ZENITH ELEVATES THE DEFY SKYLINE WITH A STRIKING ROSE GOLD TOURBILLON INSPIRED BY ITS HISTORIC MANUFACTURE

ZENITH ELEVATES THE DEFY SKYLINE WITH A STRIKING ROSE GOLD TOURBILLON INSPIRED BY ITS HISTORIC MANUFACTURE

Le Locle, October 22, 2025 – Introduced in 2022, the ZENITH DEFY Skyline has rapidly established itself as one of the Manufacture’s contemporary icons. With its bold lines, integrated architecture, and distinctive technical edge, it has since been offered in numerous iterations exploring a wide spectrum of complications and materials. Today, ZENITH elevates the DEFY Skyline to new heights of refinement: for the first time, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon is crafted entirely in radiant rose gold. Its deep brick-red dial pays direct tribute to the historic ZENITH Manufacture in Le Locle, echoing the distinctive red-and-white brickwork and forging a tangible link between the brand’s heritage and its most cutting-edge creation.



The elevated essence of a contemporary classic

Launched as the modern heir to the original DEFY line of 1969, renowned for its boldness and resilience, the DEFY Skyline represents ZENITH’s vision of an urban timepiece that bridges heritage and innovation. Its angular geometry, strong silhouette and versatile design have made it a cornerstone of the Manufacture’s collections.

Now, with the tourbillon version, the DEFY Skyline appears in full rose gold, rediscovering its sharp facets through the warm glow of the precious metal. Alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces accentuate the 41mm case’s geometry, revealing a striking new perspective on its architectural design. As with previous DEFY Skyline Tourbillon editions, the dial is adorned with a mesmerizing pattern of engraved four-pointed stars that radiate outward from the tourbillon aperture at 6 o’clock. For this rose gold interpretation, ZENITH introduces a deep brick-red dial, a chromatic nod to the Manufacture’s historic building in Le Locle, with its distinctive red-and-white brickwork. Rose-gold hands, enhanced with Super-LumiNova, ensure legibility while harmonizing with the case’s luxurious tones, while the oscillating weight also bears the warm glow of gold, further underscoring the watch’s refined character.



At the heart of the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon beats the El Primero 3630 automatic high-frequency calibre. Entirely developed and manufactured in-house, it delivers a 5Hz (36,000 VpH) frequency and a power reserve of 50 hours. The tourbillon carriage, weighing a mere 0.25 grams, epitomizes ZENITH’s mastery of miniaturization and precision. The movement’s architecture echoes the starry geometry of the dial: the surfaces feature a contemporary 3D laser-engraved “côtes de Genève” motif radiating from the tourbillon in a sunray pattern, drawing the eye toward the beating heart of the watch. For the first time in the DEFY Skyline, the oscillating weight is also crafted in rose gold. Shaped as an openworked star, it allows for an unobstructed view of the calibre’s contemporary design.

This exclusive version is delivered on an integrated rose gold H-link bracelet, perfectly tapering from the case to the folding clasp, ensuring exceptional comfort. True to the DEFY Skyline spirit, versatility is key: the timepiece also comes with an additional brick-red rubber strap, perfectly matching the dial’s deep tone. Both can be exchanged effortlessly thanks to ZENITH’s intuitive quick-change system that requires no tools.

The new ZENITH DEFY Skyline Tourbillon is available exclusively through ZENITH boutiques worldwide, as well as a select network of authorized retailers.



ZENITH: THE HEART OF WATCHMAKING

Founded in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland, ZENITH has been at the forefront of Swiss watchmaking for over 160 years, driven by a pioneering spirit and a relentless pursuit of precision. As the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, ZENITH has continuously revolutionized horology by developing and manufacturing in-house movements, most notably the El Primero, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre launched in 1969, renowned for its unparalleled precision and high-frequency performance.

ZENITH’s timepieces celebrate its dedication to innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. The CHRONOMASTER collection highlights the brand’s mastery of high-precision chronographs, the DEFY showcases technical innovation and bold design, while the PILOT collection celebrates ZENITH’s storied aviation legacy with distinctive, adventure-ready timepieces. This unwavering commitment to precision has been recognized with an unparalleled 2,333 chronometry prizes, underscoring ZENITH’s enduring legacy of excellence. The calibre 135, having won most of those prizes went through a modern reengineering integrating up-to-date technical solutions and materials. ZENITH decided to give it a new home in its newly introduced G.F.J collection. Throughout its history, ZENITH timepieces have accompanied pioneers who dared to dream big and achieve the extraordinary: from Louis Blériot’s historic flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking stratospheric free-fall jump. This daring spirit continues to drive the Maison as it redefines the future of Swiss watchmaking. Celebrating over a century and a half of excellence, innovation, and purpose, ZENITH remains at the forefront of Swiss horology, empowering those who challenge conventions and strive for greatness.

From Le Locle to the world, from 1865 to now, ZENITH is the heart of watchmaking.
 

DEFY SKYLINE TOURBILLON

 

Reference: 18.9301.3630/67.I001

Key points: Automatic El Primero Tourbillon. Starry sky dial pattern radiating from the tourbillon. Screwed-in crown. Full Interchangeable strap system.

Movement: El Primero 3630

Frequency: 36’000 VpH – 5Hz

Power reserve: 50 hours

Functions: Hours & minutes; black tourbillon carriage shaped as the «double Z» star, completing one rotation every 60 seconds at 6 o’clock

Finishes: Rose-gold openworked star-shaped oscillating weight with satin-brushed surfaces; 3D laser-engraved “côtes de Genève” pattern radiating from the tourbillon.

Price: $93,300 USD // $127,500 CAD

Material: Rose gold

Water resistance: 10 ATM

Case: 41 mm

Dial: Brick-red sunray-patterned dial adorned with engraved four-pointed stars radiating from the tourbillon aperture

Hour markers: Faceted with Super-LumiNova SLN C1

Hands: Rose-gold faceted hands with Super-LumiNova SLN C1

Bracelet & Buckle: Integrated rose-gold H-link bracelet with folding clasp. Additional brick-red rubber strap included. Both equipped with ZENITH’s interchangeable strap system requiring no tools.