Zenith’s latest release is an evolutionary take on its popular sports chronograph with an integrated bracelet: the Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton builds upon the original version by open working the dial and main plate of the El Primero calibre.

The dial is skeletonised to form a star, Zenith’s longtime emblem and a recurring theme of its skeleton watches. Apart from the open-worked dial, the new Defy remains essentially unchanged from the standard model, keeping the same 42 mm octagonal case topped by a 12-sided bezel.

Initial thoughts

Zenith’s El Primero was a milestone as one of the first automatic chronograph calibres. The new Defy is equipped with the second-generation El Primero, the cal. 3600, which is one of the biggest strengths of the watch. Notably, the movement has a lightning chronograph seconds completing a full revolution every 10 seconds, allowing the chronograph to measure up to 1/10th of a second (if your fingers work the pushers fast enough).

That said, the watch does feel a little derivative in terms of design. While the look is not particularly creative or original, it nonetheless presents a visually striking aesthetic. The combination of satin-brushed and polished surfaces on the case and bracelet are done well. Compared to other watches it resembles (from the likes of Audemars Piguet and Hublot), the Defy is arguably better value.

Priced at US$15,500, the Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton is one of Zenith’s pricier offerings, but arguably good value considering the movement and overall execution.

Open-worked

The new Defy chronograph employs the same case as the solid-dial version. The 42 mm stainless-steel case is octagonal in form but crowned by a 12-faceted bezel, which is the defining element of the Defy line. It’s delivered with the familiar integrated steel bracelet, but also accompanied by a colour-matched rubber strap.

The highlight is the open-worked dial and movement finished in either black or blue. The skeletonisation forms a star and also echoes Zenith’s “double Z” motif, a hallmark of the brand since the 1960s.

The grey sub-dials are also open-worked, while the faceted baton hour markers and hands are filled with Super-LumiNova for legibility in low-light. The contrast between the time indications and the open-worked components give this better legibility than the average skeleton watch.

Visible through the sapphire case back is the El Primero 3600 that beats at 36,000 beats per hour, as is traditional for the El Primero. Being a new development, the movement offers 60 hours of power reserve.

That complication that sets the cal. 3600 apart from the first-generation El Primero is the lightning seconds hand that can measure 1/10th of a second thanks to a central seconds hand that speeds around the dial once every 10 seconds, or six times the speed of a conventional seconds hand.

Key facts and price

Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton
Ref. 03.9500.3600/78.I001 (black)
Ref. 03.9500.3600/79.I001 (blue)

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: El Primero 3600
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date and chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 60 hours

Strap: Matching bracelet, with additional rubber strap

Limited edition: No
Availability: Available in all Zenith boutiques and authorised retailers
Price: US$15,500

For more, visit Zenith-watches.com.