Swiss luxury watch brand Zenith presents new black ceramic version of the DEFY Skyline and DEFY Skyline Skeleton models.
The DEFY Skyline collection was introduced in 2022 as the modern successor to the ZENITH DEFY line of rugged and boldly designed wristwatches from 1969. Now the brand enhances this range by introducing new black ceramic editions of the DEFY Skyline and DEFY Skyline Skeleton watches. Even the integrated bracelet that follows the contours of the case is crafted in black ceramic.
A black patterned rubber strap with a blackened steel folding clasp is also included, and swapping between it and the ceramic bracelet is effortless using the quick strap-change mechanism integrated directly in the case back.
The DEFY Skyline Ceramic features a black galvanic dial with a sunray finish, shimmering as the light hits its surface. The entire dial features a geometric pattern, consisting of the ZENITH four-pointed stars that historically featured prominently on the case backs of vintage DEFY references as a “double Z”.
Evoking the starry night sky, the blackened star-shaped sunken into the dial feature sharp inward facets, with different angles catching light.
For the DEFY Skyline Skeleton Ceramic, the open dial features a blackened large central four-pointed star element, revealing the skeleton movement with black bridges and main plate.
An exceptional feat, the Manufacture’s engineers successfully incorporated the shape of the open dial into the skeletonisation of the movement’s bridges and main plate, forming an integral whole. With its subtle contrast of dark tones, the visual depth is further enhanced in this unique skeleton watch with a 1/10th of a second indicator.
Both the DEFY Skyline Ceramic and DEFY Skyline Skeleton Ceramic feature faceted polished hands and applied indices filled with white Super-LumiNova for effortless readability – day and night.
Both references are powered by the El Primero 3620 automatic high-frequency manufacture movement, beating at the rate of 5Hz (36’000VpH), providing a 1/10th of a second indicator directly driven by the escapement. Its efficient automatic bi-directional winding mechanism with a blackened star-shaped rotor delivers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.
The DEFY Skyline and DEFY Skyline Skeleton are available from ZENITH physical and online boutiques, as well as authorized ZENITH retailers around the world.
Technical details
Model: ZENITH Defy Skyline Black Ceramic
Reference: 49.9300.3620/21.I001
Movement
El Primero 3620, Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: Approx. 60 hours
Finishes: Special oscillating weight with satined finishings
Silicon escape-wheel and lever
Functions
Hours and minutes in the centre
1/10th of a second indication at 9 o’clock
Date indication at 3 o’clock
Case
Black Ceramic
Diameter: 41mm
Screwed-in crown
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Dial
Black-toned sunray-patterned
Starry sky pattern on the dial
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Bracelet
Black Ceramic bracelet and folding clasp
Comes with a black rubber strap with starry sky pattern and with a black PVD stainless buckle with folding clasp
Full Interchangeable strap system
Price
14,900 CHF
Model: ZENITH Defy Skyline Black Ceramic Skeleton
Reference: 49.9300.3620/78.I001
Movement
El Primero 3620, Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: Approx. 60 hours
Finishes: Special oscillating weight with satined finishings
Silicon escape-wheel and lever
Functions
Hours and minutes in the centre
1/10th of a second indication at 6 o’clock
Case
Black ceramic case
Diameter: 41mm
Screwed-in crown
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Dial
Open-worked
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Bracelet
Black Ceramic bracelet and folding clasp
Comes with a black rubber strap with starry sky pattern and with a black PVD stainless buckle with folding clasp
Full Interchangeable strap system
Price
16,900 CHF