“The DEFY Skyline constellation is finally complete.”
You can say that again… Zenith has finally added their El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre to their Defy Skyline collection, a complication that has been highly anticipated from Zenith fans for some time.
Launched in 2021, the Zenith Defy Skyline collection is known as the edgy, all-occasions brother of the core Defy line. For the past couple of years, it’s offered a rich array of colours, materials and complications including classic time and date models, skeletonised dials and tourbillons. But with Zenith boasting a significant history in chronographs, the lack of a Defy Skyline Chronograph was obvious to everyone. However, it seems the Swiss watchmaker has finally expanded the line to include three models endowed with 1/10th of a second chronograph function.
The Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph watches arrive with a 42mm wide stainless steel case with the collection’s familiar octagonal profile, dodecagonal bezel and brushed and polished finishing. We’re promised a 100 metre water resistance, helped by the screw in crown decorated with the Zenith star logo, and a transparent sapphire crystal case back showing off the newly-incorporated El Primero working hard within.
The movement in question is the El Primero calibre 3600, Zenith’s go-to high-frequency chronograph movement with a silicon escape wheel and lever and an optimised kinetic chain for an impressive 60 hour power reserve and 5Hz frequency. The movement is decorated beautifully and includes the star-shaped skeletonised rotor.
The new Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph is currently available in three dial finishes: metallic black, blue or silver. Each is neatly adorned with the four-pointed star engraving and three recessed and snailed subsidiary dials for the running seconds, 60-second counter and 60-minute counter. The dials also present a sloped outer flange, coloured in the same hue as the rest of the textured dial, with a 1/10th second scale for the central chronograph hand. There’s also ruthenium-plated and Super-LumiNova-decorated indices and hands and a date window integrated between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers.
The Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph watches are completed by a choice of two straps. The first is a classic stainless steel bracelet and the second, a star-engraved rubber strap. Both are equipped with the brand’s quick strap change mechanism for easy strap swapping. The silver dial comes with a green rubber strap while the black and blue models offer rubber straps in the colour as their display.
You can order the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronographs from all ZENITH boutiques and authorised retailers. They are priced at CHF 11,900.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Zenith
- Model: Defy Skyline Chronograph
- Price: CHF 11,900
- Material: Stainless steel
- Movement: El Primero calibre 3600, high-frequency chrongraph
- Power Reserve: 60 hours
- Frequency: 5Hz
- Complications: Hours, minutes, 1/10th of a second central chronograph, small seconds, 60 minute counter, 60 seconds counter, date
- Dial: Metallic blue, black or silver with star engraving, snailed and recessed counters, Super-LumiNova hands and indices
- Size: 42mm
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet plus additional rubber strap
