Zenith, a name synonymous with precision and innovation in the realm of watchmaking, has once again pushed the boundaries of design and technical prowess with the release of the DEFY Skyline Chronograph Skeleton watches. These timepieces are a bold evolution of the legendary El Primero movement, showcasing a modern, architectural aesthetic while retaining the core DNA of the DEFY collection.
Zenith's history is deeply rooted in the pursuit of accuracy and performance. Established in 1865, the Swiss manufacture quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional movements, becoming a pioneer in the development of chronographs. In 1969,
Zenith unveiled the El Primero, the world's first automatic, high-frequency chronograph caliber, a groundbreaking achievement that cemented its place as a leader in horological innovation. The El Primero was revolutionary, beating at an astonishing 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), allowing it to measure time to the nearest 1/10th of a second. This level of precision was unheard of at the time, and the El Primero quickly became the gold standard for chronographs, used by many other watch brands.
Courtesy of Zenith
The DEFY collection, introduced in the late 1960s, embodied Zenith's forward-thinking approach to watchmaking. With its robust, angular case design and integrated bracelet, the DEFY was a departure from traditional watch aesthetics, reflecting the era's fascination with modernity and technology. The collection has evolved over the years, incorporating new materials and complications, but it has always maintained its bold, futuristic character.
The DEFY Skyline Chronograph Skeleton watches are a testament to Zenith's commitment to innovation. These watches take the concept of skeletonization to a new level, revealing the intricate workings of the El Primero movement in all its glory. Skeletonization is the art of hollowing out the movement's components, such as the plate and bridges, to expose its inner mechanics. This technique requires exceptional skill and precision, as the watchmaker must carefully remove material without compromising the structural integrity or functionality of the movement.
Courtesy of Zenith
The DEFY Skyline Chronograph Skeleton is a striking watch. Its 42mm octagonal case, crafted from stainless steel, features a distinctive 12-faceted bezel, a design element that has become a hallmark of the DEFY collection. The alternating brushed and polished surfaces of the case create a captivating play of light and shadow, enhancing its angular design. The case's dynamic geometry is further emphasized by the prominent pushers that flank the screw-down crown, which is adorned with the Zenith star logo. The display case back, secured by four hexagonal screws, offers a clear view of the intricate movement within.
The skeletonized dial is a marvel of modern watchmaking. The geometric cutouts, inspired by the Zenith "double Z" logo of the 1960s, create a sense of depth and complexity. The three-contrasting silver azuré subdials are also openworked, adding to the watch's technical aesthetic. The faceted applied baton hour markers and hands, coated with Super-LumiNova, ensure excellent legibility in all lighting conditions. The absence of a traditional dial allows for an unobstructed view of the El Primero movement, transforming the watch into a miniature kinetic sculpture.
Courtesy of Zenith
At the core of the DEFY Skyline Chronograph Skeleton lies the El Primero 3600SK caliber, a skeletonized version of the legendary El Primero 3600 movement. This high-frequency automatic chronograph movement beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), enabling it to measure time to the nearest 1/10th of a second. The central chronograph hand completes a full rotation every 10 seconds, providing a clear and precise readout of elapsed time. The movement's 5Hz frequency is a testament to Zenith's mastery of high-frequency watchmaking. Achieving such a high beat rate requires exceptional engineering and precision, as the movement's components must be able to withstand the increased stress and wear associated with rapid oscillations. The 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock and the 60-second counter at 3 o'clock provide additional chronograph functionality, while the small seconds hand at 9 o'clock completes the trio of subdials.
The El Primero 3600SK is not just a technical marvel; it's also a visual masterpiece. The movement's skeletonized architecture allows for a complete view of its intricate components, from the balance wheel to the escapement to the column wheel that controls the chronograph functions. The main plate and bridges are finished in either blue or black, depending on the model, creating a striking contrast with the silver-colored subdials. The star-shaped oscillating weight, also finished in either blue or black, is visible through the display case back, adding another layer of visual interest to the watch. The bi-directional automatic winding mechanism of the El Primero 3600SK ensures a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.
The DEFY Skyline Chronograph Skeleton is available in two distinct colorways, each offering a unique visual experience. The first model (Ref. 03.9500.3600/79.I001) features a blue openworked dial, main plate, bridges, and oscillating weight. The blue hue creates a cool, sophisticated aesthetic that complements the stainless steel case and bracelet. The second model (Ref. 03.9500.3600/78.I001) features a black openworked dial, main plate, bridges, and oscillating weight. The black colorway exudes a more stealthy and mysterious vibe, emphasizing the watch's technical character.
Courtesy of Zenith
Both models feature contrasting silver-colored subdials, which enhance legibility and provide a visual anchor on the dial. The alternating finishes on the movement components, from brushed to polished to satin-finished, accentuate the intricate details of the skeletonized architecture. The color-matched star-patterned rubber straps, included with each watch, offer a more casual and sporty alternative to the integrated stainless steel bracelet.
The DEFY Skyline Chronograph Skeleton is designed for an active lifestyle. Its 10 ATM water resistance makes it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. The integrated stainless steel bracelet, with its alternating brushed and polished links, is both comfortable and durable. The bracelet's design seamlessly integrates with the case, creating a cohesive and streamlined look.
One of the standout features of the DEFY Skyline Chronograph Skeleton is its interchangeable strap system. With the simple push of a button at the back of the case, the stainless steel bracelet can be easily swapped for the included color-matched rubber strap. This allows the wearer to quickly and effortlessly change the look and feel of the watch to suit different occasions and outfits. The rubber strap, with its star-patterned design, adds a touch of sportiness and enhances the watch's versatility. The rubber strap is incredibly flexible and makes for an effortless transition when taking it on and off. The strap will easily adjust to your wrist and not feel tight at all. You can wear this to the office during the day and to the gym after work. The way the rubber strap was made was pure genius. It's easy to switch out and also extremely durable and comfortable.
Courtesy of Zenith
The geometric cutouts of the skeleton dial, inspired by the Zenith "double Z" logo, immediately draw the eye to the intricate movement within. The play of light and shadow on the alternating brushed and polished surfaces of the case would further capture their attention. The smooth sweep of the central chronograph hand, completing a full rotation every 10 seconds, is a visual reminder of the movement's high-frequency capabilities. The overall impression is one of a meticulously crafted timepiece that seamlessly blends technical sophistication with modern design. The faceted hour markers and hands catch the light beautifully, adding a touch of sparkle to the dial. The contrasting silver-colored subdials stand out against the blue or black background, enhancing legibility and adding visual interest.
The Zenith DEFY Skyline Chronograph Skeleton watches are priced at $15,500 each. They are available exclusively through Zenith's physical and online boutiques, as well as through authorized retailers worldwide. This price point positions the DEFY Skyline Chronograph Skeleton as a high-end luxury sports watch, reflecting its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative movement, and distinctive design.
Zenith DEFY Skyline Chronograph Skeleton (Blue Dial)Case: 42mm, Stainless steel, Octagonal case, Faceted bezel, Screw-down crown with Zenith star, 10 ATM water resistance, Display case back secured by four hexagonal screws.
Movement: El Primero 3600SK, Automatic, 36,000 VpH (5Hz), Approximately 60 hours power reserve, 1/10th of a second chronograph, Central chronograph hand makes one turn every 10 seconds, 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, 60-second counter at 3 o'clock, Small seconds at 9 o'clock, Silicon escape-wheel and lever, Blue colored main plate, Blue colored star-shaped oscillating weight with satin finishings.
Dial: Blue-toned openworked, Rhodium-plated hour markers, Faceted hour markers coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1, Rhodium-plated hands, Faceted hands coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1, Contrasting silver-color subdials.
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet, Interchangeable strap system, Additional blue patterned rubber strap with stainless steel folding clasp.
Price: $15,500
Reference Number: 03.9500.3600/79.I001
Notes: Skeletonized version of the El Primero 3600 movement.
Zenith DEFY Skyline Chronograph Skeleton (Black Dial)Case: 42mm, Stainless steel, Octagonal case, Faceted bezel, Screw-down crown with Zenith star, 10 ATM water resistance, Display case back secured by four hexagonal screws.
Movement: El Primero 3600SK, Automatic, 36,000 VpH (5Hz), Approximately 60 hours power reserve, 1/10th of a second chronograph, Central chronograph hand makes one turn every 10 seconds, 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, 60-second counter at 3 o'clock, Small seconds at 9 o'clock, Silicon escape-wheel and lever, Black colored main plate, Black colored star-shaped oscillating weight with satin finishings.
Dial: Black-toned openworked, Rhodium-plated hour markers, Faceted hour markers coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1, Rhodium-plated hands, Faceted hands coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1, Contrasting silver-color subdials.
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet, Interchangeable strap system, Additional black patterned rubber strap with stainless steel folding clasp.
Price: $15,500
Reference Number: 03.9500.3600/78.I001
Notes: Skeletonized version of the El Primero 3600 movement.