Zenith is one of those brands we all respect but no one seems to own. Which is odd, when you consider they have been making high-quality watches since 1865. Founded by Georges Favre-Jacot in Neuchâtel, Zenith is one of the world's oldest watchmakers and has never had a break in production. It is a little-known fact that Zenith invented the concept of "in-house movements", Favre-Jacot believing it essential to attaining the highest quality. And everyone else has followed suit, with even Swiss giants like TAG Heuer (now part of the same group) taking till 2010 to release their first in-house chronograph movement.
Zenith unveils a new S. Europe Boutique - Credit Zenith
Zenith unveils a new S. Europe Boutique
To mark the opening of their first boutique in Southern Europe, in Cyprus, Zenith has released a boutique-exclusive edition watch called the DEFY Skyline Sapphire.
The first Zenith DEFY A3642 was a chunky 300M model released in 1969. It was not a huge success and was later swamped by the El Primero models. Nevertheless, as the name implied, it was a sold machine looking very much like the dive watches of the time with a highly angular polygon case and bezel.
Zenith unveils a new S. Europe Boutique - Credit Zenith
The new 2023 Skyline pays homage to the original watch aesthetics while projecting modern bold architectural lines and the bulletproof robustness with which the DEFY name was synonymous. The night sky inspires the blue dial. A 1/10th sub-dial is unadorned and therefore stands proud against the constellations and the smallest of details are impeccable. A matching date wheel and faceted hands are just two of many design gems.
The famous steel dodecagonal bezel is set with 45 baguette-cut blue sapphires, embellishing the dial with a four-pointed geometric pattern. Unlike the original, the new model comes with an integrated steel bracelet and a blue patterned rubber strap.
Zenith unveils a new S. Europe Boutique - Credit Zenith
The Skyline Sapphire case has a diameter of 41mm and is powered by the El Primero 3620 automatic high-frequency calibre, featuring a 1/10th of a second indicator driven directly from the 5Hz escapement. It allows a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.
At the opening of the Cyprus shop and with the release of the new watch, Zenith CEO Julien Tornare added, "We're so thrilled to be opening our first boutique in Cyprus by presenting this exceptional piece. Blue has a deep meaning for Zenith, and we wanted to do something special and a little unexpected for this Boutique Edition of the DEFY Skyline. The majestic blue tones from the sapphires really enhance the dial's night sky effect and the bezel's unique shape. With the Mediterranean in the backdrop, we couldn't be happier to unveil it here!"
DEFY Skyline Sapphire - Credit Zenith
The DEFY Skyline Sapphire is available exclusively from ZENITH global boutiques.
DEFY Skyline Sapphire - Credit Zenith
Zenith DEFY Skyline Sapphire Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Zenith
- Model: DEFY Skyline Sapphire ref - 16.9300.3620/51.I001
- Price: £24,226
- Material: Stainless steel with blue baguette sapphires-set bezel
- Movement: El Primero 3620. 36,000 VpH – 5Hz, power reserve approximately 60 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Dial: Blue-toned sunray-patterned. Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SLN C1. Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SLN C1
- Size: 41mm in diameter
- When the reviewer would personally wear it: In truth I wouldn’t. But my wife would. If it did not have the precious stones it may be more unisex but the addition of the baguette sapphires definitely slips this model into jewellery.
- A friend we’d recommend it to first: Someone who wants a fine watch that is just a bit different from the usual suspects, yet comes with a huge amount of pedigree.
- Best characteristics of the watch: The dial. Stunning with the stars and very Zenith.
- The worst characteristics of the watch: The sapphires. Just not a fan.
