# Color-Blocked Chronograph Watches Zenith Reworks the DEFY with USM Colors and Auction-Only Release By Ellen Smith | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-10-10 | Luxury Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/color-blocked-chronograph-watches References: [t3](https://www.t3.com/luxury/watches/zenith-teams-up-with-usm-on-new-chronograph-watch-but-you-cant-actually-buy-it)  Zenith has given the DEFY Chronograph USM a multicolor dial inspired by USM Modular Furniture's palette, turning the familiar chronograph into an auction-only piece. It is the brand's second collaboration with USM and leans on colored subdials and hands instead of a single block of color. The watch comes in a 37mm stainless steel case, which keeps the format compact on the wrist. Zenith also pairs it with the El Primero 400 movement, a high-speed engine built for precise timing and a 55-hour power reserve. Created exclusively for TimeForArt, the watch will head to Philips New York in December 2026. That auction-only route makes it a one-off for bidders rather than a regular retail release, while the steel ladder bracelet keeps the design rooted in Zenith's DEFY line. Image Credit: Zenith ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Luxury](https://www.trendhunter.com/luxury) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Color-blocked Luxury Watches:** Playful palettes and modular design references are reshaping traditional watch aesthetics through collectible timepieces that merge precision engineering with visually expressive customization. - **Auction-only Product Drops:** Exclusive auction formats are turning limited-edition collaborations into cultural events where scarcity, provenance, and competitive bidding elevate brand value. - **Furniture-inspired Wearables:** Cross-category design cues from interiors are creating fresh opportunities for wearable products that translate iconic material systems and color languages into personal luxury. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Luxury Watches:** Heritage horology brands are expanding relevance by pairing established movements with contemporary design collaborations and tightly controlled distribution models. - **Collectibles and Auctions:** The convergence of branded exclusives and auction houses is strengthening demand for one-off objects positioned between functional goods and investment-grade collectibles. - **Furniture Design:** Iconic furniture systems are extending their influence beyond interiors as recognizable palettes and modular identities become valuable assets for lifestyle collaborations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tropical Dial Chronographs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a384.md) - [Tactical Techno Titanium Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenith-defy-extreme.md) - [Stealthy Black Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unimatic-x-maxfield.md) - [Color-Shift Chronographs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/defy-extreme-chrom.md) - [Chronograph Steel Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chronomaster-revival-a384-liberty-ii.md) - [Bioluminescent Oceanic Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenith-defy-extreme-diver-topper-edition.md) - [Luxury Chronograph Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/defy-extreme1.md) - [Sapphire Crystal Case Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenith-defy-zero-g.md) - [Demure Desert-Hued Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenith-defy-skyline-tourbillon.md)