Kicking off 2023 with a focus on its most creative and daring platform for horological innovation, ZENITH is unveiling some of its latest DEFY creations at LVMH Watch Week 2023 alongside LVMH Maisons Bulgari, Hublot and Tag Heuer. Taking on a hybrid format of on-location and digital presentations, this year LVMH Watch Week is heading to Singapore followed by New York. In parallel, ZENITH will host presentations in local markets.

ZENITH is further building up the different lines within the DEFY collection, synonymous with the Manufacture’s unique take on progressive watchmaking. The DEFY Skyline Skeleton introduces a new expression of the modern skeleton watch, equipped with an El Primero calibre and boasting a uniquely symmetrical open dial. The DEFY Skyline is also proposed in a new mid-size, unisex 36 mm version, incorporating new pastel colours into the instantly recognizable case design. The DEFY Skyline in 41 mm also receives its first Boutique Edition, masterfully blending dark and golden tones. In the rugged spirit of the DEFY Extreme, ZENITH continues to seek inspiration from the raw, elemental beauty of wild terrains with the DEFY Extreme Glacier.

On the evolution of the DEFY collection, ZENITH CEO Julien Tornare shared, “In just one year, the DEFY Skyline has become one of the most in-demand lines for ZENITH. Its strong visual identity, unique movement and effortless versatility have made it a compelling choice within the sporty steel bracelet segment. It’s a purely modern creation that’s full of details that carry on the enduring legacy of the DEFY collection that goes back to 1969. This year, the collection is growing with a new skeleton version featuring a bold and futuristic design, as well as mid-size unisex version of the DEFY Skyline in 36 mm with some vibrant dial colours. We’re really excited to witness the completion of the DEFY collection with these dynamic new references.”

Introduced last year as the latest chapter in the enduring DEFY legacy of sturdy and singularly futuristic timekeepers, the DEFY Skyline collection was conceived for an ever-fast-moving world where every fraction of a second can be a decisive one. Taking cues from modern cityscapes where structures and light are bound in a constantly moving interplay, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton reaches even further towards the light on the horizon and opens a whole new world of possibilities to what a skeleton watch can be.

Housed within an angular 41 mm steel case, the harmoniously symmetrical skeleton dial 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 1/10^th 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, as well as a host of new functions to the metropolis-ready companion. Fixed atop the 41 mm stainless steel case with sharply defined edges, the faceted bezel is reminiscent of those from early DEFY models, reimagined with twelve sides that are positioned as extensions to the hour markers. With an emphasis on performance in the largest possible range of activities and situations, the screw-down crown emblazoned with the star emblem provides a water-resistance of 10 ATM (100 metres).

Visible from the front as well as the sapphire display back is the openworked version of the high- frequency automatic El Primero calibre, the 3620 SK. Built with a similar architecture as the El Primero 3600 1/10^th of a second chronograph, this automatic manufacture movement drives the 1/10^th 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.

With versatility at its core, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton features 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 and steel folding clasp with a starry sky pattern that’s colour matched to the dial.

Bringing a new dimension to the DEFY line and reimagining the possibilities of skeleton watches in form as well as function, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton is available at ZENITH boutiques and authorized retailers around the world.

Alongside the DEFY Skyline Skeleton, ZENITH is also presenting other new creations from across the DEFY collection.

Zenith exists to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and make them come true – against all odds. Since its establishment in 1865, Zenith became the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, and its watches have accompanied extraordinary figures that dreamt big and strived to achieve the impossible – from Louis Blériot’s history-making flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-setting stratospheric free-fall jump. Zenith is also highlighting visionary and trailblazing women by celebrating their accomplishments and creating the Dreamhers platform where women share their experiences and inspire others to fulfil their dreams.

With innovation as its guiding star, Zenith exclusively features in-house developed and manufactured movements in all its watches. Since the creation of the El Primero in 1969, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre, Zenith has gone on to master high-frequency precision and offers time measurements in fractions of a second, including 1/10^th of a second in the Chronomaster collection and 1/100^th of a second in the Defy collection. Because innovation is synonymous with responsibility, the Zenith Horiz-On initiative affirms the brand’s commitments to inclusion & diversity, sustainability and employee wellbeing. Zenith has been shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking since 1865, accompanying those who dare to challenge themselves and reach new heights. The time to reach your star is now.

Reference	:	03.9300.3620/79.I001
Movement	:	El Primero 3620, automatic
Frequency	:	36,000 VPH (5 HZ) Silicon escape-wheel and lever
Crown	:	Screwed-in
Power reserve	:	Approx. 60 hours
Functions	:	Hours and minutes in the centre 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock.
Finishes	:	Special oscillating weight with satined finishings
Case	:	Stainless steel
Diameter	:	41 mm
Water resistance	:	10 ATM
Dial	:	Blue-toned openworked 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 Comes with a blue rubber strap with starry sky pattern
Fermoir	:	Folding clasp
Price	:	11,800 €

Reference	:	03.9300.3620/78.I001
Movement	:	El Primero 3620, automatic
Frequency	:	36,000 VPH (5 HZ) Silicon escape-wheel and lever
Crown	:	Screwed-in
Power reserve	:	Approx. 60 hours
Functions	:	Hours and minutes in the centre 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock.
Finishes	:	Special oscillating weight with satined finishings
Case	:	Stainless steel
Diameter	:	41 mm
Water resistance	:	10 ATM
Dial	:	Black-toned openworked 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 Comes with a black rubber strap with starry sky pattern
Fermoir	:	Folding clasp
Price	:	11,800 €