Why The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton Boutique Edition Is A Star

The Zenith Defy has embraced numerous iterations over the years. Its most recent reprise is the new Defy Skyline Skeleton Boutique Edition, which builds on the Skyline Skeleton that made its debut earlier in the year. This model is in a palette of gray and silver with golden details, and for this boutique-exclusive series, the open dial reveals a new aesthetic that includes a darker chapter ring. The open dial takes on the form of a four-pointed star referencing Zenith’s “double Z” logo from the 1960s, when the Defy was first introduced, while applied gold-plated baton hour markers and hour and minute hands filled with Super-LumiNova.

Here the El Primero caliber 3620 SK is visible through both the open dial and the sapphire crystal display caseback. It comprises a stop-second mechanism and a bi-directional rotor with a star motif. The 1/10^th of a second counter at 6 o’clock completes one revolution every 10 seconds—a feature unique to the new generation of the El Primero automatic high-frequency caliber. The movement has a bi-directional rotor and delivers power reserve of about 55 hours; it beats at 36,000 VpH.

The watch’s robust 41mm stainless steel faceted case features a faceted bezel recalling earlier models, but with a more architectural aesthetic. The screw-down crown is decorated with the signature Zenith star emblem.

The watch is fitted on a quick-change stainless steel bracelet with a stainless steel folding clasp, and a second bracelet in patterned black rubber is included. The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton Boutique Edition is water resistant to 10 ATM and is priced at $11,000.

Defy Skyline

The Defy Skyline was introduced in early 2022, paying homage to the Swiss brand’s rich history while evoking urban landscapes “where structures and light are bound in a constantly moving interplay,” according to Zenith, thus the “skyline” reference. The watch’s faceted bezel aligns with the hour markers on the dial creating a distinctive look with organized flair.

Since its debut, the Defy Skyline has embraced a few new styles, one clad in black ceramic, whose 41mm case and ceramic bracelet are highly resistant to scratches and other signs of wear. Also fitted with the quick strap-change mechanism, it’s literally a snap to switch to the provided black rubber strap. Priced at $15,000 the watch has a black sunburst-pattern dial and contrasting hands and hour markers. It is powered by the 3620 high-frequency movement.

Defy Skyline Skeleton

The Defy Skyline Skeleton, which debuted at LVMH Watch Week 2023 and upon which this Boutique Edition is based, reveals a skeletonized version of the El Primero 3620 caliber through its star-motif open dial. The 41mm stainless steel case has sharply defined edges and the faceted bezel evident on its solid-dial predecessor.

The chapter ring surrounding the openworked dial has baton hour markers which, like the hands, are filled with Super-LumiNova. The 1/10-second subdial is at 6 o’clock. An exhibition sapphire caseback ensures that the captivating back view of the watch is as available as the front view. The watch is fitted on a satin-brushed steel bracelet; a rubber strap provides additional versatility. The Defy Skyline Skeleton is priced at $11,000.