Zenith shows off its fresh Defy Skyline collection in Kuala Lumpur.
The seventh edition of the LVMH Watch Week began last month in Milan, Italy.
Swiss watchmakers Zenith made their presence felt with its long-running Defy collection that first debuted back in 1969, with some new models exploring contrasting form and mechanical complexity.
“The Defy line was first introduced alongside the legendary El Primero calibre.
“It was then revived and reimagined with the Defy Skyline in 2022.
“With these new releases, we continue to explore the architectural philosophy that underpins the range, drawing parallels between watchmaking and urban design,” says Zenith Southeast Asia brand director Emilie Bruyer.
She was in town for the brand’s showcase presentation of the new timepieces at its boutique in The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur, last month.
“What the Defy Skyline did was refine the original avant-garde Defy watches into something a little more casual and retro-inspired, but still contemporary and elegant.
“This slew of new releases means there are now a few additional options for every wrist,” she adds.
Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton
Leading the list of the new add-ons to the collection is the brand’s first ever skeletonised tourbillon watch.
Retailing at RM455,000, the watch comes with a 41mm rose gold case and bracelet, with this luxe material nicely setting off the main movement bridges in blue.
Limited to 50 pieces, its automatic El Primero movement ticks at 5Hz. It comes with an interchangeable strap system.
Defy Skyline Chronograph
With a striking blue ceramic expression, the RM103,500 Chronograph has a slightly larger 42mm case.
Its brushed finish is set off with polished facets, and the gradient dial has a slight light-and-shadow motif.
Its El Primero movement means that the watch is self-winding and ticks at 5Hz, allowing readings down to the 1/10th of a second.
Defy Skyline Skeleton
The polished gleam of this RM83,700 watch’s exposed movement gives a rather dynamic contrast to its 41mm case – and that’s exactly what the brand wants to achieve with the skeletonised calibre on full display in a glorious gold-toned colour!
The main bridges of the movement also cleverly make up Zenith’s four-pointed star symbol, set off by the small seconds indicator at 6 o’clock.
Defy Skyline 36
This is a versatile, unisex watch with a stainless steel octagonal case.
Existing offerings are in blue, green and pink, but the new expressions are more reserved, with a straightforward silver-toned sunray dial. The case is 36mm in diameter, and available plain (RM41,600) or with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (RM58,900) set into the bezel.
Defy Revival A3643
Last, but definitely not least, is the latest take of the watchmaker’s iconic Defy Revival – a perennial favourite of vintage watch fans everywhere!
It’s almost a carbon copy of the 1969 original, now reproduced with a 14-sided bezel, an octagonal case and a ladder-style bracelet.
The 37mm case is also historically appropriate. While its raised brushed markers add height to the dial, sharply faceted hands are highly legible without sacrificing elegance.
