Since the Zenith Defy Skyline collection launched in 2021, the world has been patiently waiting for a chronograph variant of the integrated sports watch. With the Swiss watchmaker boasting a rich history in chronographs, it was a surprise to everyone that Zenith waited this long. But alas, this year’s Watches & Wonders event finally saw the release of the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph, and what a spectacular novelty it is.
Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph - Credit Zenith
With their 42mm wide, stainless steel octagonal profiles and the in-house El Primero calibre 3600 high-frequency automatic movement, these watches were understandably some of the most talked about models from W&W 2024. They arrived in three dial finishes, metallic black, blue or silver, with each adorned in the iconic four-pointed star engraving. They’re spectacularly finished with a clean chronograph layout and the in-house movement offers levels of precision difficult to beat.
But with high levels of execution often comes a tall price tag, and since the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph retails for £12,900, it’s not a watch easily obtainable to everyone. So, what affordable alternatives to the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph are there? Here are our picks…
Tissot PRX Chronograph Powermatic 80
Tissot PRX Chronograph Powermatic 80 - Credit Tissot
An integrated sports watch with a similar barrel-shaped case and tri-compax dial to the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph is the Tissot PRX Chronograph. For less than a seventh of the former’s retail price, the PRX arrives with a 40mm wide stainless steel case, a smooth polished bezel and the Swatch Group’s popular Powermatic 80 movement with an extended 80 hour power reserve and anti-magnetic properties. The dial is vertically brushed in silver or blue, or there’s a very cool green dialled variant with a unique waffle-like texture. Price: £1,695
Q Timex Falcon Eye Chronograph
Q Timex Falcon Eye Chronograph - Credit Timex
If we’re talking about affordable alternatives, it’s more than likely American watchmaker Timex is going to make an appearance. This is a brand with plenty of accessible timepieces under their belt, and for those with a love of integrated chronographs, we recommend the Q Timex Falcon Eye Chronograph. This is a quartz-powered watch, so keep that in mind if you’re adamant on something mechanical, but for just £190, you get a brushed 40mm wide steel barrel case, a seamlessly integrated three-link bracelet and an interesting Côtes de Genève dial for plenty of light play. Price: £190
Longines Conquest Chronograph
Longines Conquest Chronograph - Credit Longines
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If it’s a Swiss made chronograph you’re after, then the Longines Conquest Chronograph collection might just be your best bet. Although lacking some of the integrated architecture of the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph, this is still a beautiful sports watch with a 42mm wide stainless steel case, ceramic tachymeter bezel, sapphire crystal glass and a 100 metre water resistance. Its dial is left smooth and simple with a tri-compax layout and a smart black border crossing through the slanted hour markers. The Longines Conquest Chronograph also arrives with the Calibre L895 equipped with a silicon balance spring and 59-hour power reserve. Price: £3,650
Herbelin Cap Camarat Chronograph
Herbelin Cap Camarat Chronograph - Credit Herbelin
Another affordable alternative to the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph comes from French watchmaker Herbelin. With a screw-decorated bezel reminiscent of the AP Royal Oak and an integrated 42mm wide profile and textured dial recalling elements of the Defy Skyline, this is a watch that looks and feels more expensive than its price tag. The horizontally striped dial is set with two snailed and recessed counters and strong baton hands and markers with luminous material. Inside is a Sellita automatic movement promising a power reserve of 56 hours. Price: £2,339
Baume et Mercier Riviera Chronograph
Our final affordable alternative to the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph is the Baume et Mercier Riviera. This is another spectacular integrated sports watch with plenty of design elements similar to the Zenith. It showcases a 1970’s inspired dodecagonal stainless steel case with a hefty width of 43mm, a screw-decorated bezel and a finely detailed dial engraved with a wave-like pattern inspired by the French coastline of the same name. The display is a little busy, but it does offer a bucket load of spec including time, chronograph, day and date complication. The watch is powered by the Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement with a 48-hour power reserve. Price: Starts from £3,750.
