ZENITH | USM REFLECT ON TIME WITH A UNIQUE DEFY CHRONOGRAPH FOR TIMEFORART

Following the launch of their first collaboration in September 2025, ZENITH and USM Modular Furniture come together once again to present a unique interpretation of the DEFY Chronograph USM, exclusively for TimeForArt. Created for the benefit auction supporting Swiss Institute, the DEFY Chronograph USM – TimeForArt Unique Piece revisits the watch introduced in September 2025 with one defining change: its dial has been transformed into a fully mirror-polished surface. Accompanying the watch is a unique USM Haller furniture piece created specifically for the project.

The collaboration between ZENITH and USM Modular Furniture finds its roots in one of the most creatively defining decades for both brands. The USM Haller modular system was patented in 1965. Four years later, ZENITH introduced both the original DEFY and El Primero, its groundbreaking automatic high-frequency chronograph. Two Swiss companies, two distinct disciplines and a shared moment of creativity in design and engineering.

For TimeForArt, ZENITH and USM Modular Furniture take this idea one step further. The colourful dials of the original collection give way to a mirror-polished dial that constantly changes with its environment. Light, architecture and movement become part of its appearance, making a watch that is never seen in quite the same way twice.

Against this reflective surface, the three overlapping azuré chronograph counters are brought to life by four different coloured prints and hands, drawing on USM's signature palette of USM Golden Yellow, USM Pure Orange, USM Green and USM Gentian Blue. Together, the four colours bring the distinctive USM palette onto a single dial for the first time.

Around it, the essential codes of the DEFY Chronograph USM remain: the compact 37 mm stainless-steel case, its octagonal geometry and fourteen-sided bezel, the overlapping chronograph counters and the stainless-steel "ladder" bracelet. At the tip of the chronograph seconds hand, a miniature USM Haller ball joint provides a subtle link back to the furniture system that inspired the collaboration.

Inside is the El Primero 400, ZENITH's automatic high-frequency column-wheel chronograph calibre, beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz) and offering a 55-hour power reserve.

The project extends beyond the wrist. USM has created a one-of-a-kind mirrored Haller sideboard with an integrated storage compartment designed to hold up to 24 watches. Through the glass top, the first layer of the collection remains on display, while a lockable compartment below opens to reveal a second layer housed in a drawer, offering additional storage for the collection. Conceived as a functional display for the collector, the piece brings USM's modular design language into the world of watch collecting.

The piece was created for the third edition of TimeForArt, the benefit watch auction organized by Swiss Institute in partnership with Phillips. Bringing together 25 participating watch brands in 2026, TimeForArt invites each to create a unique timepiece in support of contemporary art.

The DEFY Chronograph USM – TimeForArt Unique Piece will be auctioned at Phillips New York on December 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST, with 100% of the proceeds, including Phillips' Buyer's Premium, benefiting Swiss Institute and supporting its exhibitions, public programs, education initiatives and community engagement.

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