replica Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton
Hands-on debut: Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton
The popularity of Zenith Defy Skyline last year was a bit unexpected, but not at all surprising. An integrated bracelet sports watch with a sleek octagonal bezel and unique 1/10th of a second counter is striking enough, but the level of finish and approachable price point take the Defy Skyline to the next level. Now, at LVMH Watch Week 2023, we see the new Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton, both a successor to the Defy Classic Skeleton luxury replica watches and a sign that the brand is doubling down on last year's groundbreaking designs.
I was able to get my hands on the new Defy Skyline Skeleton and was once again impressed by the quality of the finish and attention to detail. Just like the standard Defy Skyline, this skeletonized version features a 41mm-wide steel case that measures 11mm thick according to my calipers, measures approximately 45mm lug-to-lug, and is water-resistant to 100 meters. The LVMH watch division understands the potential for versatility offered by a good quick strap/bracelet change system and has made it the default for the collection – not so with the upcoming Defy Classic Skeleton.
The black dial version seen here, though I suspect there is also a blue dial iteration that will be popular with buyers. This mod tinkers with the standard Defy Skyline's dial layout by rearranging some bits and removing others entirely. Skeleton dials can easily get very busy, so Zenith did away with the date window and moved the 1/10-second subdial to 6 o'clock. You'll notice that the openworked sections of the dial come together to form the vintage four-pointed star pattern used in the 1960s. This dial layout, perfectly symmetrical skeleton work, and legible hands (rhodium-plated and luminescent) all combine to create a swiss replica watches that avoids nearly all the pitfalls that skeletonized dials can exhibit. Thanks to the design team at Zenith.
The case is turned over to reveal the automatic 3620 SK movement based on the El Primero 3600 1/10-second chronograph. Essentially a slightly modified and skeletonized version of the 3620 in the Defy Skyline, the movement runs at 36,000 vph (5 Hz) with the 1/10 second counter driven directly by the escapement. It's a clever move that utilizes Zenith's signature El Primero rather than an actual chronograph. The 3620 SK features a stop-seconds mechanism, a 60-hour power reserve, and is adorned with a Zenith star rotor.
Like the debut model, the Defy Skyline Skeleton has an impressive bracelet. The bracelet is chamfered and polished to fit seamlessly into the case, making it well-crafted and comfortable to wear. While still no fine-tuning, the quick bracelet/strap change system allows for some variety and style options. I love that this watch comes with a standard bracelet and matching rubber strap - something I've always wanted to see become more widely available. While the review unit didn't come with a rubber strap, I did experiment with the quick-change system on the bracelet, which is -- quite literally -- top-of-the-line. So easy to use and fuss-free, this should be a case study for any brand looking to upgrade their products with a quick-change system.Replica Richard Mille RM 50-03 McLaren
Zenith has been doing really well over the past few years, and I'm particularly excited to see how the brand fares with its non-chronograph offerings. The Defy Skyline Skeleton is sure to please the educated consumer who expects "true luxury" at a premium price point. Aside from the finish of the case, bracelet, and dial, the use of the 1/10th of a second chronograph counter is perfect to be horologically new without being so obtrusive that it becomes a gimmick (which is a good one A balancing act, many brands have failed in the past). The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton is available in blue (Ref. 03.9300.3620/79.I001) and black (Ref. 03.9300.3620/78.I001).cheap watches for sale