Whereas I’ve just lately been discovering myself affected by collaboration fatigue, I’m truly a giant fan of the idea on a basic stage, and when completed correctly, a well-considered collaboration could make the acquainted really feel unfamiliar, whereas concurrently current in two separate worlds. For its newest launch of 2024, Zenith has teamed up with the boutique retailer Collective Horology to create a limited-edition model of the Defy Skyline, and quite than simply being a thematic colorway of an current mannequin, the Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Version for Collective is a correct re-working of the Swiss model’s modern integrated bracelet watch.
The brand new Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Version for Collective (ref. 06.9300.3620/63.I001) is predicated upon the core basis of the standard full-size Defy Skyline, which implies that it incorporates a 41mm case crafted from stainless-steel, and it’s furnished with flat sapphire crystal, a screw-on show caseback, and a screw-down crown that gives it with 100 meters of water resistance. Nevertheless, quite than having brushed and polished surfaces just like the standard-production fashions, the Defy Skyline C.X Version receives a completely matte sandblasted end, and the one polished components on the watch are the aspect of its dodecagonal (twelve-sided) bezel and the rim of its show caseback. Whereas the angular case profile of the Defy Skyline fashions provides an intrinsically trendy total look, the sandblasted surfaces on the brand new C.X Version additional lean into its modern styling whereas concurrently offering the watch with a barely extra utilitarian total spirit.
Much like its case ending, the dial fitted to the Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Version additionally takes the basic idea of the standard-production fashions and reimagines it with an ultra-clean and pared-back aesthetic. The matte silver/grey dial options small orange highlights with the Defy Skyline’s signature four-pointed star sample throughout its floor. Nevertheless, the star motif has been rendered in a three-dimensional method with a radial gradient impact that’s achieved by having the celebrities within the heart of the dial engraved deeper than these positioned in direction of the periphery. Moreover, whereas the usual Defy Skyline fashions characteristic a date window at 3 o’clock with a quickly shifting 1/tenth of a second sub-dial positioned reverse it on the 9 o’clock place, the Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Version opts for a simplified time-only show, and it relocates the 1/tenth of a second indicator to the 6 o’clock location to attain a superbly symmetrical structure.
Identical to the usual full-size Defy Skyline fashions, the Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Version for Collective is powered by one of many Swiss producer’s high-frequency automated actions, which is predicated upon the underlying structure of its well-known El Primero chronograph. Nevertheless, on account of its time-only show and the 6 o’clock location of its 1/tenth of a second sub-dial, the Defy Skyline C.X Version receives a special caliber than its time-and-date counterparts, and it’s as an alternative powered by the El Primero 3620 SK, which is identical motion that Zenith makes use of to energy its Defy Skyline Skeleton models. Operating at a charge of 36,000vph (5 Hz) with an influence reserve of roughly 55 hours, the excessive frequency of the El Primero 3620 SK is what allows it to have its signature 1/tenth of a second indicator, which makes one full rotation across the sub-dial in simply ten seconds, quite than taking a full minute like a conventional seconds hand.
The Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Version comes with the gathering’s common H-link built-in bracelet, though its stainless-steel elements showcase fully matte sandblasted surfaces to match the ending on the watch’s case. Moreover, included with the Defy Skyline C.X Version is an orange textured rubber strap that additional leans into the small orange accents on its dial, and the strap is accomplished by a stainless-steel folding clasp, which is at all times a welcome contact in comparison with the much less premium method of a typical tang-style buckle. Moreover, whereas Zenith’s Defy Skyline fashions characteristic an built-in lug design, they embrace an built-in quick-release system, and house owners of the Defy Skyline C.X Version can simply swap between the included strap and bracelet choices by merely urgent the 2 buttons which are positioned on the underside floor of its lugs.
The Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Version For Collective (ref: 06.9300.3620/63.I001) can be produced as a restricted version of 200 examples, and it’ll have an official retail worth of $12,300 USD, which makes it fairly a bit costlier than the usual stainless-steel Defy Skyline fashions. With that in thoughts, the Defy Skyline C.X Version additionally represents a big departure from the standard-production fashions, because it shares a motion with the Defy Skyline Skeleton and options quite a few particulars starting from its dial structure to its ending, which make it fully distinctive amongst Zenith’s better Defy Skyline lineup. Whereas the brand new C.X Version essentially appears like a member of the Defy Skyline assortment, every part about it has been reimagined in a method or one other, and the cumulative outcomes create a novel but extremely cohesive expression of this inherently trendy Zenith design. For extra data on the Zenith Defy Skyline C.X Version for Collective, please go to both the Zenith website or the Collective Horology web site.
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