Source: Images and content by Zenith. See the original article here - https://pressroom.zenith-watches.com/2025/10/22/zenith-elevates-the-defy-skyline-with-a-striking-rose-gold-tourbillon-inspired-by-its-historic-manufacture/
Le Locle, October 22, 2025 – Introduced in 2022, the ZENITH DEFY Skyline has rapidly established itself as one of the Manufacture’s contemporary icons. With its bold lines, integrated architecture, and distinctive technical edge, it has since been offered in numerous iterations exploring a wide spectrum of complications and materials. Today, ZENITH elevates the DEFY Skyline to new heights of refinement: for the first time, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon is crafted entirely in radiant rose gold. Its deep brick-red dial pays direct tribute to the historic ZENITH Manufacture in Le Locle, echoing the distinctive red-and-white brickwork and forging a tangible link between the brand’s heritage and its most cutting-edge creation.
The elevated essence of a contemporary classic
Launched as the modern heir to the original DEFY line of 1969, renowned for its boldness and resilience, the DEFY Skyline represents ZENITH’s vision of an urban timepiece that bridges heritage and innovation. Its angular geometry, strong silhouette and versatile design have made it a cornerstone of the Manufacture’s collections.
Now, with the tourbillon version, the DEFY Skyline appears in full rose gold, rediscovering its sharp facets through the warm glow of the precious metal. Alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces accentuate the 41mm case’s geometry, revealing a striking new perspective on its architectural design. As with previous DEFY Skyline Tourbillon editions, the dial is adorned with a mesmerizing pattern of engraved four-pointed stars that radiate outward from the tourbillon aperture at 6 o’clock. For this rose gold interpretation, ZENITH introduces a deep brick-red dial, a chromatic nod to the Manufacture’s historic building in Le Locle, with its distinctive red-and-white brickwork. Rose-gold hands, enhanced with Super-LumiNova, ensure legibility while harmonizing with the case’s luxurious tones, while the oscillating weight also bears the warm glow of gold, further underscoring the watch’s refined character.
At the heart of the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon beats the El Primero 3630 automatic high-frequency calibre. Entirely developed and manufactured in-house, it delivers a 5Hz (36,000 VpH) frequency and a power reserve of 50 hours. The tourbillon carriage, weighing a mere 0.25 grams, epitomizes ZENITH’s mastery of miniaturization and precision. The movement’s architecture echoes the starry geometry of the dial: the surfaces feature a contemporary 3D laser-engraved “côtes de Genève” motif radiating from the tourbillon in a sunray pattern, drawing the eye toward the beating heart of the watch. For the first time in the DEFY Skyline, the oscillating weight is also crafted in rose gold. Shaped as an openworked star, it allows for an unobstructed view of the calibre’s contemporary design.
This exclusive version is delivered on an integrated rose gold H-link bracelet, perfectly tapering from the case to the folding clasp, ensuring exceptional comfort. True to the DEFY Skyline spirit, versatility is key: the timepiece also comes with an additional brick-red rubber strap, perfectly matching the dial’s deep tone. Both can be exchanged effortlessly thanks to ZENITH’s intuitive quick-change system that requires no tools.
The new ZENITH DEFY Skyline Tourbillon is available exclusively through ZENITH boutiques worldwide, as well as a select network of authorized retailers.
