The DEFY Skyline Chronograph: Black Ceramic's Sculptural Intensity

Durable, lightweight and smooth to the touch, ceramic offers exceptional performance and visual depth. Its rich black tone, coloured throughout rather than coated, enhances the facets of the DEFY Skyline Chronograph, giving the case and bracelet a sculptural intensity. Resistant to scratches and meticulously finished, the material sharpens the watch’s geometric contours and reinforces its commanding, modern aesthetic. The gradient dial mirrors the depth of the ceramic exterior, transitioning from a lighter centre to a darker periphery, echoing the interplay of shadow and light across a cityscape. True to the DEFY Skyline identity, the dial is adorned with an engraved four-pointed star motif, while the chronograph’s three counters are decorated with concentric patterns that enrich the sense of structure. Faceted hands and applied markers filled with luminescent material ensure clarity and legibility in all environments. At the core of the DEFY Skyline Chronograph lies the El Primero 3600 calibre, a contemporary evolution of ZENITH’s legendary high-frequency chronograph movement. It displays 1/10th of a second with exceptional precision, with the chronograph seconds hand completing a full revolution every 10 seconds, six times faster than conventional chronographs. Beating at 5 Hz and offering a 60-hour power reserve, the movement is visible through a sapphire case back that reveals its intricate architecture, including a blued column wheel and a star-shaped rotor. Versatility remains integral to the DEFY Skyline design. The black ceramic edition features an integrated quick strap-change mechanism directly built into the case, enabling effortless transitions between the two-link ceramic bracelet and the accompanying patterned black rubber strap with folding clasp.