Zenith DEFY Skyline
Unveiled during LVMH Watch Week 2022, the new Zenith DEFY Skyline watch is inspired by the night sky above a bustling city that never sleeps. Its star-studded dial with a sunburst finish is embellished with a perfectly aligned pattern consisting of engraved four-pointed stars, which are in fact a modern reimagining of the Zenith “double Z” logo of the 1960s.
The DEFY Skyline draws inspiration from the unique octagonal geometry of the early DEFY models including the recently revived Defy A3642. The DEFY Skyline retains the same DNA of robustness and durability as its predecessors while bringing an edgier and more architectural aesthetic.
Fixed on the top of the 41mm stainless steel case with sharply defined edges, the faceted bezel is similar to those from early DEFY models. It has been reimagined with twelve sides that are positioned to echo the hour markers. The screw-down crown emblazoned with the star emblem provides a water-resistance of 10 ATM (100 metres).
Besides the central hour and minute hands and a date window at 3 o’clock finished in the same colour as the dial, the DEFY Skyline features a visually captivating animation rarely ever seen on a wristwatch.
On the small counter at 9 o’clock, a constantly running 1/10th of a second hand makes steady jumps in fixed increments, completing one revolution every 10 seconds.
Visible through the sapphire display back is the new El Primero Calibre 3620. 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). It is also endowed with a stop-second mechanism for precise time-setting.
The automatic winding mechanism with bi-directional rotor with a star motif delivers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours. Keeping with the purely contemporary palette of the DEFY Skyline the movement is finished in tones of grey and silver with elements in blued metal.
The DEFY Skyline is delivered on a steel bracelet with a satin-brushed surface with chamfered and polished edges, seamlessly following the contours of the faceted case.
A rubber strap with a starry sky pattern in continuity with the dial made in blue for the blue dial, black for the black dial and olive-green for the silver dial is also provided with a steel folding clasp.
The bracelets and straps can be easily swapped without any tools using the DEFY case’s ingenious quick strap-change mechanism consisting of secure buttons on the back.
Technical details
Collection: Zenith DEFY SKYLINE
Movement
El Primero 3620, automatic
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: Approx. 60 hours
Silicon escape-wheel and lever
Special oscillating weight with satined finishing
Functions
Hours and minutes in the centre
1/10th of a second counter at 9 o’clock
Date indication at 3 o’clock
Case
Material: Stainless steel
Case diameter: 41mm
Screwed-in crown
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Full Interchangeable strap system
Price
8,400 CHF
Models
Reference: 03.9300.3620/01.I001
Dial: Silver-toned sunburst dial with star pattern
Hour markers: Black ruthenium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Black ruthenium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Stainless steel bracelet and folding clasp
Comes with a khaki green rubber strap with starry sky pattern and folding clasp
Reference 03.9300.3620/51.I001
Dial: Blue-toned sunburst dial with star pattern
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Stainless steel bracelet and folding clasp
Comes with a blue rubber strap with starry sky pattern and folding clasp
Reference 03.9300.3620/21.I001
Dial: Black-toned sunburst dial with star pattern
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Stainless steel bracelet folding clasp
Comes with a black rubber strap with starry sky pattern and folding clasp
