Zenith’s Defy Skyline Black Ceramic models cross over to the dark side of horology
D.C. Hannay- The Skyline series gets two new models, decked out in sinister full black ceramic
- The Defy Skyline Skeleton Black Ceramic is a real contender among stealth-wealth showpieces
- Both models are powered by time-only El Primero calibres
Zenith’s Defy collection has gone over to the dark side for Watches and Wonders. The brand has just released two new Skyline models in full black ceramic, the Defy Skyline and the Defy Skyline Skeleton, and I have to say, this move has amped up the wow factor for an already uber-hot model by several multiples. Let’s jump in with what’s new for 2023.
Zenith Defy Skyline Black Ceramic
Zenith’s Defy Skyline made quite the splash upon its release last year, waiting lists and all, and for 2023, they’ve upped the ante with a blacked-out full ceramic version, a tempting alternative to ceramic integrated bracelet. And it’s this material that elevates the Skyline into another strata.
If you haven’t experienced the visual and tactile thrills of a ceramic case, and the look and feel of the brushed and polished surfaces playing with each other, it really is quite something to behold. Luxe in a way that’s almost jewel-like is the best way I can describe it. Those angles are the same as their steel counterpart’s, but the black ceramic just hits different. The same goes for the ceramic H-link bracelet, offering a completely different but upscale feel to the steel variant.
Apart from the case and bracelet material, the new dark Skyline shares mostly the same specs as the steel versions. The case has the same 41mm diameter, but with the black ceramic, it gains a real depth, standing apart from the steel versions with a lighter weight and sinuous feel. The starry sky pattern of the black sunray dial also does wonderful things with the light, and allows the rhodium and bright white Super-LumiNova of the handset and indices to jump out. Again, water resistance is 100 metres, and the crown screws down, making the Skyline a proper sporting watch. As with the original, the dial also features the 1/10 second subdial at 9 furiously spinning away, with the discreet date window at 3. Look around back through the sapphire display window, and you’ll see the star-shaped rotor of Zenith’s El Primero 3620 high-frequency in-house movement, humming along at 36,000 VpH, and it boasts a 60-hour power reserve. And although I reckon this one’s staying on that gorgeous ceramic bracelet, you can easily swap without tools, should you want to switch it up with the included star-patterned rubber strap that affixes with a black PVD folding clasp.
Zenith Defy Skyline Black Ceramic pricing and availability:
The Zenith Defy Skyline Black Ceramic’s availability is TBA, priced at CHF 14,900.
| Brand | Zenith |
| Model | Defy Skyline Black Ceramic |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 11.6mm (T) x 46.3mm (L to L) |
| Case Material | Black ceramic |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Black sunray |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Bracelet/Strap | Black ceramic/Black rubber |
| Movement | El Primero 3620 automatic |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, 1/10 second |
| Availability | TBA |
| Price | CHF 14,900 |
Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton Black Ceramic
The standard Skyline isn’t the only model getting the blacked-out ceramic treatment. The hit Defy Skyline Skeleton also gets in on the fun, and it’s this added A-list touch that pushes it a step above the rest. For me, this one’s the killer app of the new models, and demand is sure to be through the roof. Just look at that dial, with the blackened openwork evoking the Zenith 4-pointed star. And behind that focal point, the view of the hands, indices, and movement works is just breathtaking. As a bonus for the OCD among us, Zenith has done away with the date indicator and moved the 1/10 second subdial to 6 o’clock, lending a beautiful symmetry that exists only when manufactures resist the temptation to overcomplicate the dial.
The Defy Skyline Skeleton Black Ceramic’s specs and dimensions are otherwise similar to its non-skeletonised sibling. It gets the same El Primero 3620 movement with a silicon escape wheel and lever, same 100 metre water resistance and screwdown crown, and the same included rubber strap option.
But because of that blackened dial treatment, which subdues the skeletonised construction to allow the movement works to take top billing, it just feels different. More of an event, if you’re picking up what I’m putting down. It’s a real contender for fans of the integrated niche, and I love the taste and restraint it shows while still going over the top.
Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton Black Ceramic pricing and availability:
The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton Black Ceramic’s availability is TBA, priced at CHF16,900.
| Brand | Zenith |
| Model | Defy Skyline Skeleton Black Ceramic |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 11.6mm (T) x 46.3mm (L to L) |
| Case Material | Black ceramic |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Skeletonised black |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Bracelet/Strap | Black ceramic/Black rubber |
| Movement | El Primero 3620 automatic |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, 1/10 second |
| Availability | TBA |
| Price | CHF16,900 |