Late last month, Zenith unveiled three DEFY Skyline watches with icy blue dials, just in time for the European Summer. The boutique-exclusive timepieces were presented in either 41mm or 36mm case size, alongside a new comprehensive strap service at the online boutique.
When we think of summer, one of the first things that come to mind is vivid blue skies or crystal clear waters. The cool blue tones are an instant reminder of warmer climates and sandy beaches, exactly the picture portrayed by these new timepieces. These watches will also be a first for a Zenith Boutique Edition. This new ice blue colour was presented in both the original DEFY Skyline in a 41mm steel case and the smaller mid-size 36mm steel case with or without diamonds on the bezel.
The steel cases for all three variants of this new DEFY Skyline Boutique Edition come with sharp angular lines, with a dodecagonal bezel to match, all inspired by the DEFY timepieces from 1969. These DEFY Skyline models come with what Zenith describes as a “chilled metallic Ice Blue tone with an engraved pattern consisting of four-pointed stars, glistening against the sunray-patterned metallic dial base.” The sub-dial at 9 o’clock has the same metallic blue finish (without pattern).
I personally am a big fan of this dial colour, however, the metallic finish is one that would need to be seen in person to truly appreciate it. The dials on all three variants also come with a sun-ray finish, both on the main dial and the 9 o’clock subdial. The ruthenium-plated hour indices do stand out against this metallic blue finish, thanks to the SuperLumi-Nova SLN C1 coating on the markers. On the 41mm timepiece, the hour indices are thin and elongated, whereas, on the 36mm model, the indices are shorter, making them stand out a bit more on this model.
All three variants come with a steel bracelet with satin-brushed surface that has chamfered and polished edges that seamlessly transitions onto the angular shape of the stainless steel case. Zenith is also offering an ice-blue rubber strap with a starry sky pattern (to match the dial) as a second choice. The steel strap can be easily swapped out with the rubber strap thanks to a quick strap-change mechanism on the DEFY case.
If the ice-blue rubber strap isn’t really your style, Zenith’s new strap service in their online boutique may just come in handy. With the launch of this new DEFY Skyline Boutique Edition, the brand also has updated its online boutique so that you can conveniently browse through and purchase compatible straps for your timepiece. A range of colours, sizes of straps and additional buckles are all available for personal customisation, giving the Zenith timepiece your own personal flavour.
DEFY Skyline 41mm
Ref. 03.9300.3620/15.I001
This 41mm version comes in a stainless steel case and bezel. The dial features a date window at 3 o’clock and a 1/10th of a second subdial at 9 o’clock.
The movement powering these functions is the El Primero 3620 automatic, operating at a high frequency of 5Hz (36,000 VpH). The movement, which can be seen from the open case back, features not only beautifully finished details but also Zenith’s iconic star as the rotor.
DEFY Skyline 36mm
Reference: 03.9400.670/15.I001
The 36mm variant suits both females and males and even though the dial is small, it still carries a lot of wrist presence. As mentioned previously, the hour indices stand (and hands) stand out more compared to the 41mm.
This is because the rhodium used is thinner, making the white Superlumi-Nova SLN C1 stand out more against the ice blue-toned sunray dial.
DEFY Skyline 36mm
Reference: 16.9400.670/15.I001
Featuring the same design and characteristics as the above DEFY Skyline 36mm, this model varies with the added 52 VVS brilliant-cut diamonds which total ~ 1.00 carats.
Both versions of the 36mm come with Zenith’s in-house Elite 670 calibre movement, which operates at a high frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH). Like the 41mm version, the 36mm also comes with an open case in which the movement and star-shaped oscillating weight can be seen.
Reference: 03.9300.3620/15.I001
Specification
- Case: 41mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Ice blue-toned sunray-patterned
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating.
- Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
- Movement: El Primero 3620 automatic
- Power reserve: Approx. 60 hours
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet. 2nd bracelet is ice blue rubber with a starry sky pattern. Stainless steel folding clasp.
Availability: June 2023, Exclusively through Zenith E-commerce or boutiques. Australian Recommended Retail Pricing: AU$ 13,400.00
Reference: 03.9400.670/15.I001, 16.9400.670/15.I001
Specification
- Case: 36mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel (03.9400.670/15.I001), Stainless steel with 52 VVS brilliant cut-diamonds on bezel (16.9400.670/15.I001)
- Dial: Ice blue-toned sunray-patterned
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating.
- Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
- Movement: Elite 670
- Power reserve: Approx. 50 hours
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet. 2nd bracelet is ice blue rubber with a starry sky pattern. Stainless steel folding clasp.
