FASTER, FASTEST

Zenith built the El Primero, the world's most accurate chronograph, in 1969. But now the manufacture has increased its beat frequency from 1/10th to 1/100th of a second. We took a look at what the fastest mechanical watch can do with its many facets.

- Jens Koch

- With the introduction of the first automatic chronograph caliber El Primero in 1969, Zenith already had the fastest stopwatch on the market. At a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, the movement has been able to measure time intervals with an accuracy of 1/10th of a second for over 50 years. In 2017, the manufacture revived the Defy El Primero and introduced a chronograph capable of measuring to 1/100th of a second.

Now the Defy Extreme is the brand's most modern and technical model in terms of design. Though generously sized at 45 mm across, the anthracite-gray titanium case appears slimmer on the wrist. Zenith achieves this effect with a fine, bead-blasted treatment.

Thanks to the practical quick-change strap system, it's easy to switch between the three different supplied strap options - a titanium bracelet, a rubber strap or a textile strap to create a fresh look.

Many details of this watch catch the eye. The dial is perfectly round on top but 12-sided beneath. The rectangular push-pieces are arranged in a "V" shape and have a sloping outer edge, a groove and a protective guard that is secured with a hex socket screw (a complex shape in itself). Plus, there's a quick-change strap system which, though undetectable from the outside, connects any of the three supplied straps to the case to look like an integrated attachment.