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Zenith continues collaboration with Spanish-Argentine optical artist Felipe Pantone to create a new one Despite the extreme Felipe Pantonea limited edition colorful chronograph with a light-reflecting metal dial with a micro-engraved metallic sheen.
New Zenith Defy Extreme Felipe Pantone.
Pantone combines colors, metallic components, and mathematical shapes to create the optical illusion of the Defy’s dial.
To give the dial a colorful effect, Zenith has recreated a process that Pantone has used frequently in its planned iridescent art installations.
Zenith technicians started with a transparent sapphire disc as the base of the dial and then applied hidden micro-engraved patterns that were just 100 nanometers deep. The patterns reflect light, creating a rainbow of colors that change with light.
You will also see the color change on the hand. Zenith completes the chronograph minute counter with a graduated color scale, where each minute is segmented by a different tone. The chronograph seconds counter mimics the moiré effect with thin, concentric black-and-white lines.
More colors
At Pantone’s direction, Zenith also fabricated the watch’s hexagonal bezel and pusher guard from translucent blue YAS (yttrium aluminosilicate), a crystalline glass material comparable to synthetic sapphire. This adds more color to the watch, in addition to the dial. Just outside the bezel, the four corners of the case are engraved with “FP#1”, the signature of “Felipe Pantone El Primero”.
Zenith then paired that translucent blue with a similar translucent blue silicone strap. Zenith also includes a polished steel bracelet and black Velcro strap along with the watch.
Pantone also showcases its color-based style on the watch’s El Primero high-frequency chronograph movement. He advised Zenith to apply the gradient rainbow 3D PVD color used on the watch hands to the star rotor.
As a reminder, the El Primero movement inside the Defy Extreme series is one of Zenith’s most complex movements. It has two independently controlled regulating bodies, operating at 50Hz for the chronograph and 5Hz for the chronograph.
Zenith provides Despite the extreme Felipe Pantone as a limited edition of 100 pieces, available only at Zenith stores and online. Price: 29,900 CHF.
Optical artist Felipe Pantone at work.
Specifications: Zenith Extreme Defy Felipe Pantone
(Ref: 03.9100.9004/49.I210)
Movement: El Primero 9004, 1/100 second chronograph, one revolution per second for the Chrono hand, one escapement for the watch (36,000 VpH – 5 Hz); 1 chronograph escapement (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz). Certified chronograph, 60-hour power reserve.
Functions: Hours and minutes in the center. Small seconds at 9 o’clock. 1/100 second chronograph: The central chronograph hand turns one revolution per second; 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock; 60 second counter at 6 o’clock; Chronograph power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock.
Finish: Ruthenium main plate on movement + special “Rainbow” PVD colored oscillating weight with satin finish.
Case: 45mm polished steel & YAS blue, water resistant to 200 meters.
Dial: Sapphire tinted with Felipe metallic effect artwork pattern, Rhodium plated, faceted and covered with Beige and Rhodium plated SuperLuminova hour markers, with “Rainbow” PVD coated face & needle SLN C1.
Bracelet: Transparent green rubber. Includes 2 straps: 1 rubber band with folding buckle & 1 velcro, stainless steel folding buckle.
Price: 29,900 CHF.
