In the realm where artistry and horology converge, a new masterpiece has emerged, pulsating with vibrant hues and intricate details. Zenith, the pioneering Swiss watchmaker, has once again partnered with the acclaimed contemporary artist Felipe Pantone to unveil the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone, a limited-edition timepiece that pushes the boundaries of both creative disciplines. This extraordinary collaboration marks the third chapter in their shared journey, where innovation and aesthetics intertwine to create a watch that transcends mere timekeeping, transforming it into a wearable work of art.
Zenith's legacy is steeped in a rich history of horological innovation. Founded in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot, the brand quickly established itself as a trailblazer, earning numerous awards for its precision timepieces. In 1969,
Zenith achieved a groundbreaking feat with the introduction of the El Primero, the world's first automatic high-frequency chronograph movement. This revolutionary caliber, beating at an unprecedented 36,000 vibrations per hour, set a new standard for accuracy and reliability.
Courtesy of Zenith
The DEFY collection, launched in 1969, further cemented Zenith's reputation for pushing boundaries. These avant-garde timepieces, characterized by their bold designs and cutting-edge materials, captured the spirit of the era, appealing to those who dared to be different. The DEFY Skyline, a recent addition to the collection, continues this tradition, blending futuristic aesthetics with exceptional performance.
Felipe Pantone, a Spanish-Argentinian artist known for his vibrant and dynamic works, has made a significant impact on the contemporary art scene. His signature style, characterized by bold colors, geometric patterns, and optical illusions, reflects the digital age's influence on our perception of reality. Pantone's art explores the interplay between the analog and the digital, creating a visual language that resonates with a generation raised on technology.
The DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone represents the culmination of Zenith's and Pantone's shared vision, a testament to their unwavering pursuit of innovation and creativity. This exceptional timepiece, limited to just 100 pieces, is a symphony of colors, textures, and intricate details, inviting the wearer on a visual journey that transcends the boundaries of time.
Courtesy of Zenith
The watch's 41mm octagonal stainless steel case, with its alternating satin-brushed and polished finishes, exudes a sense of refined elegance. Its sharp facets and smoothly polished contours, accentuated by the dodecagonal bezel, create a mesmerizing play of light, capturing the essence of Pantone's dynamic aesthetic. The interchangeable steel bracelet and black rubber strap offer versatility, allowing the wearer to adapt the watch to their individual style.
At the heart of this horological masterpiece lies the mesmerizing tourbillon, visible through an opening at 6 o'clock. This intricate mechanism, with its lightning bolt-shaped bridge, is a testament to Zenith's watchmaking prowess. The tourbillon's gradient of metallic rainbow tones, a signature element of the Zenith x Felipe Pantone collaborations, adds a vibrant touch, further blurring the lines between art and horology.
The dial, crafted from a sapphire disk, is a captivating canvas for Pantone's artistic expression. Its micro-engraved pattern of concentric circles, reminiscent of the moiré effect often seen in his works, creates a sense of depth and movement. The mirrored metallic finish on the back of the sapphire dial, combined with the micro-engraving, produces a stunning display of colors, evoking the iridescent sheen of a CD. A subtle vignette effect, darkening towards the edges, adds a touch of retro charm, further enhancing the dial's visual complexity.
The hands and applied hour markers, distorted down the middle like a graphical glitch, are a playful nod to Pantone's signature style. Their gradient of rainbow tones echoes the tourbillon's vibrant hues, creating a harmonious visual symphony.
Courtesy of Zenith
Beneath the surface, the El Primero 3630 high-frequency automatic manufacture movement beats with unwavering precision. This exceptional caliber, with its 60-hour power reserve, ensures that the watch keeps perfect time, even when not worn. The star-shaped oscillating weight, adorned with a rainbow PVD finish, adds a touch of artistic flair to the movement, showcasing the attention to detail that defines this collaboration.
The watch's versatility shines through with its interchangeable strap system. Whether you prefer the sleekness of the stainless steel bracelet or the sporty edge of the black rubber strap with its starry sky pattern, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone adapts effortlessly to your style. The stainless steel folding clasp, discreet yet secure, ensures the watch remains firmly on your wrist, even during the most active pursuits.
The dial is where the true magic happens. Crafted from a tinted sapphire crystal, it's a mesmerizing canvas for Felipe Pantone's artistic vision. The iridescent surface, achieved through a combination of mirror metalization and laser texturization, shimmers and shifts with every movement of the wrist, creating an ever-changing spectacle of color and light. The micro-engraved pattern of concentric circles adds depth and texture, drawing the eye into its hypnotic depths.
Courtesy of Zenith
The rhodium-plated hour markers and hands, faceted and coated with a "Rainbow" PVD finish, further enhance the dial's visual impact. Their distorted shapes, a playful nod to Pantone's signature style, create a sense of movement and dynamism, as if the watch itself is alive with energy. The SLN C1 luminescent coating ensures that the time remains legible even in low-light conditions, adding a practical touch to this artistic masterpiece.
At 6 o'clock, the tourbillon takes center stage. This intricate mechanism, a marvel of micro-engineering, is not just a technical feat but also a visual delight. The tourbillon cage, shaped like a lightning bolt and finished in a gradient of rainbow hues, rotates gracefully once every minute, a constant reminder of the watch's mechanical complexity. The 56 components that make up this miniature marvel are a testament to Zenith's watchmaking expertise, showcasing their ability to push the boundaries of horological innovation.
The El Primero 3630 automatic movement, visible through the sapphire case back, is the beating heart of this exceptional timepiece. Its high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour ensures exceptional accuracy, while the 60-hour power reserve provides ample autonomy. The "Rainbow" PVD-coated oscillating weight, shaped like a star, adds a touch of artistic flair to the movement, echoing the vibrant colors of the dial and tourbillon.
The Zenith DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is not just a watch; it's a statement. It's a testament to the power of collaboration, the fusion of art and technology, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. With its limited production of 100 pieces, it's destined to become a coveted collector's item, a symbol of individuality and a celebration of creativity.
Courtesy of Zenith
This timepiece is more than just a tool for telling time; it's a wearable work of art, a conversation starter, and an expression of personal style. It's a watch that defies convention, challenges expectations, and pushes the boundaries of what's possible in the world of haute horlogerie.
Priced at 60,000 CHF (approximately 65,000 EUR), the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is an investment in both artistry and craftsmanship. It's a watch that will be treasured for generations to come, a reminder of the extraordinary collaboration between Zenith and Felipe Pantone, and a testament to the enduring power of human creativity.