Introducing: The Zenith × Time+Tide Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic
Timing is everything when it comes to surfing and buying limited-edition watches. That’s doubly true when it comes to buying a surf-themed LE timepiece. So stop slacking and pay attention because here’s the Zenith × Time & Tide Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic. This is the third and final “Surfer” limited edition, and Zenith will produce just 100 pieces. If you don’t catch that “wave” now, you will forever be remembered as the one who wiped out three times in a row. The white ceramic watch with the blue gradient open-worked dial hits you like a refreshing wave.
After the microblasted titanium Defy Classic Skeleton Night Surfer in 2021 and Defy Skyline Skeleton Night Surfer El Primero in 2023, it’s time to launch the final Zenith × Time+Tide collaboration in the series. The “Surfer Trilogy” ends with the Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic (49.9309.3620/85.I001). This limited edition of 100 watches is probably the most daring of the three models, but it also makes complete sense. If you look at the three watches, the final edition in summery white and blue is a logical evolution of a daring concept.
Hit the beach and the waves with the Zenith × Time+Tide Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic
If you’re not a surfer but love the beach, this watch is also for you. According to its creators, the watch presents itself with a beach-inspired twist. After the dark microblasted titanium cases, the sleek 41mm white ceramic case is the exact opposite. Cool in a different way, it is brighter and looks more lighthearted. The scratch-resistant/beach-proof ceramic of the case is also quite light. With its screw-down crown and 100m water resistance rating, taking a dip or hitting the waves on your longboard will not cause the watch any problems.
Inspecting the gradient blue open dial and skeletonized movement back on your towel creates a nice moment of zen. Like the first two collaborations, the open dial fades from a darker, slightly mysterious blue at the top to a breezy and casual light blue at the bottom. Notably, though, the chosen blues are a few shades lighter than those of the previous models. The bridges mimic Zenith’s old four-pointed star logo, and because they have an application of Super-LumiNova, the visual effect at night is nothing short of spectacular.
High-frequency transparency
Visible through the open-worked dial and the sapphire window in the case back is the skeletonized, automatic, high-frequency El Primero 3620 SK caliber. It proudly shows off a world first — a movement rendered to match the star-shaped bridges, offering the wearer a seamless light blue tone to the dial. The movement displays the hours and minutes, and the energetic 1/10th-of-a-second hand is driven directly from the escapement; that’s what this 5Hz (36,000vph) movement can do for you. This caliber also features a hacking mechanism that allows you to set the time precisely to the minute. The rotor connects to a bidirectional winding system to constantly top up the 55-hour power reserve. Finally, the brushed mainplate, bridges, and star-shaped rotor show a striking blue finish.
Duck-dive in!
The Zenith × Time+Tide Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic comes complete with a white ceramic integrated H-link bracelet. However, Zenith also supplies a star-patterned white rubber strap with the watch, and both options have a butterfly clasp. Thanks to the quick-change mechanism, changing from the bracelet to the strap and back is an easy, tool-free process.
The Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic with its “hang loose” attitude will cost CHF 18,900 / €20,500 / US$19,600. The watch will go on sale on July 11th at 14:00 CEST. Yes, you do have a little bit of time to prepare before you take the plunge. But as you know by now, this watch is the final “Surfer,” so don’t wait too long. In case you want to duck-dive in and get the watch, check out the Time+Tide Watches and Zenith websites.
