n architectural watch for one of the world’s most spectacular metropoles. The Defy Skyline serves as a modern successor to the very first Zenith Defy wristwatch model from 1969. With its sculpted lines and geometric facets, the Defy Skyline seamlessly merges the past and present with its singular design and unwavering robustness that have become hallmarks of the Defy Skyline collection. What sets the Defy Skyline Édition Paris apart is its striking verdigris gradient dial.

Fitting the Defy Skyline’s sculpted and angular silhouette, Zenith drew inspiration from the Parisian horizon, where classical as well as contemporary architecture seamlessly blend into a panorama like no other. From the lavish rooftops of historical buildings to the art-nouveau metro entrances, and bridges from a bygone era, copper is everywhere in the City of Light. Like an ode to longevity and endurance, aged copper develops an intense verdigris tone while standing steadfast against the elements – and time itself.

Beyond the intense verdigris colour of the dial that evokes weathered copper, its gradient effect makes the Defy Skyline Édition Paris truly outstanding. It is something that Zenith pioneered back in 1969 with the earliest Defy wristwatches. In particular, the A3642, A3690 and A3691 stand out as pieces that truly marked the 1970s for their original use of colour, enhanced by a gradient or “vignette” effect that darkens towards the edges. The Defy Skyline Édition Paris marks the first time that Zenith incorporates this effect in a modern incarnation of the Defy, adding a layer of depth to the geometric dial engraved with Zenith’s signature Starry Sky pattern.

The Defy Skyline Édition Paris is powered by the El Primero 3620 automatic high-frequency calibre, featuring a 1/10th of a second indicator that’s driven directly from the 5Hz escapement. It features a power reserve of approximately 60 hours and is endowed with a stop-second mechanism for precise time-setting. For this special edition, the case back is engraved with “ÉDITION PARIS” and the watch’s limited edition number out of 50.

The Defy Skyline Édition Paris comes on an integrated steel bracelet, as well as a black patterned rubber strap to make the most of the case’s ingenious quick strap-change mechanism that requires no tools to operate.

Each of the 50 pieces will be delivered in a locally designed & created bespoke package and will be numbered in accordance with the watches’ limited-edition numbers for the ultimate collectible set. The Defy Skyline Édition Paris is a limited edition of 50 pieces, available exclusively from Zenith physical and online boutiques in France.

Zenith exists to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and make them come true – against all odds. Since its establishment in 1865, Zenith became the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, and its watches have accompanied extraordinary figures that dreamt big and strived to achieve the impossible – from Louis Blériot’s history-making flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-setting stratospheric free-fall jump. Zenith is also highlighting visionary and trailblazing women by celebrating their accomplishments and creating the DREAMHERS platform where women share their experiences and inspire others to fulfil their dreams.

With innovation as its guiding star, Zenith exclusively features in-house developed and manufactured movements in all its watches. Since the creation of the El Primero in 1969, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre, Zenith has gone on to master high-frequency precision and offers time measurements in fractions of a second, including 1/10th of a second in the Chronomaster collection and 1/100th of a second in the Defy collection. Because innovation is synonymous with responsibility, the Zenith HORIZ-ON initiative affirms the brand’s commitments to inclusion & diversity, sustainability and employee wellbeing. Zenith has been shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking since 1865, accompanying those who dare to challenge themselves and reach new heights. The time to reach your star is now.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Reference: 03.9302.3620/75.I001

Key points: El Primero 3-hand watch. High-frequency indication: 1/10th of a second subdial at 9 o’clock. Silicon escape wheel and lever. Starry sky pattern on the dial. Screwed-in crown. Full Interchangeable strap system.

• Movement: El Primero 3620 automatic
• Frequency: 36’000 VpH – 5Hz
• Power reserve: approx. 60 hours
• Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. 1/10th of a second indication at 9 o’clock. Date indication at 3 o’clock.
• Finishes: Special oscillating weight with satined finishings
• Material: Stainless steel
• Water resistance: 10 ATM
• Case: 41mm
• Dial: Green verdigris gradient
• Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
• Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
• Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel bracelet. 2nd bracelet black rubber with starry sky pattern. Stainless steel folding clasp.
• Price: 9’400 CHF