Source: Images and content by Zenith. See the original article here - https://pressroom.zenith-watches.com/2025/11/21/the-defy-skyline-celebrates-the-golden-light-of-the-holiday-season/
This festive season, ZENITH captures the spirit of celebration in gold, unveiling four radiant expressions of its DEFY collection. Bringing together the defining designs and complications of the line in precious form, these creations embody the full spectrum of DEFY, from time-only precision to high-frequency chronograph mastery, openworked artistry, and the technical marvel of the tourbillon. Crafted entirely in gold and paired for the first time with matching gold bracelets, they reinterpret the collection’s bold elegance through a luminous prism of refinement, enhanced by the incomparable radiance and unique allure of the gilded metal.
Bold in its silhouette yet inherently familiar within ZENITH’s repertoire, the DEFY Skyline draws inspiration from the distinctive octagonal geometry of the earliest DEFY models, not to recreate the past, but to reimagine it with renewed light and energy. Evoking the spirit of modern cityscapes that sparkle like festive lights in constant motion, its audacious architecture now gleams in gold, embodying both the warmth of tradition and the brilliance of celebration.
THE DEFY SKYLINE EMBRACES THE GLOW OF YELLOW GOLD
The DEFY Skyline in yellow gold brings a new expression of contemporary refinement to ZENITH’s bold urban icon. Crafted entirely from precious metal, its 41mm case and seamlessly integrated bracelet feel substantial yet perfectly balanced on the wrist. The sunburst satin-finished olive-green dial catches the light with every movement, revealing ever-changing shades that echo the warmth of the gold. Its engraved four-pointed star motif adds depth and vibrancy, while the colour-matched date wheel at 3 o’clock ensures visual harmony.
Inside, the El Primero 3620 automatic high-frequency calibre powers the distinctive 1/10th of a second indicator at 9 o’clock, a subtle reminder of the precision and performance that define the DEFY collection.
THE DEFY SKYLINE CHRONOGRAPH IN ROSE GOLD AND SLATE GREY
Measuring 42mm in diameter, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph makes its debut in rose gold, bringing a new sense of warmth and sophistication to the collection’s bold geometry. The glow of the precious metal contrasts beautifully with the gradient slate-grey dial, embossed with ZENITH’s signature starry-sky pattern that comes alive under shifting light. Inside, the El Primero 3600 automatic calibre, the latest generation of ZENITH’s legendary chronograph movement, beats at 5 Hz (36,000 vph), offering a true 1/10th of a second display. Its central chronograph hand completes a full rotation of the dial every ten seconds, a dynamic visual expression of high-frequency precision. Through the sapphire display back, the movement’s column wheel, horizontal clutch, and 22K gold open rotor reveal a captivating interplay of craftsmanship and performance.
THE DEFY SKYLINE SKELETON RADIATES WITH OPENWORKED BRILLIANCE
The 41mm DEFY Skyline Skeleton in rose gold elevates the art of openworked watchmaking to a new level of elegance and luminosity. With its sculptural open dial and movement finished in matching rose-gold tones, it offers a captivating interplay of light, depth, and transparency. Blending contemporary design with ZENITH’s cutting-edge expertise, it reveals its high-frequency mechanical heart, every component visible through both the openworked dial and sapphire caseback. At its core beats the El Primero 3620 SK, an openworked, high-frequency automatic calibre in a gilded execution. Driving the 1/10th of a second indicator directly from the escapement, which beats at 5 Hz (36,000 vph), it delivers a naturally precise and rhythmic display of time. The tapered rose gold case and integrated bracelet, adorned with alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces, catch the light with refined brilliance, a radiant expression of modern watchmaking in its most precious form.
THE DEFY SKYLINE TOURBILLON RISES IN ROSE GOLD BRILLIANCE
The DEFY Skyline reaches new heights of mechanical artistry with its first-ever Tourbillon crafted entirely in rose gold. Capturing both the legacy and innovation of ZENITH’s Manufacture, this extraordinary creation pairs architectural precision with horological poetry. Its deep brick-red sunray-patterned dial, adorned with engraved four-pointed stars radiating from the tourbillon aperture at 6 o’clock, pays tribute to the historic red-and-white brickwork of ZENITH’s home in Le Locle. Within its 41mm rose gold case, alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces highlight the bold geometry of the DEFY Skyline design, while the openworked, star-shaped oscillating weight in matching tones glows with refined warmth. At its heart beats the El Primero 3630 automatic high-frequency calibre, featuring a tourbillon carriage shaped as the Maison’s double-Z star that completes one rotation every 60 seconds as a mesmerizing expression of precision in motion. Completing the ensemble, the watch is delivered on a tapered rose gold H-link bracelet and accompanied by a matching brick-red rubber strap with a rose gold folding buckle, exemplifying ZENITH’s pursuit of luminous mastery and contemporary elegance
INTERCHANGEABLE STRAP SYSTEM
Designed with versatility in mind, this quartet of precious DEFY timepieces features ZENITH’s ingenious quick strap-change mechanism, allowing the wearer to effortlessly alternate between the refined gold bracelet and the supplementary rubber strap with a matching gold folding buckle, no tools or watchmaking expertise required. This thoughtful system adds a contemporary touch of adaptability, ensuring the watches are as versatile as they are distinctive.
The DEFY Skyline Gold Editions are available at ZENITH boutiques, online, and through authorized retailers worldwide.
