Hot Take: The Zenith Defy Skyline Édition Paris

The Summer Olympics will kick off in Paris in less than a month. Zenith has created the Defy Skyline Édition Paris to help celebrate the occasion. It uses a different style of dial, which may leave potential buyers wishing that this limited edition watch wasn’t only offered in France.

Omega is the first brand that comes to mind when we think of the Olympics and watches. However, during my recent visit to a Patek Philippe exhibition in London, I saw that other brands are excited to celebrate the major sporting event. Zenith is also getting in on the act, but the brand’s release is far more subtle. There’s no direct linkage to the upcoming fortnight, but the timing is good. The new Defy Skyline Édition Paris is a beautiful addition to the lineup. Sadly, it’s limited in terms of production and distribution.

The Zenith Defy Skyline Édition Paris

The new Defy Skyline Édition Paris uses the familiar stainless steel 41mm × 47mm case that debuted in early 2022. This 100m-water-resistant model competes in the busy segment of integrated-bracelet sports watches. I do believe it holds its own with a distinctive dial that includes a pattern of Zenith logos. It also sports an offset 1/10th-second indicator at 9 o’clock. I’ve always felt that the Skyline is one of the cleaner-looking entries with its uncluttered dial and attractive case design. Today’s watch is no different, and it brings a first to the line.

The Defy Skyline Édition Paris features a gradient verdigris-green dial inspired by the oxidized copper rooftops in Paris. That’s as good a reason as any for a dial, but the more important aspect is how it looks. Thankfully, it looks great and recalls the gradient look from the original late ’60s and early ’70s Zenith Defy models.

The El Primero 3620

Zenith’s El Primero 3620 automatic movement lurks under a sapphire-equipped display case back. Naturally, this caliber races along at 36,000vph, which allows for the 1/10th-second display. It’s an attractive-looking movement with its star-shaped rotor and decent finishing. Note the special “Edition Paris” and “x/50” engravings on the edge of the case back.

Availability and pricing

The engraving on the case back tells us the unfortunate story of this watch. Only 50 Defy Skyline Édition Paris models will be produced. Also, the model is exclusive to the French Zenith boutiques and online shops. The good news is that the watches will come with a black rubber strap and locally created bespoke packaging. The retail price is €9,900, which is €500 more than a serial-production Skyline. The small premium feels fair for such a lovely-looking watch. Let’s hope that Zenith adds more gradient versions for the rest of the globe.

For more information on the Defy Skyline Édition Paris, visit the official Zenith website.