With an El Primero calibre and a uniquely symmetrical open dial, the new Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton introduces a new expression of the modern skeleton watch.
The DEFY Skyline collection was launched in 2022 as an addition to the Zenith DEFY series of sturdy and exceptionally futuristic wristwatches.
The harmoniously symmetrical skeleton dial of the new 41mm diameter steel watch takes on the form of a four-pointed stars, in a nod to the ZENITH “double Z” logo of the 1960s. The chapter ring’s applied baton hour markers as well as the central hour and minute hands are filled with Super-LumiNova for easy legibility; something that is usually sacrificed in skeleton watches.
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.
The different finishes combining matte, satin-brushed and polished surfaces further accentuate the depth of the moment and intensity of the colour.
Following the unique octagonal geometry of the early DEFY models of the 1960s, the sculpted steel case of the DEFY Skyline Skeleton retains the same DNA of robustness and durability as its predecessors while bringing an edgier and more architectural aesthetic.
The faceted bezel is reminiscent of those from early DEFY models, reimagined with twelve sides that are positioned as extensions to the hour markers. Equipped with a screw-down crown emblazoned with the star emblem, the watch is water-resistant up to 10 ATM (100 metres).
El Primero Calibre 3620 SK
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.
Zenith Quick Change Strap System
The Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton watch comes with an ingenious quick strap-change mechanism consisting of secure buttons on the back.
The steel bracelet with a satin-brushed surface with chamfered and polished edges can easily be swapped with the supplied rubber strap featuring a starry sky pattern that’s colour-matched to the dial.
Technical details
Model: Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton
Movement
El Primero 3620, automatic
Frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve approx. 60 hours
Silicon escape-wheel and lever
Finishes: Special oscillating weight with satined finishings
Functions
Hours and minutes in the centre
1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock
Case
Material: Stainless steel
Case diameter: 41mm
Screwed-in crown
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Reference 03.9300.3620/79.I001
Dial
Blue-toned Open-worked dial
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet and folding clasp
Comes with a blue rubber strap with starry sky pattern and folding clasp
Price
10,900 CHF
Reference 03.9300.3620/78.I001
Dial
Black-toned Open-worked dial
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet folding clasp
Comes with a black rubber strap with starry sky pattern and folding clasp
Price
10,900 CHF
