Since its inception in 2018, Collective Horology, a “proudly headquartered in Ventura, California” club for watch enthusiasts, has gained fame through its Collective Series and Portfolio Series. These involve collaborations and limited editions with brands like IWC, H. Moser & Cie., Armin Strom, Czapek, and Oris, as well as commissioned watches from independent watchmakers. The club’s first collaborative watch was the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero C.01 x Collective. Now, Zenith shines again with the introduction of the Defy Skyline C.X Edition, offering a fascinating new take on the model.
Since its debut in 2022, the Zenith Defy Skyline collection has been celebrated for its exceptional blend of vintage Defy design elements and contemporary watchmaking innovation. Available in 36mm, 41mm, and 42mm faceted cases, these timepieces are defined by their distinctive dodecagonal bezel and seamlessly integrated bracelet. The collection includes time-and-date references, chronographs, tourbillons, and skeleton watches, primarily crafted in steel and ceramic.
The Defy Skyline C.X Edition for Collective Horology is a nearly monochromatic and minimalist time-only model that introduces unique features not seen in Defy designs before. The 41mm stainless steel case and interchangeable integrated bracelet feature a sleek sandblasted matte finish, with polished accents on the screwed-in crown, edges of the dodecagonal bezel, and parts of the exhibition caseback. This adds a subtle contrast to its understated aesthetic.
The matte silvery-grey dial maintains the collection’s signature engraved starry sky motif, with a gradient effect. Four-pointed stars are deeply engraved at the dial’s center, gradually fading toward the edges for a dynamic visual transition. The design omits the date window for a cleaner look. The 1/10th of a second indicator, traditionally at 9 o’clock, is now repositioned above 6 o’clock—a layout previously exclusive to Defy Skyline Skeleton watches. Rhodium-plated, faceted hour indices and baton-style hands with Super-LumiNova SLN C1 align with the collection’s aesthetic. An orange tip on the 1/10th of a second hand and the “10” mark on the subdial highlight the model's high-frequency nature.
The Defy Skyline C.X Edition is powered by the El Primero 3620 automatic calibre, operating at 36,000 vibrations/hour and offering a 55-hour power reserve. It comes with a stainless steel bracelet and an additional orange textured rubber strap, both equipped with a quick-change mechanism for seamless swapping without tools.
Limited to 200 pieces, this edition is available exclusively through Collective Horology and the Zenith online boutique. Starting December 19th, it will also be offered in select physical boutiques.
