Zenith Applies the Full-Gold Midas Touch to Selected Defy Skyline Models

Launched in 2022, Zenith’s Defy collection bridges the past and future in one fell swoop. The name dates to 1902 and refers to a line of robust pocket watches known as Defi. Following the launch of Zenith’s world-first high-frequency El Primero automatic chronograph movement, the Defy name was resuscitated for a line of hyper-robust, bulky wristwatches with a 14-sided bezel, an in-built suspension system, and impressive levels of water and shock resistance. Ever evolving, the Defy collection today is home to seven sub-families, including the Defy Skyline, the brand’s luxury sports watch reference. A toned-down version of the 1969 Defy with fewer angles and less vintage overload, the Defy Skyline dresses up four of its models for the holiday season in gold cases and matching bracelets.

The Midas Touch

All four references share octagonal gold cases with 12-sided faceted bezels and integrated gold H-link bracelets, decorated with predominantly brushed surfaces and polished accents. Equipped with Zenith’s tool-free interchangeable system, the bracelet can be switched for the complimentary rubber strap with a gold folding clasp in a jiffy. All models feature sapphire crystals on the front and back, screw-down crowns, and 100m water-resistant cases. The faceted, solid gold hands and gold-plated indices are coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1. Naturally, they are all powered by high-frequency El Primero-based movements with solid 22k gold rotors. Not included in this overview is the rose gold Defy Skyline Tourbillon, which we covered last month.

Defy Skyline

The most straightforward reference is this 41mm time-only model in a yellow gold case and matching integrated bracelet. Using the signature embossed pattern of four-pointed stars, the olive green colour selected for the dial works well with the yellow gold, and its sunburst finish catches the light with every movement of the wrist. The small seconds counter at 9 o’clock reflects the high-frequency El Primero heart and tracks 1/10^th of a second intervals, making a complete rotation every 10 seconds.

A colour-matched date window at 3 o’clock completes the functions. Revealed on the reverse side is the El Primero 3620 automatic high-frequency movement without the chronograph indications. A lot of engine for a 3-hand movement, the movement beats at 5Hz and its single barrel, fuelled by the star-shaped rotor, delivers a power reserve of 60 hours.

Quick facts: 41mm x 11.6mm – lug-to-lug 46.3mm – 18k yellow gold case, brushed with polished accents – screw-down crown – 100m water-resistance – olive green starry patterned dial – 1/10^th of a second indication at 9 o’clock, date at 3 o’clock – indices and hands coated with SLN C1 – integrated yellow gold H-link bracelet, additional black rubber strap included – El Primero 3620 – in-house – automatic – 5Hz frequency (36,000vph) – 60h power reserve  – hours and minutes, 1/10th of a second indication at 9 o’clock, date, stop-seconds function – ref. 30.9300.3620/74.l001  – CHF 59,900 / EUR 64,900 / USD 62,200

Defy Skyline Skeleton

Sharing identical specifications to the time-only model above, the Defy Skyline Skeleton appears in a luxurious 41mm rose gold case with an openworked dial with rose gold bridges. Launched in 2023, the Skyline Skeleton was the first skeletonised watch to feature a 1/10^th of a second indication. Powered by a gilded version of the El Primero 3620 SK high-frequency 3-hand movement, the symmetrical openworked rose gold bridges form a four-pointed star and feature a gold Zenith star suspended between the bridges at noon.

However, unlike the closed dial version, the date window has been eliminated, and the 1/10^th of a second counter is placed at 6 o’clock to offer a better view of the components, such as the turquoise silicon escapement at 9 o’clock. While skeletonised watches are not the easiest to read, the black minutes flange and the 1/10th of a second track stand out well against the gold bridges and rose gold tones of the movement.

Quick facts: 41mm x 11.6mm – lug-to-lug 46.3mm – 18k rose gold case, brushed with polished accents – screw-down crown – 100m water-resistance – openworked dial with rose gold bridges – 1/10^th of a second indication at 6 o’clock – indices and hands coated with SLN C1 – integrated rose gold H-link bracelet, additional black rubber strap included – El Primero 3620 SK – in-house – automatic – 5Hz frequency (36,000vph) – 55h power reserve – hours and minutes, 1/10th of a second indication at 6 o’clock, stop-seconds function – ref. 18.9300.3620/81.I001 – CHF 61,900 / EUR 67,100 / USD 64,200

Defy Skyline Chronograph

Looking very sophisticated in its full rose gold attire, the Defy Skyline Chronograph captures the true essence of the legendary 1969 El Primero high-frequency integrated calibre capable of recording 1/10^th of a second elapsed intervals as the central chronograph hand advanced in ten distinct steps per second. Slightly larger at 42mm, the rose gold case and the slate-grey dial are well matched. The two chronograph counters – 60 seconds at 3 and 60 minutes at 6 o’clock –  and the small seconds at 9 o’clock have snailed interiors, while the date window with a black background is at 4:30h.

True to the brand’s star logo, the gradient dial is embossed with a starry pattern, and the scalloped flange features a 10-second track, indicated by the solid gold chronograph hand with its openworked star counterweight as it whizzes around the dial.

Quick facts: 42mm x 12.7mm – lug-to-lug 47.4mm – 18k rose gold case, brushed with polished accents – screw-down crown – 100m water-resistance – slate-grey gradient dial with embossed starry pattern – snailed counters – flange with 1/10^th of a second markings – date window at 4:30 – indices and hands coated with SLN C1 – integrated rose gold H-link bracelet, additional black rubber strap included – El Primero 3600 – in-house – automatic – 5Hz frequency (36,000vph) – 60h power reserve – hours and minutes, 1/10th of a second chronograph indication, small seconds, 60-minute and 60-second counters, date, stop-seconds mechanism – ref. 18.9500.3600/21.I001 – CHF 64,900 / EUR 70,300 / USD 67,300

More information at zenith-watches.com.