Introducing: The Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Boutique Edition
In January 2023, Zenith released the first Defy Skyline Boutique Edition. The release flew under the radar for most watch fans, but it was a stylish version of Zenith’s popular integrated-bracelet sports watch. Later that year, the brand unveiled a boutique-only version of the Defy Skyline Skeleton as well. Now it’s time for the third addition to that boutique-exclusive lineup with the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Boutique Edition. Judging from first glance, this might be the best of the series yet.
Zenith is no stranger to boutique exclusives, and this Defy Skyline Boutique Edition series is certainly not the only one. Earlier this year, the brand released two boutique editions of its pilot models, which Thomas reported on. If you are a Zenith enthusiast, you might also remember a trio of ice-blue-dialed Defy Skyline models released last year. It was a series for men and women in 41mm and 36mm sizes that still look good.
The story of the Defy Skyline Boutique Editions
What I love about the Boutique Editions is that Zenith visually ties them together. This doesn’t make them just nice standalone releases but also a great series of collectible watches. Specifically, with this series of Defy Skyline Boutique Editions, I can imagine collectors acquiring all three of them. The models have the same beautiful colorway, but all three are distinctive in their presence.
The Zenith Defy Skyline Boutique Edition from 2023
What ties the watches together is the combination of gray and rose gold used for the dials. Both the Defy Skyline Boutique Edition and this new Defy Skyline Chronograph feature a metallic slate-gray dial with the signature engraved four-pointed stars in a rose gold hue. Of course, the Defy Skyline Skeleton has an open-worked dial, so it is slightly different, with only a slate-gray ring on the periphery of the dial.
The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton from 2023
However, the gold-tone indices and handsets of all three models are more elements linking these Boutique Editions. Not only is it a nice way to connect them, but the chosen combination of colors looks super stylish.
The Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Boutique Edition
Focusing on today’s release, this is the very first Defy Skyline Chronograph Boutique Edition. The modern chronograph debuted during Watches and Wonders earlier this year and is a great, logical addition to the lineup. This watch has a 42mm stainless steel case with a 47.4mm lug-to-lug and 12.7mm thickness. The dimensions make for a relatively slim chronograph compared to many of its peers.
The predominantly brushed case has a faceted dodecagonal bezel that is brushed on top and polished on the sides. The integrated bracelet also features the same refined finishes. At first glance, it appears only brushed, but as you start moving the individual links, you will see that they feature polished portions for a nice visual sparkle.
The gray dial with the rose-gold-colored stars and indices also contains three slightly overlapping sub-dials. They get some extra refinement thanks to an azurage finish combined with white numerals. The central and small hands of the two chronograph registers at 3 and 6 o’clock feature red tips to hint at their function. It’s a nice detail that fits the color scheme well.
Inside the 42mm case, Zenith equips the Defy Skyline Chronograph with its El Primero 3600 movement. This in-house 1/10th-of-a-second chronograph caliber is visible through the sapphire window on the back and features the familiar star-shaped rotor with bidirectional winding. The caliber operates at 36,000vph, offers 60 hours of power reserve when fully wound, and features a date complication seen at 4:30 on the dial.
The 4:30 date is one shared characteristic of many El Primero-powered watches, and here, it blends in nicely. This watch features a date disc matching the color of the dial and with numerals printed in white. The rose gold frame ensures it’s nicely in line with the dial colors.
Final thoughts on the new Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Boutique Edition
The new Defy Skyline Chronograph Boutique Edition is a wonderful extension of the Boutique Edition lineup. Additionally, it is a great standalone piece that shows the design brilliance of the chronograph Defy Skyline Chronograph. On top of that, I greatly admire the very recognizable design signature of the Defy collection. The angular case and faceted bezel combined with the beautiful integrated bracelet make for a series of watches that are among my favorite modern creations.
This specific Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Boutique Edition also comes with a black star-patterned rubber strap. Thanks to the quick-change system, swapping between the strap and bracelet is super easy.
The watch is available exclusively through Zenith’s physical and online boutiques worldwide for €13,900. Overall, I think this is a fantastic addition to the lineup that shows the great style of both the Defy Skyline Chronograph and the specific dial colorway. Compliments to Zenith for confirming once more that it is one of the most stylish brands out there.
For more information on the Defy Skyline Chronograph Boutique Edition, visit the official Zenith website.
