Introducing: Zenith's Expansion of the Defy Skyline Line at LVMH Watch Week 2026
Zenith is set to captivate watch enthusiasts with its latest release at LVMH Watch Week 2026, showcasing an expansion of the Defy Skyline line. This collection introduces a range of innovative features, including ceramic, skeletonized, tourbillon, and 36mm versions, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in watch design.
What We Know
Zenith is starting the year with a bang, unveiling a selection of new releases within the Defy Skyline line. The brand's focus is on the Defy collection, offering a diverse array of updates. These releases include various configurations of the Defy Skyline, such as the skeletonized, chronograph, tourbillon, and 36mm models, alongside the Defy Revival A3643, a modern take on a 1969 reference, covered separately.
The expanded Defy Skyline line showcases Zenith's versatility, incorporating different materials, complications, and sizes within a single platform.
Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph
The Chronograph model takes center stage with an all-black ceramic configuration, building upon the success of previous ceramic editions. The case and bracelet are crafted entirely from ceramic, with the color seamlessly integrated into the material. The dial features a gradient finish, an engraved four-pointed star pattern, and three chronograph sub-dials.
Powering this timepiece is the El Primero 3600 automatic chronograph movement, operating at 5 Hz with a 60-hour power reserve. This high-frequency caliber enables the chronograph's seconds hand to complete a full rotation every 10 seconds, allowing for precise tenths-of-a-second readings. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, and a quick strap-change system allows for easy transitions between the ceramic bracelet and a black rubber strap.
The black ceramic Defy Skyline Chronograph is priced at $22,600.
Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton
The Skeleton model showcases a black ceramic case with a matching integrated bracelet and a gold-toned skeletonized movement. Inside is the El Primero 3620 SK caliber, operating at 5 Hz without a traditional central seconds display. Instead, it features a continuously running indicator driven directly by the escapement, completing one rotation every 10 seconds.
The openworked dial, structured around Zenith's four-pointed star motif, highlights the movement's high-frequency architecture while maintaining a fully openworked design. The watch comes with both a black ceramic bracelet and an additional black patterned rubber strap, interchangeable via a tool-free quick-change system.
The Defy Skyline Skeleton in black ceramic is priced at $18,200.
Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton
This model marks the first tourbillon skeleton within the Defy Skyline line. Housed in a 41mm rose-gold case, it features a fully openworked dial with hour markers mounted on a peripheral flange.
Powered by the El Primero 3630 SK caliber, an automatic skeletonized movement with a one-minute tourbillon operating at 5 Hz, it delivers a 50-hour power reserve. The movement includes a skeletonized barrel that exposes the mainspring. The watch comes with a rose-gold bracelet and an additional blue rubber strap, both interchangeable via a built-in quick-change system.
Production is limited to 50 pieces, with a price tag of $99,400.
Zenith Defy Skyline 36
The Defy Skyline 36 introduces a silver-colored dial to the lineup, joining previous offerings in blue, ice blue, green, and pink. Housed in a 36mm stainless-steel case with a twelve-sided bezel, it retains the Skyline collection's angular design language.
The dial features an engraved four-pointed star motif and applied hour markers with luminescent material. Water resistance is rated to 10 ATM via a screw-down crown.
Two versions of the silver-dial Defy Skyline 36 are available. The standard version features a steel bezel and is priced at $9,000. The second version replaces the steel bezel with a brilliant-cut diamond bezel, maintaining the same case, dial, and movement specifications, priced at $12,800.
Both versions are powered by the Elite 670 automatic movement, operating at 4 Hz with a 50-hour power reserve, visible through a sapphire case back. Each comes with an integrated steel bracelet and an additional black rubber strap, interchangeable via a push-button system.
What We Think
The standout models are the black ceramic Chronograph and the Tourbillon Skeleton. The Chronograph's cohesive design, combining the El Primero 3600 movement, ceramic case, and 1/10th-second chronograph display, is impressive. The addition of the Tourbillon Skeleton to the Skyline line is also noteworthy, with the rose-gold case and blue skeletonized movement creating a striking contrast.
The ceramic Skyline Skeleton and the Skyline 36 updates are more neutral, but the diamond-set bezel on the 36 adds a touch of luxury. Overall, Zenith's 2026 releases demonstrate a commitment to innovation and experimentation.
The Basics
Brand: Zenith
Model: Defy Skyline Chronograph, Defy Skyline Skeleton, Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton, Defy Skyline 36
Diameter: 42mm (Chronograph), 41mm (Skeleton), 41mm (Tourbillon Skeleton), 36mm (Skyline 36)
Case Material: Black ceramic (Chronograph), Black ceramic (Skeleton), Rose gold (Tourbillon Skeleton), Stainless steel (Skyline 36)
Dial Color: Black gradient (Chronograph), Openworked (Skeleton), Openworked (Tourbillon Skeleton), Silver (Skyline 36)
Indexes: Applied hour markers (all models)
Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands and indexes (all models)
Water Resistance: 100 meters (all models)
Strap/Bracelet: Integrated bracelet with additional rubber strap (all models; material matched to case)
The Movement
Caliber: El Primero 3600 (Chronograph), El Primero 3620 SK (Skeleton), El Primero 3630 SK (Tourbillon Skeleton), Elite 670 (Skyline 36)
Functions: Hours, minutes, chronograph, date (Chronograph); Hours, minutes, running 1/10th-second indicator, date (Skeleton); Hours, minutes, tourbillon (Tourbillon Skeleton); Hours, minutes, seconds, date (Skyline 36)
Power Reserve: Approx. 60 hours (Chronograph), Approx. 50 hours (Skeleton, Tourbillon Skeleton, Skyline 36)
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 5 Hz (Chronograph, Skeleton, Tourbillon Skeleton), 4 Hz (Skyline 36)
Chronometer Certified: No
Pricing & Availability
Price: $22,600 (Chronograph), $18,200 (Skeleton), $99,400 (Tourbillon Skeleton), $9,000 steel bezel / $12,800 diamond bezel (Skyline 36)
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Tourbillon Skeleton, limited to 50 pieces.
For more information, visit Zenith's website: https://www.zenith-watches.com/
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