The New Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Edition for Collective Horology

Since its inception in 2018, Collective Horology, a “proudly headquartered in Ventura, California” club for watch enthusiasts, has become quite famous through the Collective Series, which involves collaborations and limited editions with watch brands like IWC, H. Moser & Cie., Armin Strom, Czapek and Oris, to name a few and the Portfolio Series, which commissions watches from independent watchmakers. The club’s first collaborative watch was the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero C.01 x Collective; now Zenith’s star shines again with the introduction of the Defy C.X Edition, offering a fascinating new look to the model.

Since its debut in 2022, the Zenith Defy Skyline collection has gained credit, offering an exceptional blend of vintage Defy design elements and contemporary watchmaking innovation. Available in 36mm, 41mm, and 42mm faceted cases, these timepieces are defined by their distinctive dodecagonal bezel and seamlessly integrated bracelet. The collection features a range of models, including time-and-date references, chronographs, tourbillons, and skeleton watches, crafted primarily in steel and ceramic.

The Defy Skyline C.X Edition for Collective Horology is a nearly monochromatic and minimalist time-only model. However, it is far from simplistic, introducing features not seen in Defy designs until now. The 41mm stainless steel case and interchangeable integrated bracelet boast a sleek sandblasted matte finish, with subtle polished accents on the screwed-in crown, edges of the dodecagonal bezel and parts of the exhibition caseback, adding a touch of pleasing contrast to its nearly understated aesthetic.

The matte silvery-grey dial of the Defy Skyline C.X maintains the collection’s signature engraved starry sky motif, but this edition introduces a gradient effect. The four-pointed stars are deeply engraved at the dial’s centre and gradually become shallower, fading toward the outer edges for a unique visual transition. The layout is equally distinctive, omitting the date window for a cleaner design. The 1/10th of a second indicator, traditionally located at 9 o’clock opposite the date aperture in standard models, is repositioned above the 6 o’clock mark—a placement previously exclusive to the Defy Skyline Skeleton watches. The rhodium-plated, faceted hour indices and baton-style hands treated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1 align with the collection’s aesthetic. The tip of the 1/10th of a second hand and the “10” mark on the subdial are painted in orange, emphasizing the high-frequency nature of the model and adding a dynamic touch.

The Defy Skyline C.X Edition is driven by a modified El Primero 3620 automatic calibre, operating at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations/hour and offering a power reserve of about 55 hours when fully wound. For versatility and style, the watch is offered on a stainless steel bracelet with an additional orange textured rubber strap, both featuring a steel folding clasp. Swapping between the two is seamless and requires no tools, thanks to the quick strap-change mechanism on the case back.

This limited edition of 200 pieces is currently available exclusively through Collective Horology and the Zenith online boutique. Starting December 19th, it will also be offered in select physical boutiques. The Defy Skyline C.X Edition is priced at CHF 11,900 or EUR 12,900.

For further details, visit Zenith-Watches.com or CollectiveHorology.com.