Zenith and USM Unveil Mirrored DEFY Chronograph for TimeForArt Auction, Paired with Bespoke Sideboard

Swiss watchmaker Zenith and Swiss furniture manufacturer USM have joined forces for a second collaborative endeavor, resulting in a singular, exceptional timepiece: the DEFY Chronograph USM – TimeForArt Unique Piece. This exclusive watch has been created specifically for TimeForArt, a significant benefit auction organized by the esteemed Swiss Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to contemporary art and culture. This latest creation builds upon the foundation of their initial partnership, which took place in 2025. In that prior collaboration, Zenith and USM reimagined Zenith's iconic 1969 DEFY model, infusing it with a distinct architectural aesthetic that echoed the modularity and precision of USM's renowned furniture systems. The new DEFY Chronograph USM – TimeForArt Unique Piece distinguishes itself dramatically with a striking, fully mirror-polished dial. This innovative reflective surface is designed to be highly interactive, constantly engaging with its environment. The watch's appearance fluidly shifts and changes depending on the ambient light, the wearer's movement, and the surrounding architectural context, offering a dynamic visual experience.

Set against this highly reflective backdrop are three meticulously overlapping azuré chronograph counters. These counters are artfully accented with Zenith's signature color palette, which has been harmoniously integrated with USM's iconic hues. Specifically, the counters showcase USM's signature colors: Golden Yellow, Pure Orange, Green, and Gentian Blue. This marks a significant first, as it is the inaugural instance where all four of USM's distinct and vibrant colors are brought together on a single watch dial, creating a visually rich and cohesive display.

The watch's overall design retains the compact proportions and assertive angular architecture that were established in their earlier collaboration. It features a refined 37mm stainless-steel case, an octagonal profile, and a distinctive 14-sided bezel. The timepiece is completed with a classic stainless-steel “ladder” bracelet, a design element that has become a hallmark of Zenith's sporty chronographs. A subtle yet ingenious detail connects the watch directly to USM's celebrated furniture system: a miniature representation of the USM Haller system's signature ball joint is incorporated at the tip of the Gentian Blue chronograph seconds hand. This thoughtful embellishment serves as a discreet yet unmistakable nod to the design heritage shared by both brands.

At the heart of the DEFY Chronograph USM – TimeForArt Unique Piece beats Zenith's highly regarded automatic El Primero 400 column-wheel chronograph calibre. This robust movement is renowned for its precision and performance, operating at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (vph) and offering a substantial power reserve of 55 hours, ensuring reliable timekeeping and chronograph functionality.

Elevating this collaboration beyond a mere watch release, USM has contributed a truly unique piece of functional art: a one-of-a-kind mirrored Haller sideboard. This bespoke furniture item has been conceived as an ideal display and storage solution for discerning watch collectors. It features a sleek glass top, designed to elegantly showcase the timepiece itself, while a lockable drawer positioned below provides secure and discreet storage for additional items. This integrated approach ensures that the design concept extends seamlessly from the watch to its accompanying furniture, creating a cohesive and luxurious presentation that embodies the shared design philosophies of Zenith and USM.