The Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph in Black Ceramic

Introduced in 2022, the Defy Skyline series quickly evolved into one of Zenith’s core collections, to include time-only, skeletonised, and tourbillon-regulated models, all distinguished by their faceted geometry and star-patterned dials. The launch of the Defy Skyline Chronograph in 2024 finally united the brand’s most iconic complication with the collection’s distinctive angular aesthetic. Now, following the success of the anniversary editions presented in blue ceramic for Zenith’s 160th anniversary, the brand expands its Defy Skyline Chronograph line with a new reference crafted from black ceramic, adding a different aesthetic and material performance to one of the manufacture’s most contemporary collections.

The new Defy Skyline Chronograph amplifies the collection’s bold form with a uniform dark finish that is scratch-resistant and coloured throughout for enduring intensity. The 42mm black ceramic case, featuring the signature octagonal architecture and dodecagonal bezel, combines brushed surfaces and polished facets that accentuate the ceramic’s sharp lines. The watch is fitted with sapphire crystals on both sides and is 100m water-resistant.

The dark grey gradient dial features the engraved four-pointed star pattern characteristic of the Defy Skyline family, with three recessed chronograph counters with a snailed finish. Rhodium-plated, faceted hands and applied indices are filled with Super-LumiNova SLN C1. Red chronograph accents provide a subtle contrast, while the date aperture is positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock.

The El Primero 3600, Zenith’s current-generation automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre, operates at 36,000 vibrations/hour (5Hz). It measures and displays 1/10th of a second via the central chronograph hand, which completes a full rotation every ten seconds. The column-wheel mechanism is visible through the sapphire back, along with a star-shaped rotor and blued components (column wheel and screws). The calibre also features a silicon escape wheel and lever, a stop-seconds mechanism, and provides a 60-hour power reserve.

This ceramic edition offers a two-link black ceramic bracelet with a folding clasp and a black patterned rubber strap, easily interchangeable via Zenith’s tool-free quick-change system integrated into the case. The Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Black Ceramic is now available through Zenith boutiques, authorised retailers, and online, priced at CHF 20,900 / EUR 23,400 / USD 23,600.

For further details, please visit Zenith-Watches.com.