BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
Zenith’s Defy watch range has become one of its most popular, with so many different varieties of the model available to buyers. The Defy Skyline is a variation of the Defy that looks a bit different from the regular collection.
When the range launched in 2022, Zenith described the Defy Skyline as being “dedicated to those who follow their light and forge their own path on their journey towards their star”. Now, two years after the launch of the Defy Skyline, we get its rather handsome follow-up pieces which feature a chronograph.
There are three variants available, of which we saw two. We saw the black and silver dial variants, but there’s also a blue dial. Each watch comes with a brushed/polished stainless steel bracelet and a free colour-matched rubber strap. There is also a quick change system for these.
The dials are very clear and come with the unique star-shaped engraving of the classic Defy Skyline model. The chronograph is set out well and uses the now ubiquitous ten-second chronograph hand which we’ve seen in models such as the Chronomaster Sport model. In fact, it’s the same Calibre El Primero 3600 as the Chronomaster Sport, which means it’s an in-house chronograph movement with a 5Hz beat rate and a 60-hour power reserve.
All of that is wrapped up in a 42mm stainless steel case with 100m of water resistance. Do these watches look a little like a Royal Oak? I think so, in the best way possible. What also helps is they’re a lot more affordable and have better technical specs. The price of one of these is $12,300.
