Zenith returns to the LVMH Watch Week 2023 with a skeletonized proposal, taking the company’s luxury sports watch with an integrated bracelet further than it did with the launch of the Defy Skyline collection last year. The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton, powered by an El Primero high-frequency 3-hand movement visible through symmetrical bridges, is also the first skeletonized watch in the world to have a 1/10th of a second indication.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE DEFY SKYLINE SKELETON TIMEPIECE
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(Photo: MODEL WEARING GENDER-NEUTRAL DEFY SKYLINE SKELETON)
The Defy collection, which combines cutting-edge materials and movements with more futuristic styles, is frequently hailed as Zenith’s vision for the future of watchmaking. It might surprise you to learn that the name of this collection was not created by a marketing team; Zenith used it in 1902 for a line of durable and accurate pocket watches, but it was spelled Defi back then.
(Instagram: DEFY SKYLINE SKELETON WRISTWATCH)
Zenith introduced the El Primero, the world’s first automatic high-frequency chronograph movement, in 1969. With less fanfare, the company also unveiled a heavy-duty model with an odd tetradecagonal (14-sided) bezel and an angular octagonal case. The Defy, a tough beast of a watch that was dubbed a “vault” and offered varying levels of water resistance (from 300 to 600m), was equipped with a patented suspension system, and had elastic shock-absorbing rings that were flexible and elastic. The Defy also displayed a gradient dial in addition to its radically avant-garde architecture.
(Instagram: JAYFUNG WEARING THE DEFY SKYLINE WATCH)
The Defy Revival A3642, which was revived in 2022, could be thought of as the Skyline collection’s spiritual forefather. Zenith demonstrates the durability of skeletonized watches by combining the Defy Classic family’s skeletonization with the A3642’s toughness.
THE CASE
The newest Skyline to the family shares the same case as the non-skeletonized Skyline models from 2022. The Skyline entices with its more modern and stylized case, which softens some of the A3642’s edge.
(Instagram: EL PRIMERO 3620)
The watch is housed in a 41mm stainless steel case that is angular, octagonal, and sturdy with 100m water resistance, but it now has a 12-sided faceted bezel on top. The clever solution of a 12-sided bezel extends the function of the hour markers. The case’s brightly polished bevels contrast with its sportier brushed surfaces and draw light to it.
THE DIAL
Even though it is skeletonized, color is still important, and the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton is offered with blue or black accents and bridges. A generous view of the movement is provided by the four symmetrical openworked bridges that form a four-pointed star. At noon, a 3D Zenith star is suspended between the bridges.
(Instagram: DEFY SKYLINE SKELETON DIAL)
The white minute markings contrast with the chapter ring’s applied, faceted, and rhodium-plated hour markers, and the indices, like the central hour and minute hands, are filled with Super-LumiNova SLN C1. The 1/10th of a second counter is now at 6 o’clock, a change from the closed dial versions of the Skyline.Â
The 1/10th of a second counter is moved to 6 o’clock so that the turquoise silicon escapement at 9 o’clock is not hidden. The date window is not present on the closed-dial Skyline, which is another notable distinction.
A SWAPPABLE STRAP
A pusher on the caseback of the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton’s swappable strap system makes it easy to take off the stainless steel bracelet and replace it with a rubber strap. Both watches feature folding buckles, an additional black or blue rubber strap with embossed Zenith stars in the center, and integrated stainless steel bracelets.
(Instagram: DEFY SKYLINE SKELETON)
If you are a watch collector or you just love donning exquisite and iconic Timepieces then head over to the brand’s boutique or their authorized retailers who are all over the world to get your own Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton watch today.
