Closer Look: Zenith Defy Skyline Ceramic Americas Edition

Introduced a month or so ago during the 2024 edition of SIAR México, the largest watch event in Latin America, the new Zenith Defy Skyline Ceramic Americas Limited Edition timepiece is well worth taking a closer look at. Crafted in black ceramic and adorned with striking green and rose gold accents, it is exclusive to the Americas, with only 100 pieces being made.

The Defy Skyline has garnered attention since its debut in 2022 for its bold design and architectural lines, seamlessly blending Zenith’s heritage with modernity. The Americas edition elevates this lineage, showcasing the unique properties of ceramic and a mesmerizing two-tone dial that demands a closer look.

The black ceramic case of this new version is not just an aesthetic choice; it’s a functional marvel. Ceramic is celebrated for its extreme hardness, making it resistant to scratches and visible wear. Unlike blackened metals, which are often plated, the black hue in this watch runs through the material, ensuring lasting durability. The Defy Skyline’s angular case design, achieved with diamond-tipped tools, features a mix of satin-brushed and polished finishes, creating a dynamic interplay of textures. This robust material is complemented by an integrated black ceramic bracelet, seamlessly merging with the case.

At the heart of this watch is its dial—a true visual masterpiece. A rich, sunray-finished metallic green surface fades into a constellation of engraved rose gold-toned stars, evoking the starry night sky. This intricate geometric motif, inspired by vintage Defy case backs, adds depth and contrast while reflecting light from every angle. Gold-tone hands and applied markers, coated with Super-LumiNova, enhance visibility in all lighting conditions.

Inside, the watch is powered by Zenith’s El Primero 3620 automatic high-frequency movement. Beating at an impressive 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour), it features a 1/10th of a second indicator directly linked to the escapement—a hallmark of Zenith’s technical prowess. The movement’s bi-directional winding mechanism, with a blackened star-shaped rotor, provides a robust 60-hour power reserve, ensuring reliability for everyday wear.

For added versatility, the Defy Skyline Ceramic Americas Edition comes with a dark green patterned rubber strap featuring a blackened steel folding clasp. Thanks to the watch’s integrated quick strap-change mechanism, switching between the ceramic bracelet and rubber strap is effortless.

Priced at $15,500 USD, this limited-edition watch is available exclusively through Zenith’s online boutiques and authorized retailers in North and South America.