Although Zenith is famous for its robust assortment of chronographs, the chronograph version of the Defy Skyline is a relatively new addition to the brand’s catalog, having only launched last year. And now, as part of its releases for LVMH Watch Week 2025, Zenith has introduced a skeletonized version of its integrated bracelet chronograph model. Say bonjour to the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton watch, crafted in stainless steel and available in blue or black.
In essence, what we have here is the same Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph from 2024 as the base, which is to say a 42mm steel case, a 12-facet bezel, two pushers flanking the winding crown, and an integrated steel bracelet. The angular nature of the case is further emphasized by the alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces. No information was provided about the thickness of the Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton cases, but for context, the non-open-worked models measure 12.7mm thick. The side shots of the watches reveal the customary star-decorated screw-down winding crown and the distinctive wedge-like chronograph pushers. Also, water resistance remains the same at 100 meters.
The Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton’s signature feature is, of course, its open-worked dial, sliced and diced to resemble Zenith’s “double Z” logo from the 1960s. Three gray azuré registers — a 60-second counter at 3 o’clock, a 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock, and small seconds at 9 o’clock — overlap slightly at the center of the dial, encircled by faceted applied batons for the hours. Depending on the reference, the hollowed-out movement mainplate that serves as the dial background is either black or blue. The blue version is particularly photogenic, especially with flashes of red, magenta, and violet by way of hand tips, jewels, and escapement.
The movement partially visible from the dial is the El Primero 3600SK, the skeletonized version of the same El Primero 3600 inside the preceding non-skeletonized chronographs. However, unlike the original Defy Skyline Chronograph models, there is no date window here, which I think was the right move to maintain more order in the controlled chaos that defines skeleton dials. Plus, thanks to Caliber 3600, the dial is especially lively (or chaotic, depending on your sensibilities) when the chronograph hand is activated, whizzing along to complete a full rotation every 10 seconds rather than the standard 60 seconds. The caseback view of the movement is dominated by the star-shaped oscillating weight, either in blue or black to match the front of the watch. Operating at 36,000 bph (5 Hz), Caliber El Primero 3600SK supplies 60 hours of power reserve to the Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton.
The H-link integrated bracelet is a core design detail of the Defy Skyline collection, and the Chronograph Skeleton iterations are no exception. Taking cues from the case finishing, the bracelet continues the mix of brushed and polished elements, and tapers towards the folding clasp. Zenith does supply an additional color-matched, star-patterned rubber strap with the watches, which can be easily swapped in using the push-button interchangeable-strap system located on the back of the case.
Since its debut three years ago, the Defy Skyline collection has welcomed a wide assortment of iterations including skeletonized time-only models that joined in 2023. If you’ve been following along, the Defy Skyline came out in 2022, the Defy Skyline Skeleton in 2023, the Defy Skyline Chronograph in 2024. Here we are in 2025, with the Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton. The evolution only seems natural, and I’m certain we’ll soon see other materials like ceramic, or boutique-edition-themed colorways to sit alongside these initial stainless steel models in black and blue. The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton in blue (ref. 03.9500.3600/79.I001) and black (ref. 03.9500.3600/78.I001) are priced at $15,500 USD. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.Â