Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone
The Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is a vibrant and dynamic timepiece born from the brand’s fourth collaboration with contemporary artist Felipe Pantone. Limited to just 100 pieces, this watch showcases Pantone’s signature use of color and optical effects, all housed in the iconic 41mm Defy case. With its bold, modern aesthetic and intricate details, this watch is a testament to both Zenith’s innovative watchmaking and Pantone’s artistic vision, offering a unique blend of high horology and contemporary art.
The 41mm case with a thickness of 12.6mm is made of stainless-steel, featuring the distinctive angular design of the Defy collection. Mounted by a 12-sided bezel meticulously crafted with a combination of satin-brushed and polished finishes, highlighting the watch’s bold geometric lines. Engraved on the case’s corners are the letters “F”, “P”, “T”, and the number “1”, standing for “Felipe Pantone Tourbillon #1.”
Flipping the watch over, the case back reveals a sapphire crystal that provides a clear view of the vibrant, five-point star-shaped oscillating weight. This rotor, finished with a rainbow-hued metallic PVD coating, complements the colorful elements of the dial. The engravings around the case back also include the model’s limited edition number, underscoring its exclusivity.
It comes equipped with a knurled screw-down crown emblazoned by the Zenith’s iconic star emblem. The watch’s lines convey a contemporary and refined look, with a compact design that smoothly transitions into its robust lugs. It’s finished with a flat sapphire crystal, giving the timepiece a more angular, block-like appearance. Water-resistance can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet).
The dial of the Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is where the artistic collaboration truly comes to life. Crafted from sapphire crystal, the entire dial surface features a striking iridescent finish, enhanced by a micro-engraved concentric circle pattern radiating from the tourbillon aperture at 6 o’clock. The combination of the tinted sapphire crystal and laser-engraved texture produces a mesmerizing rainbow effect, reminiscent of the vibrant colors found on the back of a CD, a nod to 90s nostalgia.
In keeping with Felipe Pantone’s signature style, the hour markers are not only vividly colored but are also distorted, with all except the 3, 9, and 12 markers adopting a lightning bolt-like appearance. The central hands follow suit, bent and treated with a 3D PVD technique that gives them a multicolored sheen, adding to the dial’s dynamic visual appeal. The tourbillon bridge and four-point-star tourbillon cage echo this design, completing the dial’s bold and unconventional aesthetic.
The minute details, such as the vibrant applied hour markers and hands filled with Super-LumiNova, ensure that the watch is as functional as it is artistic. Despite the unconventional design elements, legibility is maintained, with each component thoughtfully designed to stand out against the backdrop of the intricate dial.
Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone
The “Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone” (Ref#: 03.9301.3630/49.I001) is powered by the new in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber El Primero 3630 with 34 jewels and 36,000 vph. Power reserve can last up to 60 hours, when fully wound.Mounted on the watch is an integrated stainless-steel bracelet, secured to the wrist by a folding clasp. It also comes with an additional black rubber strap adorned with the signature Zenith star pattern, providing versatility for different occasions.This is a limited edition of only 100 pieces and comes in a special box inspired by Pantone’s vivid designs. The box’s artistic presentation complements the watch perfectly, making it a fitting showcase for this exclusive release set to start shipping on the 12th of September.For more up to date information visit the official Zenith website here.