Zenith aims to Defy the naysayers at LVMH Watch Week
At the opening day of LVMH Watch Week 2026, Zenith’s CEO Benoît de Clerck unveiled his vision for the future of the Defy collection, describing the timepieces as “metaphors for the city in miniature.”
The main event is the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton, the collection’s first-ever openworked tourbillon. Housed in rose gold, the watch features a blue-PVD El Primero 3630 SK movement. Its skeletonized bridges are designed to mimic the cantilevers of modern skyscrapers, centering on a high-frequency 5 Hz tourbillon.
Zenith also expanded its use of high-tech materials with the Defy Skyline Chronograph in Black Ceramic. The deep black, scratch-resistant material sharpens the watch’s display, and is powered by the El Primero 3600 movement.
This monochromatic intensity is mirrored in the Skyline Skeleton Black Ceramic, which pairs a dark exterior with a luminous gold-toned movement.
The smaller DEFY Skyline 36 debuts a silver-toned dial, available with an optional diamond-set bezel.
Meanwhile, the brand honors its “bank vault” origins (the original 1969 Zenith Defy A3642 was given the nickname due to its rugged and secure design) with the Defy Revival A3643. This 37mm reissue of the 1969 icon features a signature ladder bracelet and an octagonal case.
LVMH recently issued a statement denying rumours that Zenith was up for sale, and a strong showing from the new Defy range at LVMH Watch Week will help quieten the rumour-mongering.
