LVMH Watch Week was held in Milan, Italy, over three days from January 19th to 21st, 2026. Zenith presented a wide range of new models, from the modern Defy Skyline to the Defy Revival A3643, based on a classic model from the past.
Text by Kento Nii
[Article published on January 26, 2026]
Zenith's New Release ① "Defy Skyline Skeleton"
Zenith has announced a new Defy Skyline Skeleton model from its Defy collection, the backbone of the brand. The model features a black ceramic case and a gold-colored openwork dial.
Automatic movement (Cal. El Primero 3620 SK). 35 jewels. 36,000 vph. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. Ceramic case (diameter 41mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 2,555,300 yen (tax included).
The bold case with a dodecagonal bezel is made of ceramic, but the use of brushed and polished finishes creates a distinct texture. This case is combined with a warm gold-tone dial and movement, resulting in a watch with a striking three-dimensional shape and visual contrast.
The movement is the Caliber El Primero 3620 SK. The 1/10th of a second display is directly driven by the high-beat escapement, which vibrates at 10 vibrations per second, rather than the fourth wheel, and the chronograph hand rotates once every 10 seconds, a unique feature of this movement.
In addition to the integrated black ceramic bracelet, this model also comes with an interchangeable rubber strap. Although it is ceramic, the quick-change mechanism with a titanium attachment is embedded directly into the case, allowing you to change the style to suit the occasion or your mood without the need for tools.
Zenith New Release ② "Defy Skyline Chronograph"
Following the release of the blue ceramic model as part of the brand's 160th anniversary celebrations in 2025, a black color variation has been added to the Defy Skyline Chronograph.
Automatic winding (Cal. El Primero 3600). 35 jewels. 36,000 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Black ceramic case (diameter 42mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 3,175,700 yen (tax included).
The case and bracelet of this model are made of black ceramic, creating a unified deep black color, and the dial of the same color uses a gradient color that becomes darker from the center to the outer edge. The entire dial is decorated with a neat star pattern, creating a bold and contemporary look.
The movement is the Caliber El Primero 3600, which is widely used in core models. The central chronograph second hand, which rotates once every 10 seconds, allows for precise measurement. The transparent case back allows you to admire each part of the movement, including the star-shaped openwork rotor and blued column wheel.
Zenith New Release #3: Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton
The Defy Skyline Tourbillon is the first skeleton model to be released. The dial and movement are skeletonized, highlighting the movement's complex structural beauty. This timepiece is limited to 50 pieces worldwide.
Automatic movement (Cal. El Primero 3630 SK). 36,000 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. 18KRG case (diameter 41mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Limited to 50 pieces worldwide. Price: 1386 million yen (tax included).
The dial, the highlight of this piece, is composed of a flange bearing the hour markers and a bold openwork movement. The tourbillon at 6 o'clock on the dial rotates once per minute at a high beat of 10 vibrations per second. Combined with the barrel at 12 o'clock, the real pleasure of an openwork dial is that it allows the viewer to enjoy the structure of the movement as part of the design. Furthermore, at the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions, two-tiered, sloping bridges can be seen, creating a structural accent that evokes the lines and beams of modern architecture.
The tourbillon carriage, which is based on the Zenith star motif, is unique.
The case and bracelet are crafted from 18K rose gold, which exudes a warm glow. The bridges and baseplate, visible from the dial side, feature blue PVD treatment and rhodium-plated chamfering, creating a striking contrast. The bracelet is compatible with the Quick Strap Change system, allowing it to be swapped for the included blue rubber strap without the need for tools.
Zenith New Release #4: Defy Revival A3643
As part of the Defy Revival collection, which has been available since 2022, the A3643, an early Defy model released in 1969 and affectionately known by nicknames such as the "Bank Vault" and the "Bolt," has been reproduced.
Automatic movement (Cal. Elite 670). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 37mm). Water resistant to 30 bar. Price: 3,014,000 yen (tax included).
This model faithfully reproduces the original design codes, such as the octagonal case, 14-sided bezel, and ladder bracelet. The silver-tone sunray dial, which was designed using a high-precision scan of a vintage model from that time, even recreates the two-layered hour markers, made of satin and black lacquer.
The 37mm diameter case, with its shape composed of edges and faces, is equipped with the Caliber Elite 670. Unlike the original with a solid back, it features a transparent back, while retaining its 30 bar water resistance, making it a revival model incorporating modern technology.
Zenith's new release #5: Defy Skyline 36
The Defy Skyline 36, which has gained popularity for its genderless size, is now available in a new silver dial model. This colorway, which can be worn both on and off the job, is also available in a gorgeous variation with diamonds set in the bezel.
Automatic movement (Cal. Elite 670). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 36mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 3,014,000 yen (tax included).
Automatic movement (Cal. Elite 670). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 36mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 3,014,000 yen (tax included).
Apart from the coloring, the dial specifications are the same as the previous model. It features a sunray finish and a geometric motif with star engravings, which subtly changes its appearance as the light reflects off it. The hour markers and hands are coated with luminous paint, ensuring legibility even in the dark.
Both models are equipped with the Caliber Elite 670 movement, which has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. As with previous models, the stainless steel bracelet is equipped with a quick strap change mechanism, allowing it to be replaced with the included rubber strap without the need for tools.
