Zenith Finally Introduces The Long-Awaited Defy Skyline Chronograph

For Watches & Wonders, Zenith writes a new chapter in the storied history of the DEFY collection with the launch of the DEFY Skyline Chronograph, marking the completion of the DEFY Skyline constellation. The DEFY collection, with its enduring legacy dating back to the early 1970s, has always been synonymous with the groundbreaking El Primero chronograph. This caliber’s high-frequency rate ensures unparalleled precision, making it a perfect match for the DEFY collection, which is designed to perform in dynamic and varied situations. The new DEFY Skyline Chronograph, with over 50 years of heritage in refining and elevating the chronograph, is heralded as the definitive DEFY chronograph for the 21st century.

The DEFY Skyline Chronograph’s architectural silhouette is defined by its 42mm steel case, which is a contemporary interpretation of the collection’s iconic octagonal case and multi-sided bezel. This modern design retains the robustness and durability that have been the hallmarks of its predecessors while introducing sharper lines and a more contemporary aesthetic. The pushers of the DEFY Skyline Chronograph complement the case’s geometry, and the screw-down crown, adorned with the star emblem, ensures a water resistance of up to 100 meters (10ATM).

The DEFY Skyline Chronograph is available in metallic black, blue, or silver. Its dial features the collection’s signature starry sky pattern, with engraved four-pointed stars and the traditional El Primero dial configuration. Three oversized and overlapping counters display the elapsed seconds and minutes of the chronograph and the constant running seconds. The date window, harmonizing with the dial’s color, is positioned at 4:30, maintaining another El Primero tradition. The flange ring, with a 1/10th of a second scale, echoes the dodecagonal bezel and serves as an extension of the hour markers.

In today’s fast-paced world, where every fraction of a second is crucial, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph offers the 1/10th of a second function, a feature also found in the DEFY Skyline automatic and skeleton models. This is made possible by the El Primero 3600 caliber’s high-frequency rate of 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour), which is visible through the display back. The open star-shaped oscillating weight with bidirectional winding ensures an efficient power reserve of 60 hours.

A standout feature of the DEFY Skyline is its integrated quick strap-change mechanism, incorporated directly into the case for effortless versatility without the need for tools. With a simple push of a button, the three-link steel bracelet can be exchanged for the supplied star-patterned rubber strap with a steel folding buckle, allowing for easy adaptation to any occasion.