Zenith Unveils the Defy Skyline Chronograph

Zenith expands the Skyline collection to include three chronograph variations in blue, black and silver. Two years after introducing the Defy Skyline collection at LVMH Watch Week, the collection has grown to include various dial variations, open-worked references, and now a chronograph.

High-Frequency Chronograph Movement 

A contemporary vessel of a historically significant calibre, the DEFY has always been well suited for the El Primero automatic chronograph. The new DEFY Skyline Chronograph is the culmination of over 50 years of experience since the first El Primero hit the market in the ’70s and continues to offer the 1/10th of a second function found, but this time with the added benefit of a chronograph complication.

Fortunately, reading tenths of a second is more straightforward than it sounds. The flange ring, sandwiched between the hour markers and the bezel, is broken down into 1/10-second increments for easy reading. Underpinning these exact recordings is the high-frequency El Primero 3600 calibre visible through the display back.

Available in Three Variations 

Zenith DEFY Skyline Chronograph 9

Zenith DEFY Skyline Chronograph 7

Zenith DEFY Skyline Chronograph 6

Available in metallic black, blue or silver, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph’s dial pairs the collection’s signature starry sky-patterned dial featuring engraved four-pointed stars with the traditional El Primero dial configuration. Three oversized and overlapping counters show the elapsed seconds and minutes of the chronograph, as well as the constant running seconds. The date window – matching the colour of the dial – is positioned at 4:30, another El Primero signature.

Geometric Architectural Case 

Architectural, geometric, and intricately faceted, the DEFY Skyline’s 42mm steel case is a modernized take on the earliest DEFY’s octagonal case with a multi-sided bezel. It retains the same DNA of robustness and durability as its predecessors while embracing contemporary aesthetics and proportions. In the DEFY Skyline Chronograph, the pushers follow the sharply drawn lines of the case, while the screw-down crown decorated with the star emblem helps ensure a water resistance of 100 metres (10ATM).

Versatile Quick-Change Strap

One of the highlights of the DEFY Skyline is its quick strap-change mechanism, which is integrated directly into the case. This allows for versatility without requiring any tools. All it takes is a push of the button to swap out the three-link steel bracelet with a star-pattered rubber strap that comes with the watch.