Zenith Defy collection replenished with two ceramic models – Kommersant

High-tech ceramics is firmly included in the list of materials from which modern watch cases are made. Due to its hardness, it provides high scratch resistance. Unlike steel or titanium, which are painted by applying a few microns thick coating on their surface, ceramics are uniformly painted over the entire depth, and therefore the case from it will never fade. There are also downsides: the production of ceramic cases requires strict adherence to the technological process, including significant natural shrinkage of parts during cooling after firing, as well as the need to use tools with diamond cutters for finishing. In short, the widespread use of ceramics testifies to the overall high level of watch manufacture.

The fact that Zenith is part of the privileged club of “ceramic connoisseurs” has once again been confirmed by the manufacturer with the release of two additions to the Defy Skyline collection presented in 2022. These are the 41mm diameter Defy Skyline Black Ceramic and Defy Skyline Black Ceramic Skeleton, complete with black ceramic bracelets. They are equipped with an automatic manufactory high-frequency El Primero movement, which makes it possible to indicate tenths of a second (small seconds placed at 6 o’clock on the skeleton, and at 9 o’clock on solid dial watches). The black star-shaped self-winding rotor, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, maintains a power reserve of 60 hours.

The Defy Skyline Black Ceramic features a galvanized black dial with a guilloché pattern of four-pointed Zenith stars, interpreting the manufactory’s historic double Z logo.

On the Defy Skyline Black Ceramic Skeleton, a stylized four-pointed star occupies the center of the open dial, revealing the skeletonized movement with bridges and black plate.

Both models are supplied with a black rubber strap, which, thanks to the quick-change mechanism, can easily replace a ceramic bracelet.