Sky's The Limit

Zenith is expanding the Defy Skyline collection with a new skeleton and a special boutique edition

- JONATHAN HO

INTRODUCED LAST YEAR as Zenith's latest salvo in the highly competitive integrated bracelet segment, the Defy Skyline collection set a new benchmark for time-only models in that market category by basing its introductory calibre on the vaunted highfrequency El Primero movement. For LVMH watch week 2023, the Le Locle brand is building upon that foundational pillar with a more structured, openworked model of the inaugural Defy Skyline.

Still featuring that iconic 1/10th of a second indicator, the new Defy Skyline Skeleton stands out with its star-shaped open dial and incredible symmetry. It calls to mind yet another Zenith novelty sharing similar aesthetics, a deep-diving (300 to 600 metres) model with an angular octagonal case and a crazy tetradecagonal bezel dubbed 'Defy' from 1969.

Nicknamed 'vault', this beast of a watch was not only robust and fitted with a patented suspension system and flexible elastic shock-absorbing rings but also with a radically edgy architecture.