Zenith Applies Legendary El Primero Chrono Movement To Defy Skyline

The Zenith Defy Skyline is getting the El Primero treatment – the line now has a chronograph model, using the state-of-the-art version of the high frequency movement that made Zenith famous when it was introduced in 1969. The caliber El Primero 3600, which can measure and display elapsed time to 1/10^th of a second, has undergone several improvements, including maintenance-free silicon components that improve functionality. It’s called high frequency because it oscillates at 36,000 vibrations per hour compared to the average 28,800 vph for a regular mechanical movement. The faster the oscillation, the more accurate the watch. A chronograph functioning at a high frequency traditionally creates a lot of wear and tear on an escapement; silicon components correct the problem.

Previously, there was no chronograph in the Defy Skyline Collection, so this is a first. The Defy Extreme, a different model, is a chronograph, but it is driven by a different movement, the more “extreme” El Primero 9004 caliber, with two escapements beating at 50Hz (360,000 vph) and (5Hz 36,000 vph), the faster one for the chronograph and the other for the time. The chronograph function can display elapsed times to 1/100th of a second, with the central chronograph hand making one turn around the dial each second. It’s dramatic, and it’s a show piece, but it's a big watch – 45 mm wide x 15.40 mm thick, compared to the new Defy Skyline chrono, which is 42 mm x 12.7mm. Also, the 9004 has a 50-hour power reserve, compared to 60 hours for the El Primero 3600 in the new Defy Skyline. So the Skyline chrono is a more practical watch, especially when you consider the price: $12,300, compared to the Defy Extreme chronograph, which runs at least $5,000 more depending on the model/case material.

The abstract “starry sky” pattern etched into the dial is exclusive to the Skyline collection, hence the name, and on the new chrono, it comes in either a blue, silver or black color. The 1/10^th of second reading is indexed on a scale that runs along the flange just under the crystal at the outer edge of the dial. The watch is steel, with a steel bracelet, but comes with rubber straps in blue, green or black.