New Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon: Rose Gold Meets Brick Red

First things first. What makes the new Defy Skyline Tourbillon so special: For the first time, Zenith has clad the tourbillon version of the Defy Skyline in warm rose gold. This is combined with a brick-red dial – a subtle reference to the red and white architecture of the brand’s manufacturing building in Le Locle.

Interpretation of a powerful original

The history of the Defy collection began in 1969. Their distinctive appearance and high resistance earned the watches the nickname ‘coffre-fort’, the French term for ‘safe’ or ‘vault’. The watches in this collection have retained their precision and resilience to this day. Since 2022, it has enriched the Skyline interpretation with its simple, architecturally inspired silhouette.

A soft touch for an angular case

Zenith has crafted the case of a Defy Skyline in rose gold for the first time. This lends the striking geometry a gentle appearance. The look is emphasised by the alternation between satin-finished and polished surfaces. The case with screw-down crown measures 41 millimetres in diameter and is water-resistant to a pressure of ten bar.

Bright red and four-pointed stars for the dial

The colour scheme of the dial is inspired by the red and white brickwork of the production facility in Le Locle, Switzerland.

Together with the neighbouring town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, the town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 due to its unique watchmaking history. Zenith watches have been manufactured here since 1865.

This is reflected in the bright red sunburst dial of the Defy Skyline Tourbillon, which, like its predecessor, is adorned with a pattern of engraved stars. These are arranged in a radial pattern starting from the tourbillon at 6 o’clock. In terms of functionality, the dial features faceted indices and hands as well as Super-LumiNova coating.

Gold and decoration for the high-frequency movement

The elegant case houses a complex interior in the form of the El Primero 3630 fast-beat movement with a 50-hour power reserve. Based on the El Primero 3600, the movement consists of 266 components, with the blackened tourbillon cage weighing just 0.25 grams.

For the decorations, the designers took their inspiration from the star-shaped geometry of the dial and also engraved 3D Geneva stripes, which draw the eye to the pulsating heart of the watch – the tourbillon. Rose gold is also used in the mechanical inner workings, namely in the rotor in the form of a skeletonised star – a first for the Defy Skyline.

Precious metal and sporty rubber for the strap

The new Skyline from Zenith is worn on an integrated bracelet with rose gold H-links, fitted with a folding clasp. For a sportier look, the bracelet can be easily replaced without tools with the brick-red rubber strap included in the delivery.

Price & availability

The rose gold Defy Skyline Tourbillon is now available in Zenith boutiques and the online shop, as well as from authorised retailers. The price is €97,400.

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