Zenith and online title-come-retailer Time+Tide have launched the DEFY Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic, the third and final chapter in their highly successful “Surfer Trilogy” of limited-edition timepieces.
Following the sell-out DEFY Classic Skeleton Night Surfer in 2021 and the DEFY Skyline Skeleton Night Surfer El Primero in 2023, this latest release offers a fresh, summery twist on Zenith’s iconic DEFY line.
Here, the dial is a true highlight: an openworked gradient blue design that transitions from deep blue at the top to a light, breezy hue at the bottom. The bridges form Zenith’s signature five-pointed star motif, filled with Super-LumiNova to glow vividly at night – a return to a standout feature from the original Night Surfer.
The skeletonized dial and caseback reveal the El Primero 3620 SK automatic movement, which beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5Hz) and offers a 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock, as well as a power reserve of 55 hours. In a first for Zenith, the movement itself is rendered in matching light blue tones to seamlessly blend with the dial.
Crafted in sleek, ultra-durable white ceramic, the 41mm watch features a bold, lightweight, scratch-resistant case, perfect for summer jaunts to the beach and beyond. It’s also water-resistant to 100 meters and fitted with a screw-down crown, making it ready for ocean waves as well as daily wear.
A quick-change strap system allows easy swapping between the integrated white ceramic bracelet and the included white rubber strap decorated with a starry sky pattern.
Benoît de Clerck, CEO of Zenith, said: “With this third chapter in our collaboration, we’re not just continuing a story; we’re elevating it. Each edition has deepened our creative dialogue, and this new release is the boldest expression yet of what we can achieve together.”
Andrew McUtchen, Founder of Time+Tide, added: “There’s a huge risk in trying for a trilogy when the first two collabs have been so popular, but when we saw the prototype of an ‘inverted’ Night Surfer in brushed white ceramic, we just had to make it happen. The gradient light blue dial sealed it. Best summer watch ever.” We’d have to agree it’s up there.
The DEFY Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic is limited to just 100 pieces worldwide, priced at $19,600. It is available through Time+Tide, authorized Zenith retailers, and Zenith boutiques worldwide.