Zenith and USM Will Auction One-off Watch in December
A special DEFY Chronograph and matching storage piece will be sold in New York to support charity.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Zenith and USM Modular Furniture have developed a one-off DEFY Chronograph watch paired with a custom mirrored sideboard. The set will be auctioned at Phillips New York on December 5, 2026.
Why it matters
The collaborative piece serves as a donation for the TimeForArt charity auction, building on an experimental design partnership between the two brands. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Swiss Institute.
The watch features a 37mm stainless steel case, a 14-sided bezel, and the El Primero 400 movement that beats at 5Hz with a 55-hour power reserve. The matching sideboard is designed to hold 24 watches.
The players
Zenith
A luxury Swiss watch manufacturer established in 1865 that is widely recognized for its high-frequency El Primero movement.
USM Modular Furniture
A Swiss manufacturer of high-end modular furniture systems known for its industrial design and the patented Haller system.
Phillips New York
A global auction house specializing in contemporary art, design, and luxury watches.
TimeForArt
A philanthropic organization that hosts charity auctions featuring unique horological pieces to support artists and creative initiatives.
The details
The watch incorporates signature USM palette colors across its chronograph prints and hands, complemented by a mirror-polished dial. The partnership represents a follow-up to their successful initial collaboration in September 2025.
Timeline
1965: USM patented the modular Haller system.
1969: Zenith launched the original DEFY and El Primero.
September 2025: Zenith and USM completed their first collaboration.
December 5, 2026: The watch will be auctioned at Phillips New York.
Market Landscape
This collaboration reflects a broader industry trend where watchmakers partner with luxury lifestyle brands to create collectible, unique assets. By leveraging shared Swiss heritage, these companies differentiate their products from mass-market offerings to appeal to high-end collectors.
This high-profile auction demonstrates the growing intersection between horology and collectible furniture design for luxury buyers. While this is a one-off item, the partnership highlights the exclusive nature of current collaborations and the premium value placed on unique modular design.
The takeaway
Collaborative efforts between luxury manufacturers often result in unique pieces that blend disparate design languages into collectible assets. Potential buyers should monitor major auction houses for these one-off items as they frequently set benchmarks for future branded limited editions.
What happens next
The auction of the unique timepiece will occur at Phillips New York on December 5, 2026.
Further reading
Discover more about how Philanthropy initiatives shape the luxury goods market.
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