Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon El-Primero automatic watch blue dial steel bracelet 41 mm

Creating the future of watchmaking

With the return of the DEFY collection in 2017, the star-spangled brand never stops in its never-ending quest for precision through innovation. In fact, this collection represents Zenith's creative "laboratory," combining cutting-edge Manufacture movements with futuristic shapes and materials that perpetuate Zenith's heritage, constantly surpassing itself and setting new standards of performance and elegance. For 2024, the Manufacture is enhancing the Defy Skyline, the sport-chic watch line launched in 2022 that explodes everything in its path!

A new star is born in the DEFY Skyline constellation at the beginning of this year. Manufacture ZENITH houses a new high-frequency automatic tourbillon caliber in the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon, which it presents in two versions, steel and black ceramic.

Why a tourbillon?

The tourbillon has long represented the pinnacle of fine watchmaking, a testament to the technical prowess of the manufacturers and the skill of the watchmakers who bring these mechanical marvels to life. ZENITH offers a personalized modern interpretation of the tourbillon, which was conceived at the end of the 18th century to counteract the effects of gravity on the precision of timekeeping. The Manufacture demonstrates its unrivaled mastery of high frequency through several types of movements or functions and through the bold design of the DEFY collection, all in an execution suited to all everyday situations.

The steel model

The shape of a DEFY Skyline is instantly recognizable thanks to its angular geometry, signature 12-sided bezel and angular case with polished/satin finishes. Still inspired by the A3642 model launched in 1969, which had given the brand a boost at the time by bringing significant technical improvements, especially compared to the watches of the time, this model laid the foundations for what would become the sport-chic watches of the 1970s.

This model retains the highly geometric 41 mm diameter faceted case on a matching steel bracelet. But now it combines the bold architectural design of the DEFY Skyline with the mechanical animation of a tourbillon. Like the center of a galaxy around which numerous constellations are scattered, the central kinetic element of the DEFY Skyline appears in the opening at the bottom of the dial.

The metallic sunray dial with engraved stars, the signature of the DEFY Skyline, has been specially adapted for the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon to highlight the high-frequency tourbillon. Its blue color evokes the perpetual motion of the night sky, while the stars of the sunray pattern dial radiate from the openworked tourbillon carriage like an infinite horizon, a tribute to the stars that guided great explorers and travelers as they ventured into the unknown in pursuit of their dreams. A delightful detail, the engraved four-pointed star mosaic, emanates from the tourbillon at 6 o'clock and unfolds as it approaches the outer edge of the dial. Luminescent hour hands and appliqués enhance the contrast on the dial, with rhodium-plated hour markers.

As for the bracelet, this one is an example of sports watches with integrated straps! It features a pretty drop and a very nice polished-brushed finish, while also incorporating an ingenious strap quick-change system, making it easy to switch to the blue rubber strap supplied with this model.

Another noteworthy detail, the case's 10 ATM (100 meters) water resistance has been retained for this version, reinforcing the piece's suitability for all conditions.

A high-frequency tourbillon caliber!

Zenith has chosen to equip this DEFY Skyline with an El Primero caliber in a novel two-hand tourbillon version! In fact, this reference is powered by an El Primero 3630, which is based on the architecture of the 3620 caliber used in the Defy Skyline Seconde Foudroyante line.

Fixed to a mirror-polished bridge, the tourbillon cage takes the form of an openworked four-pointed star, with the futuristic lines that characterize the DEFY tourbillon references. The tourbillon rotates continuously on its axis, completing one rotation every 60 seconds. The escapement beats at a high frequency of 5 Hz, a rarity in the world of tourbillons, to ensure impeccable performance and precision! It's also worth noting that the Manufacture has optimized the exceptional performance of its caliber to the maximum, as the El Primero 3630 features a lightweight (0.25 g) openworked tourbillon cage that reduces friction to a minimum.

But this new caliber is not only ultra-technical, it is also beautifully crafted! Like the tourbillon decoration on the dial side, the côtes de Genève on the bridges are arranged in rays that seem to emanate from the tourbillon. The openworked star-shaped rotor offers an unobstructed view of the movement's contemporary architecture.

In conclusion, Zenith once again proves that this manufacture is unique and different. Its star, a symbol of its desire to reach the highest peaks, shows us once again its remarkable mastery of high frequency!