Two icons of Swiss watchmaking and design, ZENITH and USM Modular Furniture, come together to create a collection of timepieces that merges watchmaking mastery with architectural ingenuity Paying tribute to the pioneering spirit of the 1960s—the decade that saw the creation of the USM Haller modular system (1965) and the launch of the revolutionary El Primero chronograph (1969)—this collaboration between two pillars of Swiss excellence comes to life. Inspired by what might have happened if their creative paths had crossed at that time, ZENITH and USM unveil a bold reinterpretation of ZENITH’s original DEFY, now presented in a chronograph version. The result is an exclusive collection of watches that combines horological savoir-faire with architectural brilliance, reflecting their shared values: Swiss precision, meaningful aesthetics, and a vision of modernity that transcends time. Accompanied by a custom case designed by USM Haller, the watch embodies a mutual elevation of horological and modular design—an interplay where each enhances the other. Together, they form a cohesive whole that unites design and precision: this timepiece represents the perfect blend of form and function. More than a collaboration, it is a testament to enduring craftsmanship and forward-looking vision. Conceived to appeal to collectors and Haute Horlogerie enthusiasts, as well as designers, architects and art lovers, the capsule pays homage to creative minds and visionaries across different disciplines. To bring this original collaboration to life, ZENITH and USM immersed themselves in the daring spirit of the 1960s: a transformative era that redefined form and function, marking a pivotal moment in the history of both Maisons. Starting from the question: “What could these two icons of Swiss craftsmanship have created if they had joined forces back then?”, a completely new project was born—a timepiece that did not exist at the time, yet faithfully reproduces the aesthetics and cultural codes of the era. The ZENITH DEFY of 1969 served as the natural starting point for this creative fusion. With its angular case and faceted contours, the bold octagonal silhouette of the DEFY and its fourteen-sided bezel reflect USM’s characteristic design language, which celebrates clarity, structure, and strength. The result is a striking interplay of geometry and surfaces, where every finish reflects the shared values of the two Maisons. Although the original DEFY was released in multiple versions and laid the foundation for today’s DEFY collection, it was never produced as a chronograph. The new DEFY Chronograph USM is, in essence, a piece of “imagined heritage”—an answer to the question: “What if the DEFY of 1969 had been equipped with the innovative El Primero, the world’s first high-frequency automatic chronograph?” And further: “What if it had drawn subtle inspiration from another design icon of the same era, the USM Haller system?” The USM Haller modular furniture system, patented in 1965, has become a cult icon of timeless modernity. Defined by chrome-plated steel tubes, spherical connectors, and colored metal panels, it remains a masterpiece of clarity, versatility, and industrial elegance. Decades later, its ability to evolve and inspire creative expression remains unrivalled—the perfect counterpart to ZENITH’s legacy of precision and innovation. Housed in a compact 37.3 mm stainless steel case that stays true to the bold geometry of the original DEFY, the chronograph features an octagonal shape highlighted by a fourteen-sided bezel, while pump-style pushers enhance its vintage-inspired profile. The watch is paired with the emblematic “ladder” bracelet, originally designed in 1969 by the renowned firm Gay Frères exclusively for ZENITH. Water resistance of 10 ATM ensures robustness consistent with the integrity of the design. The dial features square hour markers with horizontal grooves, reinforcing the watch’s architectural character. The DEFY Chronograph USM is available in four vibrant USM signature colours—green, pure orange, golden yellow, and gentian blue—each edition limited to 60 pieces. The three applied chronograph counters feature a silvery tone with a refined concentric circular finish, adding texture and depth and subtly referencing USM’s signature handle with its bluish rhodium-plated motif. A discreet yet playful detail: the chronograph seconds hand is topped with a miniature USM Haller spherical connector, filled with Super-Luminova for readability in low light. When the chronograph is activated, ZENITH’s star cleverly emerges, a nod to the intricate storytelling woven into the piece. At the heart of the DEFY Chronograph USM beats the legendary El Primero 400 calibre, a direct descendant of the iconic El Primero 3019 PHC—the world’s first high-frequency automatic chronograph movement introduced by ZENITH in 1969. More than 55 years later, it continues to set the standard in precision timekeeping with its 5 Hz high-frequency escapement, automatic winding, and column-wheel chronograph architecture. The mechanism powers the central hour and minute hands, the small seconds at 9 o’clock, the chronograph functions, and the date window at 4:30. The oscillating weight of the movement, visible through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback, is adorned with ZENITH’s open star, flanked by the ZENITH El Primero and USM logos—a refined detail that highlights the harmony between watchmaking and architectural precision. ZENITH Founded in 1865 in Le Locle, ZENITH is one of the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacturers. For over 160 years, it has embodied excellence while looking to the future of Swiss watchmaking. Renowned for its pioneering spirit and pursuit of precision, it created in 1969 the legendary El Primero, the world’s first high-frequency automatic chronograph calibre.Today, it stands out through three emblematic collections: CHRONOMASTER (high-precision chronographs), DEFY (bold design and technical innovation), and PILOT (rooted in aviation heritage). With more than 2,300 chronometry prizes, ZENITH has accompanied great historic achievements—from Louis Blériot’s flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking stratospheric jump. USM USM Modular Furniture, a family-owned company founded in 1885 near Bern, Switzerland, began as a metalworking workshop. In the 1960s, under Paul Schärer and architect Fritz Haller, it developed the USM Haller modular system was developed, based on chrome-plated steel tubes, spherical connectors patented in 1965, and colored metal panels.Originally conceived for the company’s own offices, the system soon became an international design classic, formally recognised by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.Today, USM represents the unique combination of functionality, refined aesthetics, and versatility, offering durable and reconfigurable furniture solutions that embody the precision and quality of “Made in Switzerland.”
