SpotlightLVMH Watch Week 2023: The New Zenith Defy Collection Defies All Extremes
Zenith presents a range of new Defy watches in multiple dial colours, unique materials, and advanced watchmaking expertise at the 2023 LVMH Watch Week
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The much-awaited 2023 LVMH Watch Week goes into a hybrid format with on-location presentations as well as digital events for the first time in Singapore, with maisons Bulgari, Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Zenith unveiling their latest creations.
Last year, at the 2022 LVMH Watch Week, Zenith marked the birth of its Defy Skyline range with multiple dial options and sporty steel bracelets. This year, the Swiss watch brand dives deeper into this popular and well-established Defy Skyline collection with an assorted range of new and improved timepieces. “In just one year, the Defy Skyline has become one of the most in-demand lines for Zenith. This year, the collection is growing, with a new skeleton version featuring a bold and futuristic design, as well as a mid-size unisex version of the Defy Skyline in 36mm with some vibrant dial colours. We’re really excited to witness the completion of the Defy collection with these dynamic new references,” says Julien Tornare, CEO, Zenith.
Here is a quick round-up of the latest additions to the Defy range at the 2023 LVMH Watch Week:
Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton
The new Defy Skyline Skeleton is the world’s first skeleton watch with a 1/10th of a second indicator. Inspired by the modern landscapes where ‘structures and light are bound in a constantly moving interplay’, the Defy Skyline Skeleton offers a unique take on the popular skeleton watch. Equipped with a star-shaped open dial (a nod to the Zenith ‘double Z’ logo of the 1960s), set within a symmetrical 41mm angular stainless steel case, the timepiece pushes the boundaries of a contemporary skeleton watch.
Adding that extra bit of oomph to the already marvellous piece is the presence of a constantly running 1/10th of a second counter at six o’clock. This unique function is powered by the El Primero 3620 automatic movement, which offers a power reserve of 60 hours. The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton is available in black or blue dial options.
Zenith Defy Skyline (Now In 36mm)
The Defy Skyline collection unveiled last year, in a 41mm stainless steel case, was rather bulky for small wrists. This year, Zenith has made some changes and reintroduced the Defy Skyline in a new mid-sized 36mm version, featuring three new dial colours—metallic blue, pink and green pastel tones.
Each of the three dials has three hands and colour-coordinated date windows. The polished and satin-brushed metallic base, along with the geometrical pattern of engraved four-pointed stars, give the dial a unique look and an architectural depth like no other watch dial. The new mid-sized range of the Defy Skyline watches are powered by the Elite 670 automatic movement, with a power reserve of 50 hours. The timepieces are available with or without brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel. The watch comes with a steel bracelet and a starry sky-patterned rubber strap in the same colours as the dial.
Zenith Defy Skyline Boutique Edition
Keeping it simple, Zenith introduces the Defy Skyline Boutique Edition in its customary 41mm signature angular case, set with a dodecagonal bezel. What makes this Boutique Edition stand out is the excellent combination of dark and golden tones for the dial. The radiant anthracite dial is engraved with a rose gold motif and set with rose gold hands and hour markers. It is powered by the El Primero 3620 automatic high-frequency caliber, which offers a unique running 1/10th of a second indicator, which is driven directly from the 5Hz escapement. Delivered on a steel bracelet, along with an additional black rubber strap, the Defy Skyline Boutique Edition will be available exclusively at Zenith stores and online boutiques around the world.
Zenith Defy Extreme Glacier
For the last highlight of Zenith’s 2023 LVMH Watch Week novelties, we move away from the sporty yet elegant Defy Skyline range, and focus on the complicated and rugged Defy Extreme timepiece. Continuing its journey from the Defy Extreme Desert launched in 2021, Zenith marches on to the other end of the spectrum with the 2023 Defy Extreme Glacier.
Directly inspired by frozen, barren landscapes, the Defy Extreme Glacier features a massive 45mm titanium case, with chalcedony materials used for the dodecagonal bezel and pushers’ protectors. Chalcedony is a crystalline semi-translucent stone with a pale blue hue, reminiscent of frozen glaciers. Each stone offers a unique colour and fibrous structure, making each of the 50-piece limited-edition watches a one-of-a-kind timepiece. The skeletonised dial is decorated with transparent and frosted-finish sapphire crystal chronograph counters, which adhere to the overall ice-cold theme. The open dial also acts as a window into the inner workings of the El Primero 1/100th of a second, the El Primero 9004 automatic movement.
The Zenith Defy Extreme Glacier is available in a black Velcro strap and a white rubber strap, with an additional titanium bracelet option.
