Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic

A striking conclusion to a celebrated partnership has arrived in the world of modern watchmaking. The collaboration between the historic Swiss manufacture Zenith and the dynamic watch media outlet Time+Tide has culminated in its third and final creation, a timepiece that flips the established narrative on its head. Following two successful dark-themed watches, the series concludes with the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic, a brilliant and bold statement piece designed for the sun-drenched days of summer. This limited-edition watch completes the "Surfer Trilogy," offering a fresh, vibrant aesthetic while retaining the core technical prowess and design language that made its predecessors so sought after.

The journey of Zenith began in 1865 in the Swiss Jura mountains, specifically in the town of Le Locle. Founder Georges Favre-Jacot had a revolutionary vision: to bring all the watchmaking trades under one roof to ensure superior quality control and foster innovation. This led to the creation of the very first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture. For over a century and a half, Zenith has been a byword for precision and pioneering spirit, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in mechanical timekeeping.



This relentless pursuit of accuracy is perhaps best embodied by the legendary El Primero caliber, unveiled in 1969. It was the world's first high-frequency, fully integrated automatic chronograph movement, a technical marvel that continues to be a benchmark in the industry. This dedication to horological excellence has earned Zenith an astounding 2,333 chronometry prizes, a testament to the enduring quality and precision of its in-house movements. The brand’s collections, from the technically masterful Chronomaster to the adventurous Pilot series, each tell a part of this rich history. The Defy collection, into which this new collaboration falls, represents the forward-thinking, technically audacious side of the manufacture.

On the other side of this collaboration is Time+Tide, a modern force in the horological landscape. Founded in 2014 by Andrew McUtchen, the platform quickly distinguished itself with a fresh and spirited approach to wristwatch culture. Moving beyond traditional watch journalism, Time+Tide has cultivated a global community of enthusiasts through engaging digital content, print media, and a significant social media presence. Their success lies in making the often-intimidating world of luxury watches accessible and exciting for a new generation of collectors.

Time+Tide's evolution has not been confined to the digital realm. With the establishment of "Watch Discovery Studios" in key global cities like Melbourne and London, with New York on the horizon, they have created physical spaces for their community to experience watches firsthand. These studios focus on enthusiast-driven brands and major events, bridging the gap between online content and tangible products. This unique position as both a media outlet and a retail partner has made them an ideal collaborator for a brand like Zenith, which seeks to connect with a passionate and knowledgeable audience.



The "Surfer Trilogy" began in 2021 with the DEFY Classic Skeleton Night Surfer, a model crafted from micro-blasted titanium that captured a moody, after-dark aesthetic. Its success was followed in 2023 by the DEFY Skyline Skeleton Night Surfer El Primero, which continued the dark-cased theme while introducing the advanced El Primero movement to the collaboration. Both pieces were sell-out hits, celebrated for their architectural design and stealthy appearance. For the final act, the partners chose not to replicate the formula but to invert it, resulting in a timepiece that is the conceptual opposite of its older siblings.

The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic immediately distinguishes itself with its 41mm case, crafted entirely from brilliant white ceramic. This material choice is central to the watch's identity. Ceramic is renowned for being exceptionally hard and therefore highly resistant to scratches, making it a practical choice for an active lifestyle. It is also significantly lighter than steel, ensuring comfort on the wrist throughout the day. The finish is a smooth, brushed texture that plays with the light, giving the angular and geometric lines of the Defy case a soft yet modern presence.

Visually, the case presents a powerful and architectural form. The signature octagonal bezel sits atop a tonneau-shaped case, creating a dynamic interplay of shapes that has defined the Defy collection for decades. The integrated design, where the bracelet flows seamlessly from the case, enhances its unified and contemporary look. Functionality is not sacrificed for form; the watch features a screw-down crown that helps secure a water resistance of 10 ATM, or 100 meters, making it more than capable of handling a dip in the ocean, living up to its "Surfer" moniker.

The dial is where the watch truly comes alive, continuing a design concept that ties the entire trilogy together. It features an openworked design with a captivating blue gradient. The color transitions smoothly from a deep, rich blue at the 12 o'clock position to a bright, airy light blue at the 6 o'clock position, evoking the shifting hues of the sky meeting the sea. This gradient provides a stunning backdrop for the intricate mechanics visible beneath.



A defining feature of the dial is the prominent, five-pointed star that serves as the bridge structure. This is a direct nod to Zenith's logo and heritage. For the White Surfer, these bridges are filled with Super-LumiNova, a feature that transforms the watch in low-light conditions. When darkness falls, the star itself glows, creating a spectacular visual effect. This luminescent star is a rare design choice for Zenith, having only appeared once before on the original Night Surfer, making it a special detail for collectors.

Powering this intricate timepiece is the skeletonized El Primero 3620 SK automatic caliber, which is visible through both the open dial and the sapphire crystal display back. In a significant and impressive move, the movement itself has been aesthetically integrated with the dial's theme. The mainplate and bridges of the caliber are finished in a striking light blue, creating a seamless and cohesive visual experience. This attention to detail ensures that the mechanics are not just exposed, but are an integral part of the watch's overall design language.

The El Primero 3620 SK is a high-frequency movement derived from Zenith's most famous creation. It operates at a brisk pace of 36,000 vibrations per hour, or 5Hz. This high frequency allows for exceptional precision. One of its most distinctive features is the 1/10th of a second counter, located in a subdial at the 6 o'clock position. This hand is driven directly from the high-speed escapement, completing a full rotation every 10 seconds and providing a mesmerizing, fluid motion on the dial.

Beyond its high-frequency performance, the movement is equipped with practical features for daily use. It includes a hacking seconds mechanism, which stops the seconds hand when the crown is pulled out, allowing for precise time-setting to a reference source. The automatic winding system is bi-directional, efficiently winding the mainspring to provide a healthy power reserve of approximately 55 hours when fully wound.



Flipping the watch over reveals a sapphire caseback that offers an unobstructed view of the movement's architecture. Here, the special finishing is once again on display. The star-shaped oscillating weight, responsible for winding the watch with the motion of the wearer's wrist, is also rendered in the same striking blue tone with a satin finish, tying the entire visual package together from front to back.

Versatility is a key component of the Defy Skyline's design, and the White Surfer excels in this regard. It is delivered on a fully integrated bracelet made from the same brushed white ceramic as the case. The bracelet’s H-shaped links are ergonomically designed for comfort, and it secures to the wrist with a sturdy folding clasp. This seamless integration gives the watch a cohesive and almost futuristic appearance.

Recognizing the desire for customization and adaptability, Zenith has equipped the watch with its ingenious quick strap-change mechanism. This system allows the owner to swap between the bracelet and a strap in seconds, without the need for any tools. Included with the watch is a high-quality white rubber strap, featuring a patterned texture that adds another layer of sporty character. This makes it easy to transition the watch from a statement piece on a bracelet to a more casual and rugged companion on rubber.

The philosophy behind this final chapter is articulated by the leaders of the collaboration. Benoît de Clerck, the CEO of Zenith, notes, "With this third chapter in our collaboration, we’re not just continuing a story, we’re elevating it. Each edition has deepened our creative dialogue, and this new release is the boldest expression yet of what we can achieve together." This sentiment speaks to the progressive nature of the partnership, which has dared to evolve with each release.

Andrew McUtchen, the founder of Time+Tide, provides insight into the creative spark behind the watch. "There’s a huge risk in trying for a trilogy when the first two collabs have been so popular," he admits, "but when we saw the prototype of an ‘inverted’ Night Surfer, in brushed white ceramic, we just had to make it happen. The gradient light blue dial sealed it. Best summer watch ever.” His words capture the excitement and conviction that drove the creation of this bright, beach-inspired timepiece.



The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic is a highly exclusive offering. It is produced as a limited edition of only 100 pieces for the entire world. This scarcity, combined with its unique design and the popularity of the previous collaborations, ensures it will be a highly coveted piece.

The watch is priced at $19,945.67. It is slated for release on July 11, 2025, and will be available through Time+Tide's retail channels, authorized Zenith retailers worldwide, and directly from Zenith's physical and online boutiques. This final installment of the Surfer Trilogy stands as a testament to successful collaboration, bold design, and the enduring mechanical artistry of Zenith.

Case: 41mm white ceramic case. Water resistance of 10 ATM (100 metres).

Movement: El Primero 3620 SK automatic skeletonized caliber. 36,000 VpH (5 Hz) frequency. Approximately 55 hours of power reserve. Turquoise colored mainplate and oscillating weight.

Dial: Gradient blue openworked dial. Rhodium-plated, faceted hands and hour markers coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1. Features a luminescent five-pointed star bridge structure. 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock.

Strap: Integrated white ceramic bracelet and an additional white patterned rubber strap. Features Zenith's quick strap-change mechanism.

Price: $19,945.67

Reference Number: 49.9309.3620/85.I001

Notes: Limited edition of 100 pieces. This is the third and final watch in the ZENITH x Time+Tide "Surfer Trilogy". Features a rare luminescent star logo on the dial.