Swiss luxury watchmaker, Zenith, took to LVMH Watch Week 2023 to announce that it would be adding new lines to its prized Defy collection – including new skeletonised versions of the Defy Skyline and a new mid-size, unisex 36mm version.
Introduced last year as the latest chapter in the enduring legacy Zenith’s Defy collection, the Defy Skyline collection was the clearest indication of what the storied Swiss watchmaker’s future looked like. Now it has added to the increasingly popular collection with two new Skeletonised pieces for the Defy Skyline family.
The new Defy Skyline Skeleton is housed within an angular 41mm steel case, built around the symmetrical four-pointed star structure of the dial – a nod to Zenith’s “double Z” logo of the 1960s.
In terms of design, the new pieces no longer have a date indicator and the 1/10th of a second counter has been moved to the 6 o’clock position to ensure more a more symmetrical aesthetic.
The open dial comes in black or blue, with the skeleton movement’s main plate as well as the bridges and open star-shaped oscillating weight finished in the same colour as the open dials for a cohesive and architectural look. The different finishes combining matte, satin-brushed and polished surfaces further accentuate the depth of the moment and intensity of the colour.
“In just one year, the Defy Skyline has become one of the most in-demand lines for Zenith,” says Zenith CEO, Julien Tornare, on the evolution of the Defy collection. “It’s a purely modern creation that’s full of details that carry on the enduring legacy of the Defy collection that goes back to 1969. This year, the collection is growing with a new skeleton version featuring a bold and futuristic design, as well as mid-size unisex version of the Defy Skyline in 36mm with some vibrant dial colours”
Hoping to expand the number of wrists that the Defy collection can adorn, a new 36mm size was also added. With three colour options: mint green, navy blue and pink – all on an steel case and integrated steel bracelet, it has increased the versatility of the collection for those who prefer a smaller fit.
Available with or without brilliant-cut white diamonds on the bezel, the mid-size Defy Skyline retains the faceted steel case and twelve-sided bezel of its larger counterpart.
For added versatility, the quick strap-change mechanism on the case back allows for easy swapping between the steel bracelet and supplied starry sky-patterned rubber strap with folding clasp in the same colour as the dial.