Zenith unveils new additions to its Defy collection at LVMH Watch Week 2023

Jan 14, 2023
To kick off 2023, Zenith will shine a light on the most creative and daring platform for watchmaking innovation. Zenith will join LVMH Maisons Bvlgari, Hublot, and TAG Heuer at LVMH Watch Week 2023 to unveil the latest additions to the DEFY collection.


Zenith is building various lines into the DEFY collection, which embodies the Manufacture's unique and cutting-edge watchmaking. Exploring a new expression of the modern skeleton watch, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton is equipped with an El Primero caliber and features an original, symmetrical open dial. The DEFY Skyline also sees the addition of a mid-sized 36mm unisex model, showcasing new pastel colours in its instantly recognisable case design. The 41mm DEFY Skyline also sees the addition of a Boutique Edition, skillfully combining dark and gold tones. And with the robust spirit of the DEFY Extreme, Zenith's journey to seek inspiration in the raw beauty of nature in extreme locations has culminated in the DEFY Extreme Glacier.

Commenting on the evolution of the DEFY collection, Zenith CEO Julien Tornare said:

"In just one year, the DEFY Skyline has become one of Zenith's most sought-after lines. Its strong visual identity, unique movement and all-day versatility make it a compelling choice in the sporty stainless steel watch segment. The watch is a truly modern creation, packed with details that continue the enduring tradition of the DEFY collection, which dates back to 1969. This year, in addition to a new skeletonized version featuring a bold, futuristic design, the DEFY Skyline expands its collection with the addition of a mid-sized 36mm unisex model with a vibrantly colored dial." We are thrilled to present the evolved Defy collection with these dynamic new references."



DEFY Skyline Skeleton
Last year, the DEFY Skyline was unveiled as the latest addition to the line, marking a new chapter in DEFY's unwavering tradition of rugged, unparalleled, and future-oriented timekeepers. Designed for a world moving faster than ever before, where every fraction of a second counts. Inspired by the contemporary urban landscape, where architecture and light intertwine endlessly, the new DEFY Skyline Skeleton pushes forward toward the light on the horizon, opening up an entirely new world of possibilities for skeleton watches.


The harmonious, symmetrical open dial features a four-pointed star shape, reminiscent of the Zenith "Double Z" logo from the 1960s. The baton hour markers on the chapter ring and the central hour and minute hands are filled with Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility, a quality usually sacrificed in skeleton watches. The constantly moving 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o'clock makes steady, regular jumps, completing one rotation every 10 seconds. The open dial is available in black or blue. Not only the skeleton movement's mainplate, but also the bridges and star-shaped open rotor are finished in the same color as the dial, creating a cohesive, architectural look. The surface is combined with different finishes - matte, satin-brushed, and polished - to highlight the three-dimensional effect and the strength of the color.

Emphasizing versatility, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton features an innovative quick-strap-change mechanism, which can be operated with the press of a button on the case back. Enjoy easy interchangeability between the steel bracelet with a satin-brushed surface and beveled and polished edges, and the rubber strap with a steel folding buckle and featuring a starry sky design in the same color as the dial.


DEFY Skyline Skeleton 1,408,000 yen (tax included)


In addition to the DEFY Skyline Skeleton, other new additions to the DEFY collection will also be announced.

DEFY Skyline - First 36mm Model
The striking silhouette and starry sparkle remain, but now in a new size and color. The DEFY Skyline is now available in a 36mm version. Retaining the angular shape of the original model, this new model features a more understated, unisex style, perfect for those who prefer a smaller size.


The mid-size Defy Skyline is available with a choice of three dial colors. The Defy line has been exploring the aesthetics of color since 1969. This new model features the same metallic deep blue as the 41mm model, as well as pastel tones of pink and green, a first for the Defy. Polished and satin-brushed finishes on the metallic base recreate the brilliance of the Zenith star at the top of the dial. The engraved four-pointed star, forming a geometric pattern, is a modern interpretation of Zenith's "Double Z" logo from the 1960s. The three-dimensional, beveled chapter ring shares the same 12-sided shape as the bezel, adding architectural depth. The date display is finished in the same color as the dial, for a perfect harmony.


Defy Skyline 1,078,000 yen (tax included)


Defy Skyline (Diamond Bezel) 1,529,000 yen (tax included)



Defy Skyline Boutique Edition
The Defy Skyline collection was met with great acclaim last year. Now, this groundbreaking model is available in its first boutique-exclusive edition, featuring a captivating contrasting color scheme.

Featuring an angular 41mm stainless steel case and a dodecagonal bezel reminiscent of the original Defy from 1969, the Defy Skyline Boutique Edition features a lustrous anthracite dial with an engraved rose gold motif and rose gold hands and hour markers, evoking golden constellations in the night sky. This beautiful effect is achieved by engraving a four-pointed star motif on the dial, reminiscent of the Zenith emblem used on previous references, and then plating it in pink gold.

The Defy Skyline Boutique Edition will be available in Zenith boutiques worldwide and online.


DEFY Skyline Boutique Edition 1,078,000 yen (tax included)


DEFY Extreme Glacier
The DEFY Extreme was built to tackle the harsh elements of the untamed. Inspired by the remoteness of this watch's destination, Zenith has unveiled an evocative special edition featuring natural gemstones for its rugged, ultra-durable 1/100th of a second chronograph. Following the release of the DEFY Extreme Desert in 2021, the DEFY Extreme Glacier, the second edition, celebrates the polar opposite of the landscape.

Combining precision watchmaking with wearable artistic design, the DEFY Extreme Glacier was inspired by a barren, icy landscape where only those able to withstand extreme conditions can survive. The titanium case, integrated push-button protectors, and the 12-sided bezel are crafted from chalcedony. Its pale blue, saturated with translucent crystals, evokes glaciers. Each stone is meticulously cut and polished by hand, resulting in a unique hue and fiber structure, making each DEFY Extreme Glacier truly unique.

The DEFY Extreme Glacier is a limited edition of 50 pieces and will be available in Zenith boutiques worldwide and online.


DEFY Extreme Glacier 3,014,000 yen (tax included)
Representing the pinnacle of the DEFY collection and its various lines, these latest creations, sharing futuristic design codes and durability, will be unveiled at LVMH Watch Week 2023, kicking off the new year. In addition, another iconic Zenith collection will be unveiled at Watches & Wonders in March 2023. Stay tuned.


編集部
  • Defy Skyline Skeleton 1,408,000 yen (tax included)
  • Defy Skyline Skeleton 1,408,000 yen (tax included)
  • Defy Skyline 1,078,000 yen (tax included)
  • Defy Skyline 1,078,000 yen (tax included)
  • Defy Skyline (Diamond Bezel) 1,529,000 yen (tax included)
  • Defy Skyline (Diamond Bezel) 1,529,000 yen (tax included)
  • DEFY Skyline Boutique Edition 1,078,000 yen (tax included)
  • DEFY Extreme Glacier 3,014,000 yen (tax included)
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