The New Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon: A Collision of Rose Gold and Brick Red
In 2022, Zenith launched the Defy Skyline collection, a modern ode to the original 1969 Defy. Now, the collection has been expanded with a new, expressive model: the rose gold Defy Skyline Tourbillon.
First, the new Defy Skyline Tourbillon is special: for the first time, Zenith has encased the Defy Skyline Tourbillon in a warm rose gold case. Its brick-red dial subtly echoes the red and white architectural style of the brand's manufacturing building in Le Locle.
A Powerful Originality
The Defy collection's story began in 1969. Its distinctive appearance and exceptional durability earned it the nickname "coffre-fort" (French for "safe" or "vault"). To this day, these watches maintain their precise timekeeping and exceptional resilience. Since 2022, it has further enriched the interpretation of the Skyline collection with its clean, architectural silhouette.
A soft touch to the angular case For the first time, Zenith crafts the Defy Skyline watch case in rose gold, softening its striking geometric form. Alternating satin-brushed and polished finishes further enhance its elegance. The case measures 41 mm in diameter, features a screw-down crown, and is water-resistant to 10 bar.
Dial adorned with bright red and a four-pointed star The dial's color scheme is inspired by the red and white brick walls of the production facility in Le Locle, Switzerland.
In 2009, the town, along with its neighbor La Chaux-de-Fonds, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique watchmaking history. Zenith watches have been produced there since 1865.
The Defy Skyline Tourbillon's bright red sunburst dial embodies this design philosophy and, like its predecessor, features an engraved star motif. These stars radiate from the tourbillon at 6 o'clock. Functionally, the dial features faceted indices and hands coated with Super-LumiNova.
Gold and Decoration of a High-Frequency Movement
The elegant case conceals a sophisticated inner workings: the high-speed El Primero 3630 caliber with a 50-hour power reserve. Based on the El Primero 3600 caliber, this movement comprises 266 components, including a black tourbillon cage weighing a mere 0.25 grams.
For decoration, the designers drew inspiration from the dial's star-shaped geometric pattern and engraved it with 3D Geneva stripes, drawing the eye to the heart of the watch: the tourbillon. Rose gold is also used in the mechanical interior, such as the skeletonized star-shaped oscillating weight—a first for the Defy Skyline collection.
Bracelet Made of Precious Metal and Sport Rubber The new Zenith Skyline watch is presented on a rose gold H-link integrated bracelet with a folding clasp. For a sportier look, the watch comes with a brick-red rubber strap, which can be easily changed without tools.