Introducing: The Monochromatic Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Edition

Since Asher Rapkin and Gabe Reilly founded Collective Horology in 2018, the company has become known as one of the leading US-based retailers of watches from independent brands. But Collective has also collaborated with several brands on an impressive number of limited editions. For its tenth collaborative effort, Collective teamed up with Zenith again for the new Defy Skyline C.X Edition. Together, they also created the first-ever Collective Horology limited edition. This time around, these two parties collaborated on a special monochromatic version of the Zenith Defy Skyline. But it’s not just about the aesthetics. There is a bit more going on than a mere glance might suggest. Let’s find out more!

For me, the heart of Zenith is in the brand’s Chronomaster collection. I love what Zenith has done to create a line of watches inspired by the brand’s past. But the Defy line has also become an interesting collection of modern timepieces in recent years. Besides an extensive lineup of regular models, we have seen quite a few interesting limited editions. I reported on the special Defy Skyline Chronograph Boutique Edition, while Daan wrote about the pink-dial Defy Skyline made to support the fight against breast cancer. Another interesting version is the recently released Defy Skyline Dubaï Edition with a stunning salmon-orange dial featuring Hindu Arabic numerals.

The story of the Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Edition

If you know Zenith well, you will have immediately spotted the differences between a regular Defy Skyline and this new Defy Skyline C.X Edition. First of all, the watch sports a nice monochromatic look that makes it very stylish. The light-colored aesthetic aligns with the first limited edition that Collective and Zenith collaborated on in 2019.

The Zenith El Primero for Collective C.01 from 2019

Back then, they worked on the Zenith El Primero for Collective C.01. While that model was based on the A386 that resurfaced as the Chronomaster Original in 2021, it featured a nice and crisp white dial with light gray details. The rhodium-plated hands, markers, and logos added some subtle brilliance to the dial.

The light monochromatic aesthetic returns on the new Defy Skyline C.X Edition. This time, though, the brands decided to add a spot of color. And as I already hinted, that’s not all. The dial is executed differently from the regular models in more ways than one. One of them also hints at a different movement. But let’s skip the cryptic talk and go over the details to learn more.

The details of the new Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Edition

The Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Edition features the familiar 41mm stainless steel case and the integrated bracelet. But unlike the regular brushed model, this special edition features a matte sandblasted finish. Though the dodecagonal bezel usually has a high-polished edge, the sandblasted finish on this one provides a refreshing change. But if want to switch things up from the fully sandblasted look, you can also fit the additional orange rubber strap that comes with the watch. Thanks to the quick-change mechanism, it is easy to switch between the two.

The case is combined with a matte silver-gray dial featuring the Defy Skyline’s signature star pattern. But this specific dial is different from the regular versions. The 3D gradient effect of the dial is achieved through a clever execution. The stars located at the center of the dial are engraved deeply and become gradually shallower as they approach the dial’s perimeter. This results in a smart and visually attractive version of the Defy Skyline’s signature dial.

This dial features a set of applied, faceted hour markers that, like the central hour and minute hands, have a rhodium plating and a filling of white Super-LumiNova. Another difference from the regular version is the 1/10th-of-a-second indicator at 6 o’clock. On the non-skeletonized 41mm versions of the Defy Skyline, this sub-dial is usually at 9 o’clock, so this is a fresh take on the normal dial layout.

The sub-dial also features two hints of orange with the “10” and the tip of the small hand. They provide that little touch of color that immediately brightens up the design. Next, the date window, usually located at 3 o’clock, is now absent, providing a perfectly symmetrical dial design.

The modified Zenith El Primero caliber 3620 SK

To make this dial layout possible, Zenith used a modified version of its standard El Primero caliber 3620. In this watch, we find the El Primero 3620 SK, which also powers the aforementioned skeletonized Defy Skyline models. Besides the modified placement of the 1/10th-of-a-second indicator, it has the same set of specs as the normal caliber. This high-beat movement operates at 36,000vph, offers 55 hours of power reserve, and features a silicon escape wheel and lever.

You can admire the movement in all its glory thanks to the sapphire window within the sandblasted case back. As you can see, the movement features the star-shaped rotor we know from the regular Defy Skyline models. Overall, you could say the finishing of the movement is fairly straightforward. However, it offers plenty of nice little details that you will return to regularly.

Final thoughts on the Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Edition

I love that Zenith and Collective Horology came up with a version of the Defy Skyline that is truly different. In a stream of limited editions, this one stands out. It’s not just a matter of new colors and a different finish. This Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Edition also offers a fresh take on the watch that shows the great potential of the design.

With the relocation of the 1/10th-of-a-second indicator, the omission of the date window, and the different depths of the engraved stars, I feel like this is the nicest Defy Skyline dial to date. On top of that, I love the monochromatic matte appearance with the little hints of orange. It gives the watch an almost futuristic feel that suits its modern design. So hats off to both Zenith and Collective Horlogy for creating another standout limited edition that will undoubtedly find its way to enthusiasts and collectors.

Zenith will produce 200 pieces of this Defy Skyline C.X Edition, which is for sale now for €12,900. They are available exclusively through Collective Horology and the Zenith online boutique. The watch will also be available at Zenith’s physical boutiques starting December 19th.

What do you think of the new C.X Edition compared to other Defy Skyline models? Let us know in the comments.