Allow us to be trustworthy; there are fairly just a few high-end, time-only watches in stainless-steel with an built-in bracelet design to select from. Some have set the tempo on this class, whereas others got here alongside the best way, scooping up the remaining room available in the market. So what possesses a model to enter this market with one more mannequin? I do not know, however I’m glad Zenith took this daring transfer final 12 months with the Defy Skyline.

Zenith Defy Skyline on the wrist
El Primero gentle
I didn’t know that I used to be lacking a watch just like the Defy Skyline, however I clearly was. In essence, it’s a Zenith El Primero, minus the chronograph half, leaving us with a pleasant high-frequency time-only watch.

Zenith Defy Skyline with black dial on metal bracelet
It has a racing subdial, which serves as 1/tenth of a second indicator. Its sensible use is non-existence, however it’s a refined solution to remind you, and folks seeing your watch, that you’re strolling round with a watch operating at 5 Hz/36,000 VpH.
This additionally affords elevated precision, however because it lacks an everyday seconds hand, it’s onerous to trace the impact of that with out further gear. To me that is about as related as having a chat in regards to the fuel-economy of a Ferrari Roma; I don’t care.

The Zenith El Primero automation motion powers the Defy Skyline
I do care although that the motion seems nice via the sapphire insert within the case again. Its industrial end is complemented by a phenomenal oscillating weight that includes the Zenith star. It winds in each instructions and affords an influence reserve of 60 hours.

Zenith Defy Skyline on metal bracelet
One other factor I like about it’s {that a} sports activities watch has respectable water resistance. Nothing is so irritating as sporting a watch made for an energetic life-style that’s afraid of getting moist. Zenith additionally takes care of this by providing a water resistance of 10 ATM.

Zenith Defy Skyline on the wrist
Beauty
Standing out on this phase of the market and avoiding trying like the standard topics and even being in comparison with them, it’s a must to give you not , however an excellent design. Zenith has most actually executed that with the Defy Skyline. It clearly has the model’s DNA however can also be a daring proposition because it cleverly takes some design cues from the well-known Defy A3642. This each provides it pedigree and infuses the Defy Skyline with a singular character.

Zenith Defy Skyline on the wrist
With a 41mm diameter case, it is vitally wearable. The ending is great, and the steel bracelet tremendously contributes to excellent sporting consolation. This may very well be even additional elevated if the clasp would enable for micro-adjustments, which it sadly doesn’t. The watch may be very nicely constructed, and fitted with a big crown that’s nearly as good trying as it’s straightforward to function.

The intricately patterned dial of the Zenith Defy Skyline
The dial is legible, due to daring palms and hour markers, however impresses largely due to its stunning hue and complicated sample. This provides the Defy Skyline a way of luxurious and class with out getting in the best way of its sportive character. Usually I’m not a fan of the normal date window, however Zenith did a pleasant manner and built-in it in a refined manner. The date additionally helps stability the design of the dial
The not-so-integrated bracelet
Zenith achieved an built-in bracelet design that isn’t as built-in because it appears. The bracelet will be swapped in seconds with out the usage of any instruments for a rubber strap. Whereas I’m usually all about getting further straps to vary the look of the watch, the Defy Skyline seems so drop-dead attractive on its bracelet that I can’t think about sporting it in one other configuration. Perhaps I’ll change my thoughts if Zenith introduces gold variations of this mannequin, however for now, the bracelet is absolutely the winner.
Shade me loopy
Zenith is presently providing the Defy Skyline with a blue, black, or white dial.

Zenith Defy Skyline with black, blue and white dials
Whereas magnificence is within the eye of the beholder, the blue is sort of charismatic, additionally due to the dial decorations. These are equally attractive on the white dial, which makes the Defy Skyline look barely bigger on the wrist attributable to its gentle hue.

Zenith Defy Skyline on the wrist
The black is a little more understated and wears barely smaller for the other causes because the white dial. In a manner, all of them complement one another, making it a really full assortment by way of colour. Zenith averted any pattern colours like pink or inexperienced, however these is likely to be within the pipeline. I at all times give further credit score when a model goes makes their date discs the identical colour because the dial, as Zenith does so completely.
Whereas I didn’t suppose it was potential, the Defy Skyline provides one thing further to the world of high-end stainless-steel time-only sports activities watches, which is sort of distinctive in itself. I suppose Zenith nonetheless hasn’t reached its personal zenith.
For extra info, please go to www.zenith-watches.com/int/product/defy-skyline-03-9300-3620-51-i001
Fast Information Zenith Defy Skyline
Case: 41 x 11.6 mm, stainless-steel
Motion: automated Caliber El Primero 3620, 60-hour energy reserve, 36,000 vph/5Hz frequency, silicon escapement
Capabilities: hours, minutes, seconds (displaying one-tenth of a second); date
Comment: five-year guarantee and quick-release strap system
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