Zenith's newly unveiled Defy Skyline Skeleton watch stirs a celestial awe inside me
The Swiss luxury watchmaker Zenith has unveiled the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic, the third and final instalment in the collaborative 'Surfer Trilogy' with Australian watch media company Time+Tide. This limited-edition timepiece continues the ocean-inspired design theme with a fresh, summery aesthetic.
Measuring 41mm in diameter and approximately 11mm thick, the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic features a sleek white ceramic case, screw-down crown, and interchangeable white rubber strap. The case boasts sharp facets and geometric contours in brushed and polished finishes, typical of the Defy line.
The star of the show is the open-worked dial, which showcases a skeletonised movement with a dramatic star shape, reminiscent of Zenith's logo. The dial transitions from a darker navy blue at the top to a lighter sky blue at the bottom, creating a visually striking effect. The bridges on the dial are inspired by Zenith's five-pointed star logo and filled with Super-LumiNova, enhancing legibility and visual appeal.
Powering the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic is the El Primero 3620 SK calibre, which includes a tenth-of-a-second chronograph display, reflecting the brand’s high-precision mechanics. The watch is water-resistant to 100 metres and has a power reserve of 55 hours.
The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic is a 100-piece limited edition, priced at £18,900 / $19,600. Given the history of swift sellouts for earlier "Surfer Trilogy" editions, availability may be limited and demand high among collectors. The watch is available to buy at Zenith and Time + Tide.
With its robust and modern full ceramic case, artistic gradient skeleton dial, and technical sophistication, the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic is a watch designed for sporty elegance and coastal lifestyles, particularly suitable for summer and water activities. It serves as a fitting finale to the Surfer Trilogy, embodying Zenith’s high standards in craftsmanship and innovative design.
[1] Zenith (2025). Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic. [Online] Available at: https://www.zenith-watches.com/en-gb/watches/defy/defy-skyline/defy-skyline-skeleton-white-surfer-ceramic [Accessed 10 May 2025]. [2] Time+Tide (2025). Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic. [Online] Available at: https://www.timeandtidewatches.com/news/zenith-defy-skyline-skeleton-white-surfer-ceramic/ [Accessed 10 May 2025]. [3] Hodinkee (2025). Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic: The Final Chapter Of The Surfer Trilogy. [Online] Available at: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/zenith-defy-skyline-skeleton-white-surfer-ceramic-final-chapter-surfer-trilogy [Accessed 10 May 2025]. [4] A Blog to Watch (2025). Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic: The Final Chapter Of The Surfer Trilogy. [Online] Available at: https://ablogtowatch.com/zenith-defy-skyline-skeleton-white-surfer-ceramic-final-chapter-surfer-trilogy/ [Accessed 10 May 2025]. [5] WatchPro (2025). Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic. [Online] Available at: https://www.watchpro.com/news/zenith-defy-skyline-skeleton-white-surfer-ceramic/ [Accessed 10 May 2025].
[1] In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic could seamlessly blend with one's summer wardrobe, offering a smart-home-device-like sophistication that mirrors the latest technological advancements.
[2] As the home-and-garden season approaches, this limited-edition timepiece serves as an excellent conversation starter, exhibiting a lifestyle that embraces both nature's serenity and technology's innovation.
[3] For the tech enthusiasts, the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic is not just a watch; it's a gadget that doubles as a fashion statement, embodying the fusion of fashion-and-beauty and technology in one sleek package.
