the only negative aspects of this model. In terms of display, it features central hour, minute and chronograph seconds hands. A triple hand at 10 o’clock indicates the normal seconds, while the original minute counter appears at 3 o’clock. The nicely balanced overall effect is complemented by a large power reserve at 6 o’clock.

The Movement
We are definitely looking at a legend here, since the El Primero is undoubtedly the best chronograph movement ever made in the industrial age and produced in substantial quantities. It is also the only movement currently produced with a balance oscillating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, making it the only mechanical chronograph movement to drive a tenth of a second display. The version driving the watch in this test is We are definitely looking at a legend here, since the El Primero is undoubtedly the best chronograph movement ever made in the industrial age and produced in substantial quantities. It is also the only movement currently produced with a balance oscillating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, making it the only mechanical chronograph movement to drive a tenth of a second display. The version driving the watch in this test is

The Tests
Apart from the slightly questionable readability mentioned earlier, no other flaws tarnish the perfection of this new model. In terms of rate, the amplitudes remain above 285° in horizontal positions at 0 hours, whether the chronograph function is in operation or not; and above 250° in vertical positions. After 24 hours, the maximum drop in amplitude measured was less than 25°; and the measured variations in rate ranged between 0 and +8 seconds per day, with a 5-second delta – all of which falls well within the official chronometer certification norms. The stated power reserve is 55 hours, and the single trial performed showed a result of 57 hours. Water resistance could only be tested at 10 atm, and the watch obviously passed this exam with flying colours. The temptation to also perform a test at 10 atm with the crown and pushers unlocked was too strong, and the result was truly impressive. The Defy Xtreme proved extremely comfortable on the wrist, to the extent that the wearer soon forgets its weight. Nonetheless, it is vital to clasp a watch of this size and this weight quite close to the wrist. The quality of execution of the bracelet and the articulation of the links makes it just as comfortable to wear as a leather or rubber strap. The crown and pushers are extremely easy to handle.

Conclusion
The Defy Xtreme is indeed a superlatively sporty, sturdy, reliable and accurate watch. Rarely has such peak mastery of materials and technologies been achieved to date. The renowned and acknowledged virtuosity of Zenith watchmakers is duly honoured by the quality of an exterior that performs as beautifully as it looks. As for the “small” quibbles noted, it would seem that they apply more to this prestigious version than to the sportier steel models. As far as I am concerned, Zenith is definitely one of the most credible and most authentically “watchmaker” brands on the market, and Defy Xtreme confirms the consistency of this famous movement manufacturer by clothing its horological expertise in a breathtakingly innovative and high-performance exterior.