Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton automatic black dial steel bracelet 41 mm

Creating the future of watchmaking

With the return of the DEFY collection in 2017, the star-spangled brand never ceases to be in the endless pursuit of precision through innovation. Indeed, this collection represents Zenith's creative "laboratory," combining cutting-edge movements with futuristic shapes and materials, continuing the Manufacture's legacy of going above and beyond to set new standards of performance and elegance.

In 2022, the DEFY collection saw the introduction of the Skyline models as no exception. Indeed, this contemporary line offered a new way of conceiving a three-hand sports watch, with a new caliber and an entirely new design. For 2023, the Manufacture is metamorphosing the Skyline line, offering a skeletonized version, perfectly integrating an openworked dial with an openworked version of the El Primero automatic movement... A new dimension of complexity and visual harmony that goes far beyond openworked!

More structured, more open, more stellar

Inspired by modern urban landscapes where light meets structure in constant motion, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton opens up a whole new world of possibilities to the skeletonized watch. Retaining the octagonal shape of the first DEFY models that appeared in the 1960s, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton's angular 41mm steel case retains the strength and durability of its predecessors' DNA, while offering a bolder, more architectural aesthetic. Attached to its case, the faceted bezel with its clearly defined contours is reminiscent of those early DEFY models, albeit reimagined with twelve sides positioned as an extension of the hour markers. To ensure performance in as many activities and situations as possible, this case offers a screw-down crown, adorned with the star emblem, to guarantee water resistance to 100 meters. A true sport-chic watch!

As for the skeleton dial, it features harmonious symmetry: its four-pointed star shape is a nod to ZENITH's "double Z" logo from the 1960s. The applied baton hour markers on the hour circle as well as the central hour and minute hands are filled with Super-LumiNova for easy readability. The openworked dial is in black, as are the plate, bridges and oscillating weight, to create a consistent architectural look. The different finishes, matte, satin and polished, accentuate the depth of the construction and the intensity of the color.

As far as the strap is concerned, this one is an example for sports watches with an integrated strap! Indeed, it has a nice drop and features a nice finish with a satin surface and polished chamfered edges. Resolutely versatile, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton also features an ingenious quick-change strap mechanism, allowing you to easily replace this steel bracelet with the rubber strap with folding clasp that comes with this model. This strap is embellished with a starry sky motif and matches the color of the dial.

A skeletonized caliber with remarkable precision

This DEFY Skyline Skeleton is powered by an El Primero caliber in a novel three-hand skeleton version! Indeed, this reference is powered by an El Primero 3620 SK, taking up the architecture of the caliber 3600. This caliber beats at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, has a bidirectional automatic winding mechanism and a power reserve of 60 hours. As you will have noticed, a constantly moving tenths of a second hand makes regular jumps at set intervals and completes one revolution every ten seconds, reminding its owner of the fleeting nature of time. This hand is directly driven by the silicon escapement wheel, making it a "natural" indication of the fraction of a second. Thus, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton stands out as the first and only skeleton watch to feature such an exceptional complication.

To conclude, Zenith once again proves to us that this manufacture is unique and different. Its star, a symbol of its desire to reach the highest peaks, is once again demonstrated to us by its remarkable mastery of high frequency!