Zenith Introduces the New DEFY Skyline Skeleton Boutique Edition

Zenith showcased its technical prowess with the DEFY more than a century ago. In 1902, it unveiled the DEFI, indicating a more precise pocket watch. This was later changed to DEFY to again show that the new watch bearing this name would ‘defy’ or break all rules of traditional watchmaking. Now, expanding its collection, Zenith has introduced a new model — Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton Boutique Edition (Ref. 03.9300.3620/80.I001). As the name suggests, it’s a boutique-exclusive collection.

The new watch mimics the tones of the DEFY Skyline Skeleton Black Ceramic (Ref.49.9300.3620/78.I001), which the brand released this year, with some minor changes. This (Black Ceramic) model came in a 41 mm black ceramic case with satin-brushed and polished surfaces. Viewed from any corner or angle, this model was all ‘stealth’, right from the dial to the case to the bezel to crown and even the integrated black ceramic bracelet (with a black rubber strap as an option). 

The newly launched model has the same 41 mm multi-level case as the previous model, but now it is available in stainless steel in a silvery-grey colour. The Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton Boutique Edition gets sharp edges with a dodecagonal, faceted bezel, whose edges are extensions to the hour markers. The openworked dial has four pointed stars from the 1960’s logo that cover the entire surface in an orderly geometric fashion; you can also spot a dark chapter ring, gold-plated baton hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova and gold-plated hour and minute hands, also with Super-LumiNova. Then there is a constantly running 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock that completes one revolution every 10 seconds. For the boutique edition of the DEFY Skyline Skeleton, Zenith has finished the movement in a luminous rhodium grey-tone. 

Powering this model is the self-winding, automatic Calibre El Primero 3620 SK (where SK means skeleton) with 55 hours of power reserve. The power reserve has been scaled down from the previous model’s 60 hours and a high frequency of 5Hz. The model doesn’t have any date window. The construction of the movement is very similar to that of the El Primero 3600 1/10th of a second chronograph.

Turning the watch over showcases the bidirectional oscillating weight with a star motif. This new stainless steel watch is equipped with an integrated stainless steel bracelet with an additional black rubber strap, featuring a ‘starry sky’ pattern. This is accompanied by a stainless buckle with a folding clasp.

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