Held in the global design capital of Milan from 20 to 22 January 2026, LVMH Watch Week provides the ultimate backdrop for Zenith to unveil the latest evolution of its avant-garde DEFY collection. Deeply rooted in the Manufacture’s heritage since 1865, yet radically inspired by the pulse of the modern city, these new timepieces represent a coherent intersection of mechanical watchmaking and contemporary design. Moving beyond previous iterations, these updated models emphasise metropolitan contrasts, capturing dynamic interplays of light and shadow through monolithic geometric forms as well as advanced material innovations.
Leading this modern renaissance is the DEFY Skyline Skeleton, a timepiece that boldly pairs a 41 mm black ceramic case, water-resistant to 10 ATM, with a striking gold-toned openworked dial. The watch reveals the architectural beauty of the El Primero 3620 SK automatic movement, beating at a high frequency of 36,000 VpH (5 Hz) with a 55-hour power reserve. Gold-plated, faceted hour markers and hands, generously coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1, ensure legibility alongside hours, minutes, and a mesmerising 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock. This monumental piece is secured by an integrated black ceramic bracelet with a double folding clasp, alongside an interchangeable black rubber strap.
Continuing the pursuit of dark elegance, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph offers a sophisticated take on high-frequency timing, encased entirely in highly durable, scratch-resistant black ceramic. At 42 mm, this 10-ATM resistant chronograph houses the revered El Primero 3600 automatic calibre, offering a 60-hour power reserve and a 36,000 VpH frequency that drives the 1/10th of a second display. The gradient grey starry sky dial is adorned with rhodium-plated markers and hands, perfectly balancing the sub-dials for small seconds at 9 o’clock and the date at 4:30.
Possibly the most technically expressive piece is the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton, the first tourbillon within the Skyline collection. Crafted in rose gold and limited to 50 pieces, it showcases the automatic El Primero 3630 SK in vivid blue. Skeletonised around the Zenith star, the one-minute tourbillon oscillates at 5 Hz, delivering a 50-hour power reserve. The absence of a conventional dial allows the peripheral flange to carry hour markers, while polished chamfers, PVD-treated bridges, and contrasting finishes heighten depth. The 41 mm case is water-resistant to 100 metres and paired with a rose gold bracelet or blue rubber strap with folding clasp.
Shifting to refined, everyday elegance, the DEFY Skyline 36 introduces a universally appealing 36 mm stainless steel case. Driven by the Elite 670 automatic movement—beating at 28,800 VpH (4 Hz) with a 50-hour power reserve and a star-shaped oscillating weight—it displays central functions and a date indication at 3 o’clock. The silver-toned sunray dial gleams with rhodium-plated finishes. For those seeking extra radiance, the luxurious DEFY Skyline 36 with diamonds elevates this exact technical profile by setting the twelve-sided bezel with 52 VVS brilliant-cut diamonds, totalling approximately 1.00 carat. The models are available with steel bracelets and black rubber straps adorned with a starry-sky pattern.
Finally, Zenith pays homage to one of the earliest DEFY models from 1969 with the DEFY Revival A3643. This modern reinterpretation preserves the compact proportions, faceted steel case, and bold ladder bracelet of the original reference, while updating it with contemporary manufacturing and reliability. Its clean, legible dial and vintage-inspired hands reinforce Zenith’s ability to translate heritage into a modern context without nostalgia overload. Defined by its rugged 37 mm octagonal steel case and iconic 14-sided bezel, this model boasts an impressive 30 ATM water resistance. Beneath the sunray silver dial, the Elite 670 movement beats at 4 Hz and has a 50-hour power reserve.
All in all, the latest DEFY collection showcases a convergence of high-frequency mechanics, modern materials, and architectural design which are confidently urban, unmistakably Zenith.
