ByJovan K
Under the spotlight are four new 18k gold Defy Skyline references, each showing its own take on the collection’s design and performance. Together, they give a smooth look at what the modern Skyline can offer when materials, finishing, and tech all come together.
Defy Skyline Yellow Gold Ref. 30.9300.3620/74.l001
The first watch is the yellow gold Defy Skyline, it sticks closest to the core three-hand identity of the collection, but going full yellow gold gives it a completely different vibe on the wrist. The 41mm case keeps the sharp angles, the 12-sided bezel, and the mix of brushed and polished surfaces that define the Skyline. Zenith also keeps the practical aspects, such as 100-meter water resistance and sapphire crystals on both sides.
The olive green dial adds a softer contrast against the gold case while keeping the repeating star pattern that gives it depth and structure. You also get the 1/10th of a second subdial at 9, and the date at 3 remains a signature element across the entire range.
Inside, you get the El Primero 3620, an automatic calibre that runs at 5 Hz with about 60 hours of power reserve. The balance of accuracy, toughness, and a clean layout makes this one the most versatile model of the group. It comes on a full gold bracelet with Zenith’s tool-free swap system plus an extra rubber strap for when you want to switch it up. Price: CHF 59,900, EUR 64,900, or USD 62,200
Defy Skyline Skeleton Rose Gold Ref. 18.9300.3620/81.I001
The rose gold skeleton version shifts the focus straight to openworked mechanics. The 41mm case matches the time-only model on paper, but once the dial is gone and replaced with a structural view of the rose gold-toned movement, the whole vibe on the wrist changes. The bridges are shaped into the Zenith star, tying the design and engineering together in a really intentional way. The turquoise silicon escape wheel adds a modern pop that catches the light and reminds you this is a contemporary movement through and through.
Inside is the 5 Hz El Primero 3620SK, which shares its core architecture with the standard version but opens everything up so you get more depth and motion. The fast-running indicator sits at 6, and the date is left out to keep the layout clean. Power reserve lasts around 55 hours.
The watch sticks with the integrated gold bracelet and the quick change system, but its more technical look turns it into a full showcase of Zenith’s current movement design. Price: CHF 61,900, EUR 67,100, or USD 64,200
Defy Skyline Chronograph Rose Gold Ref. 18.9500.3600/21.I001
The third piece is the rose gold Defy Skyline chronograph. This is where Zenith steps into real sports complication territory while still holding onto that sharp geometric design language. The case bumps up to 42mm to fit the El Primero 3600 chronograph movement, running at 5 Hz with a 1/10th of a second chronograph display.
The dial has a grey gradient finish with three subdials for small seconds, a 60-minute counter, and a 60-second counter. The date sits neatly between 4 and 5, keeping everything balanced. The central chronograph hand is tied directly to the high beat rate, so it sweeps the entire dial every 10 seconds, giving the watch a constant sense of speed and precision.
With about 60 hours of power reserve and full gold construction, the chronograph mixes real utility with a bold dose of luxury. It comes on an integrated gold bracelet with an extra rubber strap. Price: CHF 64,900, EUR 70,300, or USD 67,300
Defy Skyline Tourbillon Rose Gold Ref 18.9301.3630/67.I001
The final model is the rose gold Defy Skyline Tourbillon, easily the most technical piece of the four. The brick red sunray dial is built around a wide opening at 6 that shows off the tourbillon cage. The cage is incredibly light and makes a full rotation every 60 seconds.
Inside is the El Primero 3630, notable because it runs at 5 Hz, which is rare for a tourbillon and ties Zenith’s history in high-frequency watchmaking to a classical complication. Power reserve sits around 50 hours. The case keeps the familiar 41mm proportions and still offers 100 meter water resistance, something you almost never see on a tourbillon.
It comes with a gold bracelet and an extra red rubber strap. This is the flagship of the group and brings together Zenith’s precision heritage with a modern design approach. Price: CHF 89,900, EUR 97,400, or USD 93,300
All four Skyline models share the sharp design language and the high-frequency El Primero movements with a 22k gold rotor, but each one brings its own personality to the lineup. The focus on accuracy, materials, and movement architecture stays solid across the board, whether you go for the clean simplicity of the three-hand model, the visual depth of the skeleton, the capability of the chronograph, or the full-on presence of the tourbillon. Together, they create a clear and cohesive path through the Skyline collection.
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