After a record-breaking 2021 performance and an eventful 2022, which saw the launch of the new Defy Skyline and a revamped Chronomaster Open collection, Zenith starts off 2023 in high gear. Its first major launch of the year is a world premiere: the world’s first skeleton watch with a 1/10th of a second indicator. The Defy Skyline Skeleton is one of three novelties introduced at the LVMH Watch Week 2023, held in Singapore for the first time this year. The other two launches are the Defy Skyline, now in a more discrete 36mm case dimension, and the limited-edition Defy Extreme Glacier.
Defy Skyline Skeleton
The Zenith Defy Skyline sub-collection is the latest expression of Zenith’s boundary-pushing Defy collection. Its first model, a starry-dialled three-hand watch, features a running small seconds display that makes a full rotation once every 10 seconds. Driving time is the El Primero calibre 3620, a variant of the high-frequency El Primero 3600 chronograph movement that previously appeared in the Chronomaster Sport.
With its success comes the new Defy Skyline Skeleton, boasting a striking open dial in the shape of a four-pointed star, in a nod to Zenith’s “double Z” logo from the 1960s. Offered in black or blue, it adds visual depth to the openworked El Primero 3620 SK calibre’s architectural look. The watch offers excellent legibility compared to conventional skeleton watches—for easy reading, the chapter ring’s baton hour markers, as well as the hour and minute hands, are filled with Super-LumiNova.
Its most noteworthy feature, however, is its constant running 1/10th second counter, which is unique to the new generation of El Primero automatic high-frequency movements. The Defy Skyline Skeleton is equipped with an ingenious quick strap-change mechanism on the case that allows the wearer to switch easily between a steel and rubber strap.
Defy Skyline 36mm
Previously offered only in a 41mm version, the Defy Skyline is now available in 36mm. It comes in three dial colour variants: metallic deep blue (like the one on the original 41mm model), pastel pink and pastel green.
Engraved on each polished and satin-finished dial is a cornucopia of four-pointed stars that pay tribute to Zenith’s “double Z” logo from the 1960s. Scattered across the dial, they shimmer under light and draw attention to the applied Zenith five-pointed star at the top of the dial.
The mid-sized Defy Skyline is powered by the Elite 670 automatic manufacture movement, which has a sleek grey finish and a star-shaped rotor that delivers a power reserve of 50 hours. Available with or without diamonds on the bezel, these watches retain the same unmistakable octagonal steel case and 12-sided bezel of the larger models.
Defy Extreme Glacier
Inspired by Polar expeditions and frigid landscapes, Zenith’s new Defy Extreme Glacier is the latest in its series of rugged Defy Extreme watches. The 45mm ticker is made of titanium and chalcedony, a crystalline stone with a cool blue translucent hue that evokes frozen glaciers. Meticulously cut and polished by hand, these mineral inserts protect the pushers and form the watch’s dodecagonal bezel. In addition, due to the variations in colour and fibrous structure of each stone, each example of the 50-pieces-only Defy Extreme Glacier is completely unique.
The watch is driven by the self-winding El Primero 9004 movement, a cam-actuated chronograph capable of measuring up to 1/100 of a second that features two independent high-frequency escapements beating at 50Hz for the chronograph function and 5Hz for timekeeping. A frosted finish is applied to the transparent sapphire crystal chronograph counters to keep with the icy theme.
The Defy Extreme Glacier is offered with three strap options (a titanium bracelet, black Velcro strap and white rubber strap) that can be easily swapped using the quick strap-change mechanism.
Discover these watches at the Zenith boutique at the Marina Bay Sands Singapore, 2 Bayfront Avenue, B25-205.
