Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon 160th Anniversary Edition

Zenith continues its 160th anniversary celebrations with a bold, luxurious entry into its Defy collection. The new Defy Skyline Tourbillon 160th Anniversary Edition (Ref. 18.9301.3630/67.I001) stands apart as the first model in the lineup rendered entirely in rose gold, paired with a rich brick-red dial that pays tribute to the historic manufacture in Le Locle. Visually stunning and technically refined, this high-frequency tourbillon model merges Zenith’s storied past with the modern language of luxury sports watchmaking, combining architectural casework with a signature open tourbillon at six o’clock.
The Defy Skyline Tourbillon 160th Anniversary Edition features a 41mm case entirely crafted from 18k rose gold. A complex interplay of brushed and polished surfaces across the sharply facetted design gives the case both depth and contrast, with the geometric mid-case echoing the brand’s angular design codes. Its integrated construction includes a fixed twelve-sided bezel that visually frames the dial while emphasizing the architectural sharpness of the case profile.Around the back, a sapphire exhibition caseback allows a full view of the movement within, including the openworked rotor and modern finishing techniques. The circular Geneva stripes radiating from the center nod to the brand’s historical finishing style, while the contemporary skeleton design reinforces the Defy line’s fusion of heritage and future-forward aesthetics.A screw-down crown ensures secure operation and is finished with the Zenith star in relief. A flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the front of the watch. Water-resistance can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet), preserving daily wearability even in a full-precious-metal format.
The dial immediately sets this model apart within the Skyline family. Finished in a rich, brick-red sunray pattern, it draws direct inspiration from the red masonry of Zenith’s historic manufacture in Le Locle. The engraved four-pointed stars burst outward from the tourbillon aperture at 6 o’clock, creating a radial visual rhythm that underscores both the brand’s legacy and the motion within.Framing the dial are applied rose-gold hour markers and sharply faceted hands, all filled with Super-LumiNova SLN C1 for clear legibility in low-light conditions. The tourbillon itself serves as the seconds display, with one of its arms carrying a small luminous dot to track elapsed time in a continuous, fluid motion. This unique display creates a sense of kinetic sculpture, blending mechanical precision with visual storytelling.There are no numerals or extraneous complications to distract from the centerpiece, the tourbillon, making this one of the purest expressions of Zenith’s avant-garde philosophy. The minimalism enhances the dramatic warmth of the dial color while spotlighting the technical depth of the mechanism, resulting in a timepiece that is both celebratory and functional.

The Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon 160th Anniversary Edition (Ref. 18.9301.3630/67.I001) is powered by the new in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber El Primero 3630 with 34 jewels and 36,000 vph. This column wheel caliber features a one-minute tourbillon, visible at 6 o’clock, with a luminous dot serving as a running seconds indicator. Power reserve can last up to 60 hours, when fully wound.
Mounted on this watch is a full rose-gold H-link bracelet with brushed and polished surfaces, secured by a folding clasp. It echoes the luxury-sports design lineage of integrated-bracelet icons while enhancing the vibrant elegance of the red dial and rose gold case. An additional brick-red rubber strap is included for a more casual, lightweight alternative, both options offer versatility without compromising the visual impact of this milestone release.
For more up to date information visit the official Zenith website here.