Zenith is kicking off 2023 by further expanding its DEFY line. The brand unveiled the latest novelties at LVMH Watch Week in Singapore in the presence of CEO Julien Tornare. We reveal some of the highlights.
DEFY Skyline Skeleton
DEFY Skyline Skeleton
DEFY Skyline Skeleton
Housed within a 41mm steel case the new DEFY Skyline Skeleton takes on the form of a four-pointed star, in a nod to the ZENITH “double Z” logo of the 1960s. A constantly running 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock makes steady jumps in fixed increments, completing one revolution every 10 seconds. The open dial comes in black or blue, with the skeleton movement’s main plate as well as the bridges and open star-shaped oscillating weight finished in the same colour as the open dials for a cohesive and architectural look.
DEFY Skyline Skeleton
The different finishes combining matte, satin-brushed and polished surfaces further accentuate the depth of the moment and intensity of the colour. the DEFY Skyline Skeleton retains the same DNA of robustness and durability as its predecessors while bringing an edgier and more architectural aesthetic, as well as a host of new functions to the metropolis-ready companion.
Visible from the front as well as the sapphire display back is the open-worked version of the high-frequency automatic El Primero calibre, the 3620 SK. Built with a similar architecture as the El Primero 3600 1/10th of a second chronograph, this automatic manufacture movement drives the 1/10th of a second hand directly from the escapement, which beats at 5Hz (36’000 VpH), thus making it a “natural” fraction-of-a-second indication. Its efficient automatic bi-directional winding mechanism with a star-shaped rotor delivers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.
DEFY Skyline 36mm
DEFY Skyline 36mm
The DEFY Skyline is being introduced in the same striking silhouette but with a 36mm dial for the first time. This new version keeps the angular form of the watch, while introducing more modest, unisex proportions that perfectly fit those who prefer a smaller fit. It is available in three dial colours; metallic blue, green and pink. These pastel tones have a metallic base that is polished and then satin-brushed, with rays emanating from the applied ZENITH five-pointed star at the top of the dial.
DEFY Skyline 36mm
The geometrical pattern consists of engraved four-pointed stars, which are in fact a modern reimagining of the Zenith “double Z” logo of the 1960s. Available with or without brilliant-cut white diamonds on the bezel, the mid-size DEFY Skyline retains the faceted steel case and twelve-sided bezel of its larger counterpart. Intended as a watch for all occasions and situations, its screw-down crown ensures a water resistance of 10 ATM (100 metres). For added versatility, the quick strap-change mechanism on the case back allows for easy swapping between the steel bracelet and supplied starry sky-patterned rubber strap with a folding clasp in the same colour as the dial.
DEFY Skyline Boutique Edition
DEFY Skyline Boutique Edition
This year, Zenith is introducing its first boutique-exclusive edition of the DEFY Skyline, offering an alluring combination of contrasting tones. Housed in a 41mm angular steel case with a dodecagonal bezel that recalls the earliest DEFY wristwatches from 1969, the DEFY Skyline Boutique Edition stands out with its radiant anthracite dial, engraved with a rose gold motif and set with rose gold hands and hour markers. The visual animation is one of a constellation of golden stars twinkling against the night sky. To achieve this eye-catching effect the four-pointed stars, recalling the ZENITH emblem found in past references, are first engraved on the dial, then plated with rose gold.
Powered by the El Primero 3620 automatic high-frequency calibre, the DEFY Skyline features a unique running 1/10th of a second indicator that’s driven directly from the 5Hz escapement. Built with a similar architecture as the El Primero 3600 1/10th of a second chronograph, this automatic manufacture movement is visible through the sapphire display back and is also endowed with a stop-second mechanism for precise time-setting. The efficient automatic winding mechanism with a bi-directional rotor with a futuristic star motif delivers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours. The watch is delivered on a steel bracelet with a satin-brushed surface with chamfered and polished edges, seamlessly following the contours of the angular case. A black rubber strap with a starry sky pattern is also provided with a steel folding clasp and can be easily swapped.
DEFY Extreme Glacier
The DEFY Extreme Glacier is a watch designed to withstand the elements, no matter how impactful. The watch is directly inspired by frozen barren landscapes, where only those truly adapted to endure the harsh and extreme environment can thrive. An integral part of the titanium case, the component that protects the pushers as well as the dodecagonal bezel is crafted from chalcedony, a crystalline semi-translucent stone with a pale blue hue that evokes the frozen glaciers. Meticulously cut and polished by hand, each stone is different and exhibits slightly different colours and fibrous structures, making each of the 50 examples of the DEFY Extreme Glacier essentially a unique piece.
DEFY Extreme Glacier
The open dial of the DEFY Extreme Glacier reveals the inner workings of the innovative and singular El Primero 1/100th of a second automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre and its two regulating organs beating at 50Hz for the chronograph and 5Hz for timekeeping. Keeping with the ice-cold theme, the chronograph counters are made in a transparent sapphire crystal that’s given a frosted finish, recalling a layer of ice that allows light to pass through. Completing the look of this conceptual piece are the supplied durable black Velcro strap and white rubber strap, which can be easily swapped with the titanium bracelet using the quick strap-change mechanism on the back of the case. The watch is limited to just 50 pieces.
