Suzanne Wong
The thing I appreciate the most about the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton is that I can wear it. I’m dead serious. Wearability is a huge deal for me, given my diminutive wrist size, and it’s really nothing to do with case diameter — there are 39mm watches I can’t wear at all and there are 44mm watches that fit me. What actually matters is the way the case is attached to the bracelet or strap. The Defy Skyline Skeleton was clearly designed to be worn on a variety of wrists, and this is something that fundamentally appeals to me. This watch was created by people who care deeply about those wearing it, and have taken pains to ensure that it’s as comfortable as possible for as wide an audience as possible. There’s something very seductive about a watch that represents such profound affection and consideration, like a Tinder profile photo of someone cuddling a puppy. Swipe right!
Jordy Bellido
Launched in 2022, the new Defy Skyline collection offers a new interpretation by stripping itself bare. Now skeletonized, the dial (available in black or blue) highlights its technical assets by offering visibility to its El Primero 3620 high-frequency automatic movement (36,000 vib/h). Just like the versions with more modest dials from 2022, these new arrivals have a 1/10th of a second display at six o’clock, a welcome novelty in the closed circle of skeletonized watches. And with a sporty look, it comes in a full steel version with a matching bracelet and a second rubber strap, which is easy to change back and forth thanks to the model’s easy changing system. With its new dial, the Defy Skyline Skeleton puts aesthetics at the service of technology.
Marie de Pimodan
What immediately comes to mind when I put the Defy Skyline Skeleton on my wrist is the high frequency of its inescapable El Primero calibre. Once again, this ultra-fast movement, beating at 5hz, immediately catches the eye. Zenith’s genius lies in revealing all this magic in a subtle way. The first clue to the crazy pace of this movement is its 1/10th of a second counter at six o’clock, whose hand makes a complete turn every 10 seconds. A glance through the bluish interlacing of the skeletonized movement and the four-pointed star-shaped sculptural dial confirms this, notably thanks to a beautiful opening on the balance spring and the escapement wheel. This is mechanical mastery draped in the contemporary aesthetic codes of the Defy line, whose dramatic silhouette is based on a skillful blend of curves and edges and sharper angles than on the previous editions. It is a success from all points of view.
Jean-Christophe Teigner
Blue on blue…it’s on fire. After the holidays, a little lightness is more than welcome. The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton with its 1/10th of a second indicator completely hits the button with its graphic codes that are pushed to the extreme. The dial is openworked and highlights the star icon of the manufacture, while the skeletonized movement is tone-on-tone. The watch is not only beautiful, but it is also quite imposing on the wrist. Clearly, this timepiece proves once again that Zenith is playing in the big league.
Sophie Furley
The first time I clapped eyes on the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton was across the meeting room on Monday morning when it was on the wrist of my colleague, WorldTempus Managing Editor Jordy Bellido. Peeping out from underneath his navy blue cashmere sweater, I couldn’t stop looking at it, trying to figure out which Zenith model it was. I was sure I hadn’t seen it before. The meeting went on forever, increasing my curiosity ten-fold, so it was only when it finally came to a chose was I able to quiz Jordy on his new wristwear! Now that it is my turn to wear it, I have to say, it looks as good close up as it did across the room with its openworked blue dial and constantly running 1/10th of a second counter at six o’clock. The case is also a little more angular than before and the bezel is faceted with 12 sides, giving it a more edgy look. On the inside, you will find the high-frequency automatic El Primero calibre 3620 SK that delivers a power reserve of 60 hours. It is also water-resistant to 100 metres, making this timepiece sexy, performant, and sporty. Honestly, what more could you ask for in a watch?
