One year after the launch of its Defy Skyline collection, Zenith has expanded the collection with a new skeleton line. Available in either blue or black dials, the new model is brand’s most elaborate skeleton watch to date, and the only one in the world to feature a 1/10th of a second indicator. The watch was unveiled at the annual LVMH Watch Week that took place in Singapore for the first time this year.
The Defy Skyline collection was introduced last year as the latest chapter in the brand’s range of sturdy and futuristic timekeepers, drawing inspiration from modern cityscapes. The previous Defy Skeleton model has risen to become one of Zenith’s most sought-after creations, outstanding with its star-shaped open dial and incredible symmetry. The new Defy Skyline Skeleton, housed within a new more angular case, seamlessly integrates the open dial with an open-worked version of the El Primero automatic movement.
The open dial takes on the form of a four-pointed star, 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.
A constantly running 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock makes steady jumps in fixed increments, completing one revolution every 10 seconds. This is a standout feature for the new generation of the El Primero automatic high-frequency calibre. The open dial comes in black or blue, with the skeleton movement finished in the same colour as the open dials for a cohesive and architectural look.
The angular 41mm stainless steel case – drawing inspiration from the unique octagonal geometry of the early Defy models of the 1960s – brings an edgier and more architectural aesthetic than its predecessor, as well as a host of new functions. The faceted bezel is inspired by those from early Defy models, reimagined with twelve sides that are positioned as extensions to the hour markers. The screw-down crown emblazoned with the star emblem provides water resistance of 10 ATM (100 metres).
Visible from the front as well as the sapphire display back is the open-worked version of the high-frequency automatic El Primero calibre, the 3620 SK. Built with a similar architecture as the El Primero 3600 1/10th of a second chronograph, this automatic manufacture movement drives the second hand directly from the escapement. As it beats at 5Hz (36’000 VpH), it is a “natural” fraction-of-a-second indication. It is also endowed with a stop-second mechanism for precise time-setting. The automatic winding mechanism with a bi-directional rotor with a star motif delivers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.
The watch comes on a steel bracelet with a satin-brushed surface with chamfered and polished edges, seamlessly flowing with the sharply faceted lines of the case. It also comes with a rubber strap and steel folding buckle with a starry sky pattern in continuity with the dial.
The strap is made of blue rubber for the blue dial version and black rubber for the black dial. The wearer can easily switch between the steel bracelet and rubber strap, without any tools, using the Defy case’s quick strap-change mechanism.
The Defy Skyline Skeleton is available at Zenith boutiques and authorized retailers around the world.
