Since its establishment in 1865, Zenith has been at the forefront of high-frequency precision watchmaking, with the most iconic being the El Primero high-frequency automatic chronograph movement launched in 1969. The Defy series, born in the same year, hinted at the future of high-end sports watch design with its avant-garde aesthetics and sturdy structure. Although it started off rather understated, it has gradually become a signature style of the brand over the years.
Following last year’s spotlight on the Chronomaster Sport and the DEFY Skyline skeleton, showcasing the brand’s ongoing exploration of sports timing and skeleton technology, Zenith is sharpening its focus on the DEFY collection at the 2026 LVMH Watch Week. From revisiting classics to introducing a tourbillon skeleton structure for the first time, this year’s five new timepieces embody Zenith’s deepening and breakthrough advancements in technology, structure, and material aesthetics. This further solidifies DEFY’s position as the core of the brand’s innovative language.
DEFY Revival A3643 Reissue
Since 2022, Zenith has been gradually reviving its early Defy models from the 1960s and 70s, and this year, they’re presenting a reissue of the iconic 1969 DEFY A3643. This piece features a striking 37mm octagonal stainless steel case paired with a fourteen-sided bezel, showcasing bold geometric lines that exude both strength and a sense of history. The sunburst silver dial has been crafted through high-precision scans of the original antique watch, utilizing reverse engineering to recreate its intricate details, ensuring that even the polishing layers of each applied hour marker are meticulously replicated. The hour markers boast a two-layer design, with the upper layer featuring a satin-finished metal surface and the lower layer set against a glossy black lacquered recess, enhancing the depth and contrast. The orange seconds hand serves as a visual highlight, echoing the style of that era.
Equipped with the Elite 670 automatic movement, featuring a frequency of 4 Hz and a power reserve of 50 hours, this watch also showcases a transparent case back revealing its skeletonized star-shaped rotor. With a remarkable waterproof capability of up to 300 meters, it boasts a practicality that is rare in replica pieces. Complemented by the original Gay Frères design Ladder bracelet, it significantly enhances its collectible value, with a reference price of approximately HKD 59,100.
DEFY Skyline 36mm
Since its debut, the DEFY Skyline has quickly become one of Zenith’s flagship collections. The new 36mm model features a silver sunburst dial, complemented by the classic star motif and a unisex case design, offering both diamond-set and non-diamond options to perfectly match various occasions. The diamond-set version is adorned with 52 bright-cut VVS diamonds, totaling approximately 1 carat, expertly set on the dodecagonal bezel, radiating a soft glow.
This watch is equipped with the Elite 670 automatic movement, featuring a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 50 hours. The movement boasts a silver finish and is complemented by a skeletonized star-shaped rotor. The transparent case back allows wearers to admire the intricate detailing, highlighting the craftsmanship involved. The 36mm stainless steel case comes with a practical screw-down crown and is water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it worry-free for everyday wear. All styles support a quick-change strap function, and it comes with a black star-shaped rubber strap that can be easily swapped without any tools. The standard version has a reference price of approximately HKD 71,900, while the diamond-set version is around HKD 101,900.
DEFY Skyline Chronograph & DEFY Skyline Skeleton
The DEFY Skyline Chronograph has just launched a new version in black ceramic, showcasing a tension that’s completely different from the previous blue stainless steel models. The ceramic is fully colored and has a non-coating treatment, making it scratch-resistant and durable. It features a 42mm geometric case combined with an integrated bracelet that exudes a sculptural vibe. The gray-black gradient dial is equipped with symmetrical chronograph subdials and is powered by the El Primero 3600 column-wheel automatic chronograph movement, achieving a frequency of up to 36,000 beats per hour and a timing function with 1/10th of a second precision. The central chronograph hand completes a full rotation every 10 seconds, mimicking the flow of urban rhythms. Under the transparent case back, the blue column wheel and star-shaped oscillating weight are visible. It comes with a black rubber strap that supports a quick-release design, with a reference price of approximately HKD 149,600.
The DEFY Skyline Skeleton reinterprets the same rhythmic concept through its openwork structure. Encased in a 41mm black ceramic case, it features the golden El Primero 3620 SK skeleton movement, with a star-shaped bridge and a rotating disc that spins every 10 seconds, creating a rich visual focal point. The escapement system directly drives the small disc at 6 o’clock, making a full rotation every 10 seconds, and boasts a power reserve of 55 hours, transforming the urban rhythm into tangible operation. The overall lines continue the series’ geometric language while also offering 100 meters of water resistance and a quick-release function. It comes with a black rubber strap and has a reference price of approximately HKD 144,700.
DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton
One of the most significant releases this year is the limited-edition DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton watch, with only 50 pieces available. For the first time, the El Primero tourbillon movement has been fully skeletonized and integrated into the DEFY Skyline framework. The 41mm case and bracelet are crafted from rose gold, beautifully complemented by a blue skeleton dial and golden movement bridges, creating a visually stunning effect. The sapphire crystal glass features a floating Zenith logo, while the main plate showcases a star-shaped structure that reveals the beauty of its multi-layered design.
The movement is the El Primero 3630 SK, featuring automatic winding and a frequency of up to 36,000 vibrations per hour. At the 6 o’clock position, the tourbillon frame completes a full rotation every minute, composed of 56 parts, with the bridge coated in blue PVD and polished chamfers, reflecting inspiration from contemporary architecture. The mainspring box is designed with a hollow structure, showcasing the power release process and providing approximately 50 hours of endurance. This watch also features a quick-release strap system, including a blue star-shaped rubber strap that pairs with a rose gold folding buckle, with a reference price of around HKD 786,300.
