The Defy family will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2029 and was relaunched in 2022 under the name Defy Skyline, with Zenith reaffirming its status as an icon while significantly modernizing it—most notably with the skeleton versions introduced in 2023. Two new skeleton models expand the Defy Skyline range at the beginning of this year, including a rose gold tourbillon with a beautifully integrated bracelet, and a black ceramic three-hand version described below. An automatic chronograph (naturally El Primero) in black ceramic and two unisex 36mm Defy Skyline models in steel (one of them set with gemstones) with integrated bracelets complete this strong lineup.
At the helm of Zenith for the past two years, Benoit de Clerck describes a creative approach inspired by architecture: “We wanted to accentuate its urban character by drawing a parallel between the construction of a city by an architect and the creation of a watch by a watchmaker—two arts of precision that structure space and time. The watch thus becomes a metaphor for a city in miniature, where imagination, evolution, and craftsmanship come together to give shape to the invisible.” The importance of the Zenith Manufacture in the history of the town of Le Locle, and of the building as an architectural work in its own right, gives substance to this vision, as does the inclusion of the architecture and urban planning of Le Locle (and its neighboring city La Chaux-de-Fonds) on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
A Sculptural Defy Skyline Skeleton
Full of contrasts, this 2026 novelty is also defined by an organic dimension, highlighted by its skeletonized dial with golden finishes. The openworked components of its structure reveal part of its powerful beating heart, and even the bracelet links emphasize an anatomy that is both robust and sophisticated. The black ceramic case captivates with its polished and satin-brushed surfaces, whose relief reflections could evoke the rhythm of breathing.
Ubiquitous in an El Primero caliber, rhythm is immediately apparent on the counter at six o’clock, whose indication goes far beyond the small seconds, as its hand completes a full rotation every ten seconds. Fascinating. It is, in fact, the world’s only permanent tenth-of-a-second indicator, made possible by the 5 Hz escapement of the El Primero 3620 SK caliber. Continuously improved, it is also equipped with a silicon escape wheel and anchor, and offers a power reserve of 55 hours.
Taking a step back, the wearer of this timepiece with its highly urban architecture nonetheless experiences a sense of harmony. As the brand’s designer explains, “This striking dialogue between black and gold reinterprets the Defy Skyline Skeleton as a true horological sculpture at the heart of contemporary creation.”
Essential Ergonomics
Beyond its undeniable aesthetics and technical prowess, the designers of the Defy Skyline Skeleton have also incorporated essential comfort and functionality, to the wearer’s great pleasure. Starting with legibility, which is not always a given on skeletonized models. Here, the generously sized faceted hands contrast clearly against the sculpted décor beneath them and are coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1. The high-frequency tenth-of-a-second display stands out clearly in black against gold. On the right side of the 41mm case, water-resistant to 100 meters, the screw-down crown is easy to grip thanks to its optimal size and faceted design. Finally, the watch is fitted with an easily interchangeable bracelet thanks to its intuitive quick-change system, available in rubber or black ceramic, both featuring a double folding clasp.
Last but not least, the price of this high watchmaking piece—combining a mythical in-house high-frequency caliber, skeletonized movement, and full ceramic exterior—also incorporates a notion of ergonomic accessibility for the wallet, as it is available at a pre-tax price of CHF 16,900 / EUR 19,100 / USD 18,900.
For 2026, Zenith has made its good resolutions and proves it at this seventh LVMH Watch Week.
Technical Specifications:
DEFY SKYLINE SKELETON
Reference: 49.9300.3620/07.I001
Case: 41mm diameter, polished and satin-brushed black ceramic, water-resistant to 100 meters, screw-down crown, sapphire case back
Movement: Automatic mechanical (El Primero 3620 SK, frequency: 36,000 vph (5 Hz), power reserve: 55 hours), silicon escape wheel and anchor
Functions: Central hours and minutes. Tenth-of-a-second indicator at 6 o’clock
Dial: Openworked with golden tones; indexes (gold-toned, faceted, and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1); gold-toned faceted hands coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
Bracelet & Clasp: Black ceramic bracelet with double folding clasp, and black rubber bracelet with steel folding clasp
Price (excl. tax): CHF 16,900 / EUR 19,100 / USD 18,900.
