USM Haller and Zenith team up on watch that nods to "the bold spirit of the 1960s"

Swiss brands USM Haller and Zenith have released Defy Chronograph USM, a colourful watch with a design informed by USM Haller's modular furniture system.

The limited-edition watch, which comes in four colours, was designed as a way of envisioning what would have happened if the two brands had collaborated in the 1960s.

This was when furniture brand USM Haller first launched its modular system and watch brand Zenith introduced its El Primero chronograph watch.

"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," Zenith said.

The design of the Defy Chronograph USM draws on the 1969 Zenith Defy model, reimagined as a chronograph – an analogue watch with a stopwatch function.

It has an octagonal shape with a 14-sided bezel and a vintage-inspired silhouette. The USM inspiration can be seen in the four colours chosen for the dial: USM Green, USM Pure Orange, USM Golden Yellow, and USM Gentian Blue.

The watch's hour markers have horizontal grooves, reminiscent of the steel rods used in USM Haller's modular furniture.

The design also features three overlapping chronograph counters with a fine concentric circular finish, in a nod to USM Haller's metal handles.

A miniature USM Haller ball joint was used to tip the chronograph second hand. When this moves, a Zenith star hidden underneath it is revealed.

The Defy Chronograph USM also features Zenith's El Primero 400 calibre movement and has a transparent sapphire case back. Through this, Zenith's star motif as well as the USM Haller and Zenith El Primero logos can be seen.

"This partnership unites the excellence of Swiss design and horology, embodying a mutual appreciation for enduring, modern aesthetics," Zenith CEO Benoit de Clerck said.

"The modular design of USM Haller, celebrated for its functional beauty, resonates with our own dedication to craftsmanship in watchmaking."

The Defy Chronograph USM will be available in a limited edition of 60 pieces per dial colour and comes in a colourful timepiece chest that USM Haller designed especially for the watches.

Other recent watch and design collaborations include a watch by designer Yinka Ilori that was designed "to make you smile every time you check the time" and conceptual watches designed for Japanese brand Seiko that include a stealthy watch for ninjas.

The images are courtesy of Zenith.

The post USM Haller and Zenith team up on watch that nods to "the bold spirit of the 1960s" appeared first on Dezeen.