Lucerne

 

THE PERPETUAL MOTION OF STARS: ZENITH ELEVATES THE DEFY SKYLINE WITH A HIGH-FREQUENCY TOURBILLON

MARCH 5, 2024

A new star in the DEFY Skyline constellation is born. The ZENITH Manufacture incorporates a new automatic high-frequency tourbillon calibre into the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon, in two versions in steel and black ceramic.

The tourbillon mechanism has long been associated with the upper echelon of fine watchmaking; a testament to the technical prowess of the manufacture and the skilled watchmakers that bring these mechanical wonders to life. Originally conceived at the end of the 18th century to counteract the effects of gravity on the watch’s precision, ZENITH has given it its own modernistic spin to demonstrate the Manufacture’s unrivaled expertise in high-frequency precision across multiple movement types and functions as well as the edgy design of the DEFY collection – all in an execution suited for daily wear in any situation. Like all El Primero calibres, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon’s movement operates at a high-frequency rate of 5Hz (36’000 VpH), ensuring optimal chronometric performance with a high resistance to shocks.

Housed in a faceted and highly geometric 41mm case and matching bracelet in either stainless steel or black ceramic, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon melds the distinctively bold and architectural design of the DEFY Skyline with the mechanical animation of a tourbillon mechanism.

Like the core of a galaxy around which countless constellations are strewn, the central kinetic element of the DEFY Skyline is visible through an aperture on the dial’s lower portion. Fixed to a finely mirror- polished bridge with sharp bevels, the tourbillon cage takes on the shape of an open four-pointed star, with the same futuristic lines as those found in other DEFY references with tourbillon mechanisms. Turning ceaselessly around its own axis, the tourbillon completes one revolution every 60 seconds. The case’s water-resistance of 10ATM (100 metres) further affirms the all-conditions endurance of the piece.

The DEFY Skyline’s signature sunray-patterned metallic dial with an engraved starry sky pattern has been adapted specifically for the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon, to accentuate the high-frequency tourbillon. Either in blue for the steel version or black for the ceramic version, the mosaic of engraved four-pointed stars appear to radiate out of the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, expanding as they reach the outer perimeter of the dial. The luminescent applied markers and hands further add contrast to the dial, with rhodium plated indices for the blue dial and rose gold plated indices for the black dial.

 

Powering the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon is the new El Primero 3630 automatic high-frequency manufacture calibre, with a power reserve of 60 hours. Mirroring the expansive decoration of the dial-side that emanates from the tourbillon, the côtes de Genève stripes on the bridges are arranged in a sunray pattern that appear to dart out of the tourbillon. The open star-shaped rotor allows for an open view of the contemporary movement architecture.

 

Like all DEFY Skyline models, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon comes on a stainless steel or black ceramic bracelet, with a second strap in blue or black rubber with folding clasp supplied that can easily be switched using the case back’s quick strap-change mechanism requiring no tools.

The DEFY Skyline Tourbillon is available at ZENITH physical and online boutiques as well as authorized ZENITH retailers around the world.

ZENITH: TIME TO REACH YOUR STAR.

ZENITH exists to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and make them come true – against all odds. Since its establishment in 1865, ZENITH became the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, and its watches have accompanied extraordinary figures that dreamt big and strived to achieve the impossible – from Louis Blériot’s history-making flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-setting stratospheric free-fall jump. Zenith is also highlighting visionary and trailblazing women by celebrating their accomplishments and creating the DREAMHERS platform where women share their experiences and inspire others to fulfil their dreams.

With innovation as its guiding star, ZENITH exclusively features in-house developed and manufactured movements in all its watches. Since the creation of the El Primero in 1969, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre, ZENITH has gone on to master high-frequency precision and offers time measurements in fractions of a second, including 1/10th of a second in the Chronomaster collection and 1/100th of a second in the DEFY collection. Because innovation is synonymous with responsibility, the ZENITH HORIZ-ON initiative affirms the brand’s commitments to inclusion & diversity, sustainability and employee wellbeing. ZENITH has been shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking since 1865, accompanying those who dare to challenge themselves and reach new heights. The time to reach your star is now.

This press release is distributed by Best Crew PR on behalf of ZENITH. For media enquiries and more information, please contact:

ZENITH:
Candy Suen
Mobile: +852 9700 5466
Email: candy.suen@zenith-watches.com

Best Crew PR:

Michelle Wong
Mobile: +852 6435 6199
Email: michelle.wong@bestcrewpr.com

Reni Kwok
Mobile: +852 6291 4283
Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.com

DEFY SKYLINE TOURBILLON
Reference: 03.9300.3630/51.I001

Key points: Automatic High Frequency Tourbillon. Starry sky pattern on the dial that starts from Tourbillon. Screwed-in crown. Full interchangeable strap system.
Movement: El Primero 3630 automatic
Frequency: 36’000 VpH – 5Hz
Power reserve: approx. 60 hours
Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre
Tourbillon: The carriage is positioned at 6 o’clock; it makes one turn per minute; Tourbillon cage with 56 components.
Finishes: Special oscillating weight with satined finishings
Price: HKD 435,500
Material: Stainless steel 
Water resistance: 10 ATM 
Case: 41mm
Dial: Blue-toned sunray-patterned
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp. 2nd strap included: blue rubber with folding clasp.

DEFY SKYLINE TOURBILLON
Reference: 49.9300.3630/21.I001

Key points: Automatic High Frequency Tourbillon. Starry sky pattern on the dial that starts from Tourbillon. Screwed-in crown. Full interchangeable strap system.
Movement: El Primero 3630 automatic
Frequency: 36’000 VpH – 5Hz
Power reserve: approx. 60 hours
Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre Tourbillon: The carriage is positioned at 6 o’clock; it makes one turn per minute; Tourbillon cage with 56 components.
Finishes: Special oscillating weight with satined finishings
Price: HKD 514,700
Material: Black ceramic 
Water resistance: 10 ATM 
Case: 41mm
Dial: Black-toned sunray-patterned
Hour markers: Gold-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Gold-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Black Ceramic bracelet with folding clasp. 2nd strap included: black rubber with steel black PVD folding clasp.