Introducing ZENITH’s Limited Edition Capsule Collection with USM

ZENITH | USM: Two Swiss Design and Manufacturing Icons Come Together to Celebrate 1960s Creativity with an Exclusive Capsule Collection

Two pillars of Swiss excellence, ZENITH and USM Modular Furniture, have come together to launch an exclusive watch collection that fuses horological mastery with architectural ingenuity.

A Legacy of Innovation

A Collaboration Celebrating 1960s Creativity

This collaboration pays tribute to the groundbreaking spirit of the 1960s – the decade that saw the creation of the USM Haller modular system (1965) and the debut of ZENITH’s revolutionary El Primero chronograph (1969). Reimagining what might have happened had their creative paths crossed at that pivotal moment, ZENITH and USM present a bold reinterpretation of the original ZENITH DEFY, now introduced as a chronograph. The result reflects their shared values: Swiss precision, purposeful aesthetics, and a vision of modernity that transcends time.

Accompanied by a custom-designed USM Haller timepiece chest created specifically for this edition, the timepiece reflects a mutual elevation of watchmaking and modular design, a thoughtful interplay where each enhances the other. Together, they form a cohesive whole where design and precision meet: this timepiece embodies a seamless blend of form and function. More than a collaboration, it is a statement of enduring craftsmanship and forward-thinking vision. Conceived to resonate not only with collectors and aficionados of fine watchmaking, but also with designers, architects, and art enthusiasts, this capsule edition pays tribute to creative minds and visionaries across disciplines.

To bring this original collaboration to life, ZENITH and USM delved into the bold spirit of the 1960s – a transformative era that redefined form and function, and a pivotal moment in the histories of both brands. Asking themselves, “What might these two icons of Swiss craftsmanship have created together back then?”, they set out to design something entirely new, a timepiece that never was, yet one that seamlessly channels the aesthetic and cultural codes of the era.

The 1969 ZENITH DEFY served as the natural starting point for this creative fusion. With its sharply angular case and faceted contours, the DEFY’s bold, octagonal silhouette and fourteen-sided bezel echo the signature design language of USM – celebrating clarity, structure, and strength. The result is a striking interplay of geometry and surface, where each finish reflects the shared values of both houses. Though the original DEFY was offered in multiple iterations 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 1969 DEFY had been equipped with the groundbreaking El Primero, the world’s first high-frequency automatic chronograph? And further still, what if it had drawn subtle inspiration from another design icon of the same era, the USM Haller system?

Patented in 1965, the USM Haller modular furniture system has become a cult symbol of enduring modernity. Defined by its chrome-plated steel tubes, connector ball joints, and coloured metal panels, it remains a masterpiece of clarity, versatility, and industrial elegance. Decades later, its capacity to evolve and inspire creative expression remains unmatched, a perfect counterpart to ZENITH’s own legacy of precision and innovation.

The DEFY Chronograph USM is housed in a compact 37.3 mm stainless steel case that stays true to the bold geometry of the original DEFY. Its octagonal shape is accentuated by a 14-sided bezel, while pump-style chronograph pushers enhance its vintage-inspired silhouette. The watch is paired with the iconic “ladder” bracelet, originally designed in 1969 by the renowned Gay Frères company exclusively for ZENITH. Water resistance is rated at 10 ATM, ensuring robustness to match its design integrity.

The dial is marked by applied square hour markers with horizontal grooves, reinforcing the watch’s architectural character. Available in four vibrant USM signature colors – USM Green, USM Pure Orange, USM Golden Yellow, and USM Gentian Blue – each variation pays homage to the modular aesthetic of the USM Haller system. The three overlapping chronograph counters are rendered in silver with a fine concentric circular finish, adding both texture and depth, a subtle nod to the iconic USM handle through their rhodium-plated azuré pattern.

A subtle yet playful detail: the chronograph second hand is tipped with a miniature USM Haller ball joint, filled with SuperLuminova for visibility in low light. When the chronograph is activated, it reveals the ZENITH star cleverly hidden beneath, a nod to the intricate storytelling woven into the piece. Each dial color is produced in a limited edition of 60 pieces.

At the heart of the DEFY Chronograph USM is the legendary El Primero 400 calibre, built upon the legacy of the iconic El Primero 3019 PHC, the world’s first automatic high-frequency chronograph introduced by ZENITH in 1969. Over 55 years later, this movement continues to set the standard in precision chronometry with its 5Hz high-frequency escapement, automatic winding, and column-wheel chronograph architecture. It powers central hour and minute hands, small seconds at 9 o’clock, chronograph functions, and a date window at 4:30.

Visible through the transparent sapphire case-back, the movement’s rotor is adorned with an openworked ZENITH star motif, flanked by the ZENITH El Primero and USM logos, a refined detail that speaks to the harmony between horological and architectural precision.

A tribute to timeless design

Benoit de Clerck, CEO of ZENITH: “This partnership unites the excellence of Swiss design and horology, embodying a mutual appreciation for enduring, modern aesthetics. The modular design of USM Haller, celebrated for its functional beauty, resonates with our own dedication to craftsmanship in watchmaking.”

Alexander Schärer, CEO & President of the Board: “Both USM Modular Furniture and ZENITH were founded as owner-driven workshops integrated in a microcosm of Swiss craftsmanship – a shared origin that has naturally guided us toward partnership. ZENITH is a company that not only mirrors our heritage, but also embodies values profoundly aligned with our own. Though our products, industries, and even our clientele may appear distinct at first glance, they are ultimately bound by a shared devotion to timeless quality, refined aesthetics, and purposeful functionality.”

DEFY CHRONOGRAPH USM
Reference: 03.A780.400-1/65.M3642 / Dial: USM Golden Yellow
Reference: 03.A780.400/19.M3642 / Dial: USM Gentian Blue
Reference: 03.A780.400-2/91.M3642 / Dial: USM Green
Reference: 03.A780.400-3/56.M3642 / Dial: USM Pure Orange

Key points: Automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph movement. Silicon escape-wheel and lever. Screwed-in crown. Limited edition of 60 pieces.
Movement: El Primero 400
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 55 hours
Functions: Functions: Hours and minutes in the center, small seconds at 9 o’clock
Chronograph: – Central chronograph hand – 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock – 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, Date indication at 4:30
Finishes: Oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève” motif and bearing Zenith & USM Logo
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Case: 37 mm
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel “ladder” bracelet

ZENITH: THE HEART OF WATCHMAKING
www.zenith-watches.com | @zenithwatches

Founded in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland, ZENITH has been at the forefront of Swiss watchmaking for over 160 years, driven by a pioneering spirit and a relentless pursuit of precision. As the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, ZENITH has continuously revolutionized horology by developing and manufacturing in-house movements, most notably the El Primero, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre launched in 1969, renowned for its unparalleled precision and high-frequency performance.

ZENITH’s timepieces celebrate its dedication to innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. The CHRONOMASTER collection highlights the brand’s mastery of high-precision chronographs, the DEFY showcases technical innovation and bold design, while the PILOT collection celebrates ZENITH’s storied aviation legacy with distinctive, adventure-ready timepieces. This unwavering commitment to precision has been recognized with an unparalleled 2,333 chronometry prizes, underscoring ZENITH’s enduring legacy of excellence. The calibre 135, having won most of those prizes went through a modern reengineering integrating up-to-date technical solutions and materials. ZENITH decided to give it a new home in its newly introduced G.F.J collection. Throughout its history, ZENITH timepieces have accompanied pioneers who dared to dream big and achieve the extraordinary: from Louis Blériot’s historic flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking stratospheric free-fall jump. This daring spirit continues to drive the Maison as it redefines the future of Swiss watchmaking. Celebrating over a century and a half of excellence, innovation, and purpose, ZENITH remains at the forefront of Swiss horology, empowering those who challenge conventions and strive for greatness. From Le Locle to the world, from 1865 to now, ZENITH is the heart of watchmaking.

USM
www.usm.com | @usmmodularfurniture

Family-run since 1885, USM was founded as metal workshop in a small village just outside of Bern, Switzerland, taking its name from the initials of its founder, Ulrich Schärer, and the first letter of its hometown, Münsingen, where the factory resides to this day. In the early 1960s, as the company continued to grow, its third generation CEO and engineer Paul Schärer commissioned Swiss architect Fritz Haller to design a new factory and office pavilion utilising a steel modular construction system that was flexible, so it could easily be adapted to various manufacturing processes and industry changes. From the surrounding architecture, Haller and Schärer then developed furniture to match the new buildings’ modularity and versatility. The furniture, like the buildings, was not built around individual parts but a system of steel modules that could be adapted and reconfigured to meet the current and future needs of the factory and offices. The design of the system is based on an elegant and ingenious ball joint, patented in 1965.

Initially intended for their own offices, the visionary system, combining unique aesthetic, versatility and durability quickly attracted attention and established itself around the world for its visionary combination of technical finesse and outstanding design quality. Over the decades more product lines and features have been added to the system – all compatible with one another.

Today USM Modular Furniture is widely recognised as a design classic, formally accepted into the permanent Design Collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, confirming the artistic character of the product. “Made in Switzerland” is both a promise and commitment, denoting precision, quality and reliability, premium base materials, meticulous craftsmanship and absolute dedication. Created from a few basic elements, the furniture offers tailor-made solutions that can be expanded or reconfigured as needed, allowing room for maximum versatility and creativity for generations to come.

All images courtesy of ZENITH.

Tags: 1960s, architectural, blue, capsule collection, chronograph, colorful, craftsmanship, DEFY, DEFY CHRONOGRAPH USM, design, fashion, furniture, Gentian Blue, geometric design, golden yellow, green, Luxury, luxury brands, luxury fashion, luxury lifestyle, luxury living, luxury timepieces, multicolor, orange, product design, Pure Orange, stainless steel, steel, timeless design, timepiece chest, Timepieces, Top, USM, USM Modular Furniture, watch, watch boxes, watch case, watch strap, watchmaker, watchmaking, Zenith, ZENITH DEFY