Following the launch of their first collaboration in September 2025, Zenith and USM Modular Furniture have joined forces once again to present a unique interpretation of the DEFY USM chronograph, created exclusively for TimeForArt.

Conceived for the charity auction in support of the Swiss Institute, the DEFY USM – TimeForArt Unique Piece revisits the model introduced in September 2025 with a distinctive twist: its dial has been transformed into a polished, mirror-finished surface. The watch is accompanied by a one-of-a-kind piece of USM Haller furniture, created specifically for this project.

The collaboration between Zenith and USM Modular Furniture is rooted in one of the most creatively pivotal decades for both brands. The USM Haller modular system was patented in 1965. Four years later, Zenith unveiled both the original DEFY and El Primero—its revolutionary high-frequency automatic chronograph. Two Swiss companies, two distinct disciplines, and a shared moment of creativity in design and engineering.

The colorful dials of the original collection give way to a polished, mirror-finished dial that plays with light and its surroundings. On this reflective surface, the three overlapping, azuré-finished chronograph counters come to life, accented by markings and hands in four distinct colors—inspired by USM’s signature palette: USM Golden Yellow, USM Pure Orange, USM Green, and USM Gentian Blue. For the first time, all four colors are brought together on a single dial, showcasing the iconic USM palette.

The essential elements of the DEFY Chronograph USM remain: the compact 37mm stainless steel case, its octagonal geometry and fourteen-sided bezel, the overlapping chronograph counters, and the "ladder-style" stainless steel bracelet. At the tip of the chronograph’s seconds hand, a miniature ball joint—a signature element of the USM Haller system—creates a subtle link to the furniture system that inspired this collaboration.

Beating inside is the El Primero 400 caliber, Zenith’s high-frequency, column-wheel automatic chronograph movement, which operates at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz) and offers a 55-hour power reserve.

The project extends beyond the wrist: USM has created a unique Haller sideboard, featuring a mirror finish and an integrated storage compartment designed to house up to 24 watches. Through a glass top, one can view an initial selection from a collection, while a lockable compartment below opens to reveal a second level within a drawer, providing additional space. Conceived as a functional display for a collector, this piece brings USM’s modular design language into the world of watch collecting.

This piece was created for the third edition of TimeForArt, a charity watch auction organized by the Swiss Institute in collaboration with the auction house Phillips. For the 2026 edition, TimeForArt brings together 25 watch brands, each of which has created a unique timepiece in support of contemporary art.

The DEFY Chronograph USM—a unique piece for TimeForArt—will be auctioned at Phillips in New York on December 5, 2026. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Swiss Institute to support its exhibitions, public programs, educational initiatives, and community engagement activities.