Zenith has been spotlighting its El Primero movement of late, with the newest release from the Swiss watch manufacturer placing it front and centre. Conceived with our fast-paced world in mind, the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton recognises that every second counts. Not merely a skeletonised version of the classic Zenith Defy Skyline, the Defy Skyline Skeleton loses the date window and moves the 1/10th of a second subdial to 6 o’clock.
The alterations result in a symmetrical dial defined by an openworked four-pointed star pattern — a nod to the Zenith ‘double Z’ logo of the 1960s — which reveals the El Primero automatic movement. The chapter ring hosts applied baton hour markers, coated with Super-LumiNova to promote legibility. The 1/10th of a second counter is a feature unique to the latest generation of the El Primero automatic high-frequency calibre, with the counter running constantly.
The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton is available in black or blue, with the skeleton movement and satin-finished star-shaped oscillating weight colour matched to create a cohesive look. Drawing inspiration from the angularity of the early Defy models of the 1960s, the 41 mm steel case takes on the same geometric shape as its predecessors, with its striking faceted bezel reimagined as a dodecagon rather than the classic octagon; altered to echo the hour markers.
The screw-down star crown at 3 o’clock ensures a water resistance of 10 ATM (100 metres). The openworked version of the high-frequency automatic El Primero 3620 calibre is visible from the skeletonised dial as well as the sapphire display caseback. Utilising similar architecture as the El Primero 3600 1/10th of a second chronograph, the 3620 drives the 1/10th of a second hand directly from the escapement, which beats at 5Hz (36’000 VpH). a stop-second mechanism allows for precise time-setting while the automatic bi-directional rotor with a star motif delivers a power reserve of 60 hours.
The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton comes on a steel bracelet with a satin-brushed surface with chamfered and polished edges, which cohesively merge with the sharply faceted lines of the case. It also comes with either a blue or black rubber strap, with the quick strap-change mechanism allowing wearers to swiftly switch from the bracelet to the strap and back again.
The Defy Skyline Skeleton is available at Zenith boutiques and via the brand’s webstore.
Words by John Deckard
