In the event you’ve by no means heard of USM Modular Furnishings, right here’s a fast crash course. Based in 1885, the Swiss designer and producer turned a family identify solely in 1963, when it launched the USM Haller System. Constructed on a metal ball-and-tube skeleton, the modular design allowed for infinite reconfigurations, with vibrant glass panels that captured the spirit of the ‘60s—assume the explosion of colors in pop artwork and psychedelia.
Almost 60 years later, Zenith has teamed up with USM to launch a limited-edition watch impressed by the ‘60s. Its design philosophy was sparked by a single query:
“What may these two icons of Swiss craftsmanship have created collectively again then?”
The reply is a vibrant, built-in sports activities bracelet watch that performs with geometry and angles.
The muse is the skeleton of the 1969 Zenith DEFY, a becoming start line for this artistic fusion. Chrome-plated metal tubes and ball joints of the Haller System are mirrored by means of a compact 37.3 mm stainless-steel case, whereas its octagonal kind and fourteen-sided bezel scream traditional ‘60s. Classic pump-style chronograph pushers flank the proper facet of the case, reinforcing that rugged, asymmetrical silhouette that has endured throughout generations.
This interaction between contour and angular shapes is contrasted by sq. hour markers with horizontal grooves, lending the piece even larger architectural edge. However Zenith followers will know that these design parts aren’t novel.
So What Is?
The place the brand new DEFY Chronograph USM separates itself is thru its motion. That is the primary time a chronograph has entered the fray of the unique DEFY line. Three silver subdials completed with tremendous concentric circles overlap one another boldly. This not solely provides textural depth inside a vibrant, solid-filled dial, however doubles as a refined nod to USM’s iconic handles. Now take note of the second hand, it’s additionally tipped with a miniature USM Haller ball joint.
Inside beats the automated El Primero 400 calibre—a selection that feels poetic given its lineage traces again to the El Primero 3019 PHC of 1969, the world’s first computerized high-frequency chronograph. Operating at a frequency of 5hz, the motion additionally permits a water resistance of 100m and 55 hours of energy reserve.
The DEFY Chronograph USM might be obtainable in 4 punchy dial colors: Gentian Blue, Golden Yellow, Inexperienced, and Pure Orange. Every is proscribed to simply 60 items, making this collaboration as unique as it’s vibrant.
This text was first seen on ESQUIRE SG.
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