Zenith recently launched the DEFY Skyline Edition Paris watch especially for Paris, France, where there is a big event to be held in 2024, which means that this watch is only sold exclusively in France, and it is only available in a very small number of 50 pieces, and this watch also features a new color scheme for the first time in the series.
Inspired by the Parisian skyline, Zenith found a connection between the watch and this historic cosmopolitan city, for example, with its many classical and contemporary buildings, similar to the DEFY Skyline's angular lines and miniature architecture, which allowed the brand to find an entry point that could further enhance the exterior of the watch.
▲In order to pay tribute to the local urban culture of Paris, Zenith has launched a limited edition, and the gradient green face plate is very eye-catching on the hand.
In Paris, known as the "City of Light", from the luxurious rooftops of historic buildings, the Art Nouveau entrances and exits of subway stations, or the bridges that have been built a long time ago, "bronze" material is a local element, if you want to think a little simpler, Zenith can use bronze to make DEFY Skyline Edition Paris exterior parts, but considering that the market acceptance of bronze watches is not loved, the brand still conservatively uses stainless steel to make cases and bracelets. However, they found an important highlight in the creation of bronze from the fact that the bronze material can take on a patina hue over time.
It turns out that the brand tried the patina dial this time to give the watch a refreshing feeling, and the green tone itself has a gradient effect, which can magically gather people's eyes on the watch, bringing a strong first impression of the watch, this color is also the first time in the modern DEFY series to try a new color. As early as the 1960s~1970s, when the DEFY series was first introduced, the brand had already used gradient color dials to enhance the visual charm of the watch.
▲The small seconds dial can accurately display 1/10th of a second, which represents the high-vibration movement contained in the watch.
DEFY Skyline's signature starry sky pattern dial has been interpreted in a graded patina and is in a unique way, and although the appearance of the watch has not been significantly changed, the ingenuity of the color scheme alone is enough to make this watch stand out. The transparent caseback of the watch also shows the El Primero 3620 calibre inside, which has a balance wheel that oscillates at 36,000 vph, so that the small seconds can be displayed in a 1/10th of a second in a bold manner, unlike the usual small three-hand watch with a 60-second revolution. The movement has a power reserve of 60 hours and a stop-seconds function, which allows it to adjust the watch to its most basic units at the right time.
▲The case back is roughly the same as the regular DEFY Skyline small three hands, but Zenith has added the Paris edition and a limited edition number to strengthen the watch's collectible significance.
A closer look at the case back on the edge of the transparent caseback also features the inscription "EDITION PARIS", which is symmetrical to the left and right of the serial number of 50 pieces. The DEFY Skyline, which originally adopted a special star-shaped rotor shape, adds more precious details to the case back; Also on the back is the watch's quick-release system, which allows the wearer to operate the upper and lower handles of the case to detach the strap and quickly replace it with another strap, changing the style and mood of the watch at any time.
DEFY Skyline Edition Paris
Stainless steel / Automatic El Primero 3620 / Hours, minutes, small seconds, date / Sapphire crystal, transparent case-back / Water resistant to 100 m / Diameter 41mm / Limited edition of 50 pieces