Zenith | Defy Skyline Skeleton

Zenith is expanding the Defy Skyline collection with a new skeleton line that goes far beyond openworked. This watch features a constantly running 1/10th of a second counter that makes steady jumps in fixed increments, completing one revolution every 10 seconds, a feature that is unique to the new generation of the El Primero automatic high-frequency calibre.

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. Drawing inspiration 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.

The previous generation of the Defy Skeleton had quickly risen to become one of Zenith’s most sought-after creations, outstanding with its star-shaped open dial and incredible symmetry. Pushing the resolutely contemporary openworked design further and housed within a new more angular case, the Defy Skyline Skeleton seamlessly integrates the open dial with an openworked version of the El Primero automatic movement in a most striking manner. Harmoniously symmetrical, the open 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 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock makes steady jumps in fixed increments, completing one revolution every 10 seconds, a feature of the new generation of the El Primero automatic high-frequency calibre that is unique in the watch industry. 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.

Drawing inspiration from the unique octa-gonal geometry of the early Defy models of the 1960s, the angular steel case of this timepiece 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 41mm stainless steel case with sharply defined edges, the faceted bezel is inspired by those of early Defy models, reimagined with 12 sides that are positioned as extensions to the hour markers. Reflecting an emphasis on performance in the largest possible range of activities and situations, the screw-down crown emblazoned with the star emblem ensures water resistance to 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 1/10th of a second chronograph, this automatic Manufacture movement drives the 1/10th 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. It is also endowed with a stop-second mechanism for precise time-setting. Efficient in its performance, the automatic winding mechanism featuring a bi-directional rotor with a star motif delivers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.

With versatility at its core, the Defy Skyline Skeleton comes on a steel bracelet with a satin-brushed surface distinguished by 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, made in 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 ingenious quick strap-change mechanism consisting of secure buttons on the back.