The Zenith Defy Skyline White Ceramic Skeleton

Released in 2022, the Defy Skyline collection was Zenith‘s answer to the large demand for sports watches with integrated design and bracelet. Since its initial introduction, we have seen multiple new editions of this watch, including compact versions, ceramic models, a chronograph and even a high-frequency tourbillon. But one of the most impactful models was and still is the Defy Skyline Skeleton, with its star-shaped openworked dial. Already available in black ceramic, it is now joined by a summer-themed version in white ceramic with a blue dial. 

Even though the Defy collection is touted as Zenith’s vision for modern watchmaking, defined by innovative materials and movements designed in more futuristic styles (not to forget some truly bold and sporty watches), the name actually refers to one of the oldest collections of the brand, as used by Zenith in 1902 for a line of robust and precise pocket watches but spelt Defi. More recently, the name Defy was used again in 1969 with a heavy-duty model with an angular octagonal case and a crazy tetradecagonal (14 sides) bezel. This watch, described as a vault due to its overall robustness, is the inspiration behind the modern Defy collection.

Following the introduction of the sporty-chic Skyline watches in 2022, the brand launched a rather inspired skeletonized model with a distinctive dial design, typical of Zenith’s language. Sharing the same design as the close dial models, the Defy Skyline Skeleton is a sporty vision of the integrated luxury watch, measuring 41mm in diameter with a height of 11.6mm – no ultra-thin case here… The case is still angular, octagonal and robust – with a 100m water-resistance and a screw-down crown – but is now surmounted by a 12-sided faceted bezel – a more balanced solution than the 14-sided bezel of the vintage models, because it works as an extension of the hour markers.

Following the release of steel models, the brand launched last year a black ceramic version of the Defy Skyline Skeleton, retaining most of the design cues and identical surfaces – brushed with polished accents. New for this year is its mirror version, housed in a white ceramic case, with a matching bracelet or a rubber strap. Quite a bold statement, full white watches are far less common than blacked-out models but bring something fresh and bright, yet not the most discreet of attires. Be prepared, this new white ceramic Defy won’t be flying under the radar. But it surely has charisma. One of the advantages is to have a material that is scratch-resistant and will maintain its pristine look for years (quite important with white, you’ll admit).

A classic combination, for a cool summery effect, the dial and the movement are here coated in dark blue for contrast. The symmetrical openworked bridges that form a four-pointed star offer a generous view of the El Primero-based movement, complete with a 3D Zenith star suspended between the bridges at noon. This sense of symmetry is even reinforced by the 6 o’clock position of the running seconds, which is like most Defy watches not a classic small seconds counter but indicates the 1/10th of a second and completes one rotation every 10 seconds. To maintain a decent level of legibility, the hands and hour markers are rhodium-plated and faceted, standing out rather clearly from the blue canvas underneath. All elements of the display are covered in SLN.

The see-through caseback reveals the El Primero 3620 SK, a 3-hand version of the El Primero 3600 chronograph found inside the Chronomaster Sport and Chronomaster Original. Beating at 36,000 vibrations/hour, it features a silicon escapement and stores up to 55 hours of energy when fully wound by its star-shaped rotor. The back of the movement is also fully coated in blue.

The final touch with this white Defy Skyline Skeleton comes from a full ceramic bracelet matching the finishing of the case. It is closed by a folding clasp and features a practical quick strap-change mechanism, which comes in handy as Zenith also includes a white rubber strap in the box.

Now available from the brand and selected retailers, the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton in White Ceramic is said to be “available in small quantities” and is priced at CHF 16,900 or EUR 18,300. For more details, please visit Zenith-Watches.com.