At LVMH Watch Week 2026, ZENITH practically dedicated the entire stage to the DEFY collection. This wasn't simply because the series currently enjoys high market recognition, but because the DEFY served as the perfect platform for the brand to engage with "contemporary watchmaking." Its geometric structure, avant-garde materials, and high-frequency movement—these key elements were repeatedly emphasized in this year's new models, clearly showcasing Zenith's vision for the future of timepieces https://www.captainthewatch.is/.
The most prominent common feature of the 2026 DEFY collection is its profound fascination with "architectural aesthetics." From the case lines and openwork structure to the arrangement of the movement bridges, everything possesses a strong sense of three-dimensionality and structural logic. Zenith clearly no longer views openwork as mere decoration, but rather as a form of spatial design. Material selection also revolves around this thinking. For example, the extensive use of black ceramic makes the case itself resemble a dark volume, while the gold and blue components of the movement play the role of city lights at night. This contrast of light and shadow allows the watch to present drastically different expressions from different angles.
The DEFY Skyline Skeleton can almost be seen as a condensed version of Zenith's designs this year. The black ceramic case contrasts sharply with the gold skeletonized movement, a color scheme that is particularly striking under light. The layered movement structure resembles the staggered windows of a skyscraper at night; the skeletonization isn't just for "revealing the movement," but is meticulously arranged to create a clear visual order between the bridges, gears, and indicator system. Inside is the El Primero 3620 SK skeletonized automatic movement. The most recognizable feature is the 1/10th-second display hand, directly driven by the 5Hz escapement. This hand completes a revolution every 10 seconds, moving at an extremely fast pace, creating a strong contrast with the standard second hand and making time "visible in its speed." In terms of wearability, the integrated black ceramic bracelet continues the lines of the case, creating a strong sense of unity; while the quick-change system allows the user to freely switch between the rubber strap and the bracelet, perfectly suited to the pace of urban life.
The DEFY Skyline Chronograph is the first chronograph in the Skyline series to be crafted entirely from black ceramic, resulting in an exceptionally high level of visual integrity. Zenith's black ceramic is not a surface treatment, but a solid material consistent throughout, offering two advantages: firstly, practicality in terms of wear and scratch resistance; and secondly, a pure and textured feel. Through brushing and polishing in different directions, the black is not monotonous, but rather presents a sculptural layering. The dial features a gradient design, brighter in the center and darker at the edges, further enhanced by a four-pointed star embossing, adding depth to the overall look. The chronograph function is powered by the El Primero 3600 automatic movement, with the 1/10th-second chronograph display remaining the main focus. The central chronograph hand also rotates once every 10 seconds, making it highly appealing to enthusiasts of dynamic mechanics. Beneath the sapphire crystal case back, the blue column wheel and star-shaped rotor are clearly visible, details that serve as a visual signature of the brand's chronograph tradition.
