An exciting new addition to ZENITH's DEFY Skyline collection has been revealed with the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon. now available in two versions in steel and black ceramic.
The tourbillon mechanism was originally conceived at the end of the 18th century to counteract the effects of gravity on the watch’s precision. In this new timepiece, ZENITH has given it its own modernistic spin to demonstrate the its expertise in high-frequency precision across multiple movement types and functions as well as the edgy design of the DEFY collection.
Like all El Primero calibres, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon’s movement operates at a high-frequency rate of 5Hz (36’000 VpH), ensuring optimal chronometric performance with a high resistance to shocks.
Housed in a faceted and highly geometric 41mm case and matching bracelet in either stainless steel or black ceramic, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon melds the distinctively bold and architectural design of the DEFY Skyline with the mechanical animation of a tourbillon mechanism.
The central kinetic element of the DEFY Skyline is visible through an aperture on the dial’s lower portion. Fixed to a finely mirror-polished bridge with sharp bevels, the tourbillon cage takes on the shape of an open four-pointed star, with the same futuristic lines as those found in other DEFY references with tourbillon mechanisms.
Turning ceaselessly around its own axis, the tourbillon completes one revolution every 60 seconds.
The DEFY Skyline’s signature sunray-patterned metallic dial with an engraved starry sky pattern has been adapted specifically for the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon, to accentuate the high-frequency tourbillon.
Either in blue for the steel version or black for the ceramic version, the mosaic of engraved four-pointed stars appear to radiate out of the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, expanding as they reach the outer perimeter of the dial. The luminescent applied markers and hands further add contrast to the dial, with rhodium plated indices for the blue dial and rose gold plated indices for the black dial.
Powering the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon is the new El Primero 3630 automatic high-frequency manufacture calibre, with a power reserve of 60 hours. Mirroring the expansive decoration of the dial-side that emanates from the tourbillon, the côtes de Genève stripes on the bridges are arranged in a sunray pattern that appear to dart out of the tourbillon. The open star-shaped rotor allows for an open view of the contemporary movement architecture.
Like all DEFY Skyline models, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon comes on a stainless steel or black ceramic bracelet, with a second strap in blue or black rubber with folding clasp supplied that can easily be switched using the case back’s quick strap-change mechanism requiring no tools.
