Contemporary art and cutting-edge watchmaking coming seamlessly together. After having worked on the historical Manufacture’s façade with a specifically designed tarpaulin in 2020, ZENITH and Valencia-based optical artist Felipe Pantone have gone on to unveil numerous watch projects: a limited-edition series of the DEFY 21 that was instantly sold out in 2021, a unique rendition of the DEFY 21 Double Tourbillon in a sapphire case that set an all-time record for ZENITH at the OnlyWatch 2021 charity auction, and a highly anticipated sequel series in 2022 with the DEFY Extreme Felipe Pantone. Now, the two are taking their ongoing collaboration where it hasn’t gone before. This time, the artist’s canvas is the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon, marking his first reimagining of a DEFY Skyline model. The result is both highly compact and versatile yet packed with intricate and original details that have come to define the ongoing collaboration between ZENITH and Felipe Pantone.

On the latest chapter of the artist’s creative output with ZENITH, Felipe Pantone shared, “I’m excited to unveil my latest collaboration with Zenith, our most exceptional watch to date. It’s a masterpiece of high horology, combining simplicity and sophistication. This complex yet minimalist timepiece features stunning details, including the tiny gradient indexes and hands, the mirror ‘Planned Iridescence’ dial and a truly unique bolt shaped tourbillon.”

Crafted in a 41mm octagonal stainless-steel case, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone provides a highly geometric and angular silhouette frame to the miniature, kinetic artwork within. With its alternating satin-brushed and polished finishes as well as an easily interchangeable steel bracelet and provided black rubber strap, particular attention was paid to the ergonomics of this unisex creation as well as its visual impact. Its sharp facets and smoothly polished contours, highlight by the dodecagonal bezel, provide the ultimate play of light. In continuity with the previous ZENITH X Felipe Pantone projects, the case is engraved on each corner with a character to denote “FPT1”, or Felipe Pantone Tourbillon #1.

Upon a first glance, the central element of the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone immediately catches the eye. Completing one rotation every 60 seconds, the tourbillon mechanism visible through the opening at 6 o’clock keeps the watch always animated. Specifically for this special collaborative edition, the tourbillon bridge takes on the shape of a lightning bolt, a recurring element in Felipe Pantone’s extensive body of work across different

media. Finished in a gradient of metallic rainbow tones that was originally pioneered in the duo’s first collaborative output in 2021, the 3D PVD technique on the tourbillon bridge and cage in the form of a four-pointed star further highlights the artist’s distinctive aesthetic.

Different to what previous ZENITH X Felipe Pantone creations have featured, the entire dial is iridescent in the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone. Crafted from a sapphire disk, the dial features a micro-engraved pattern of concentric circles, recalling the moiré visual effect ever so present in Pantone’s artwork. The back of the sapphire dial features a mirrored metallic finish that, combined with the micro-engraving, produces a striking display of colours in a manner that’s reminiscent of a CD. To add even more depth to the dial and bring out a touch of retro nostalgia, the sapphire dial disk packs a vignette effect that darkens towards the outer edges. The combination of sapphire crystal with a mirrored back, a micro-engraving pattern and a vignette effect is a highly complex and unprecedented feat – both technically and visually.

The hands and applied hour markers are no less complex and captivating. In Felipe Pantone’s signature style of visual distortion, the hands as well as the hour markers (except the cardinal “crosshair” markers at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock) are distorted down the middle, like some kind of graphical glitch. Matching the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, the hands and markers are finished in a gradient of rainbow tones.

Powered by the El Primero 3630 high-frequency automatic manufacture movement with a power reserve of 60 hours, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone incorporates the artist’s chromatic signature touch even on the movement, in the form of a star-shaped oscillating weight with a rainbow PVD finish matching the tourbillon cage and bridge as well as the other metallic elements on the dial side.

Completing the latest chapter in the ZENITH X Felipe Pantone collaboration is a customized watch box, with an iridescent pattern on the interior as well as the outer box designed by the artist in his inimitable style.

The DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is a limited-edition of 100 pieces that will be available from ZENITH online and physical boutiques, as well as with select retailers, worldwide from September 12 at 14:00 CEST.

The post LIGHTS, COLOURS, MOTION: ZENITH AND CONTEMPORARY ARTIST FELIPE PANTONE UNVEIL A SPECIAL EDITION OF THE DEFY SKYLINE TOURBILLON, MARKING THE PAIR’S THIRD COLLABORATIVE SERIES appeared first on Arab Watch Guide.

One could say that the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar has been 55 years in the making. A little-known fact that attests to just how advanced ZENITH’s groundbreaking automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre was at the time of its launch in 1969, the El Primero was initially designed to accommodate the triple calendar and moon phase functions right from the very beginning. A series of 25 prototypes was produced in 1970 as a proof of concept, using the same round case as the A386. But given the success of the core chronograph version, it was decided to wait a few years before releasing the first version of the El Primero triple calendar in a watch, which by the 1970s took on a much more space-age design.

With a host of functions, the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is possibly the most versatile and functional line within the Chronomaster collection. While the 1/10th of a second chronograph is as prominent and legible as the standard Chronomaster Original, the inclusion of the complete calendar is executed in a manner that makes it intuitive to read without cluttering the dial. The days of the week and months are displayed in symmetrically positioned windows above the chronograph counters, while the date window is positioned in the traditional El Primero position of 04:30. The moonphase display is placed with the chronograph’s 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock.

The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar’s compact 38mm case in steel isn’t just vintage inspired, but in fact based on the exact blueprint and proportions of the A386 from 1969. With its bezel-less construction and featuring a raised and domed sapphire crystal, the incorporation of a complete calendar with moonphase mechanism to the automatic high-frequency 1/10th of a second chronograph calibre without altering the case’s proportions are a true feat of ingenious design.

The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar comes in two distinct dial versions: A sportier silvery-white “panda” opaline dial with black counters and 1/10th of a second scale, and an opulent opaline slate-grey dial with silvery-white counters and scale that is directly inspired by the small series of El Primero triple calendar prototypes from 1970. Both versions are highlighted by rose gold-tone applied baton markers and hands, adding a warm contrast that brings out the polished rose gold moon set on a metallic blue sunray-patterned disk with five-pointed stars. A third dial variant, exclusively for the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Boutique Edition available only at ZENITH physical and online boutiques, is done in a sunburst olive-green tone with golden applied markers and hands. In each version, the calendar wheels match the dial colours.

A new variant of the latest generation El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre, the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar’s El Primero 3610 operates at a rate of 5 Hz (36’000 VpH) to deliver a true 1/10th of a second chronograph function. Even with the addition of the complete calendar, its efficient transmission allows for a power reserve of approximately 60 hours. The sapphire display back provides an unobstructed view of the movement’s contemporary architecture, with a sleek and open design revealing the blue column wheel and open rotor marked with the five-pointed ZENITH star.

The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar comes with either a three-link steel bracelet with the same alternating brushed and polished finishes as the case, or a calfskin strap in black for the panda dial, blue for the slate-grey dial and green for the Boutique Edition dial.

The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar with silvery-white and slate-grey dials are available from all ZENITH boutiques and authorized retailers, while the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Boutique Edition is available exclusively from ZENITH physical and online boutiques worldwide.

The post THE EL PRIMERO TRIPLE CALENDAR RETURNS WITH STYLE WITH AN ALL-NEW CALIBRE IN THE CHRONOMASTER ORIGINAL TRIPLE CALENDAR appeared first on Arab Watch Guide.

A bold colour with a strong message. The Chronomaster Sport Pink limited edition is the latest in a long series of ZENITH special and unique watches created to raise awareness on breast cancer. A worthy cause that falls within the ZENITH HORIZ-ON initiative’s main pillar of women’s empowerment, ZENITH supports Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization and its mission to raise global awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Alongside numerous activities to be hosted in major cities across the world this October, ZENITH is furthering its commitment during Breast Cancer Awareness Month by using its most popular model, the Chronomaster Sport, to support the cause. The Chronomaster Sport Pink limited edition of 500 watches marks the latest action by ZENITH in support of the foundation, with a portion of the sales donated to reach more women and offer access to education, support and hope.

On ZENITH’s continued support for the Susan G. Komen foundation, CEO Julien Tornare shared “The Chronomaster Sport is definitely our most emblematic modern El Primero chronograph today, and I’m so happy to see it serve as a vessel to promote the fight against breast cancer and raise awareness. Susan G. Komen is doing an incredible job making a difference for women across the world, and ZENITH is proud and humbled to support their efforts.”

“ZENITH remains a strong advocate and partner to the breast cancer community. ZENITH and Komen demonstrate the power of working together to make a difference to our courageous community,” said Sarah Rosales, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Susan G. Komen. “With ZENITH’s partnership, we are working everyday to create a world without breast cancer. We are truly thankful for their support.”

The Chronomaster Sport Pink limited edition reimagines ZENITH’s award-winning 1/10th of a second chronograph with a striking pink dial. Its radiant sunburst metallic dial reflecting a range of intense pink hues, while its oversized chronograph counters and even the date wheel have been coloured to match.

In a first for the steel version of the Chronomaster Sport, the engraved 1/10th of a second bezel is crafted in steel instead of ceramic. With its polished surface and black filled engraved markers, it takes on a slightly retro vibe, recalling the El Primero “Rainbow” models of the 1990s. Paired with the three-link steel bracelet, the pink dial truly stands out.

Visible through the sapphire display back is the latest version of the El Primero calibre. With its high frequency of 5 Hz (36’000 VpH), the movement offers a true 1/10th of second indication. The contemporary and efficient construction allows for a power reserve of 60 hours.

The Chronomaster Sport Pink is limited to 500 pieces and available from ZENITH physical and online boutiques as well as authorized retailers around the world. 20% of the proceeds from the sale of the Chronomaster Sport Pink will directly be donated to Susan G. Komen, supporting its efforts to make a positive impact on their community by allowing patients everywhere to live better, longer lives.

ZENITH: TIME TO REACH YOUR STAR.
ZENITH exists to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and make them come true – against all odds. Since its establishment in 1865, ZENITH became the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, and its watches have accompanied extraordinary figures that dreamt big and strived to achieve the impossible – from Louis Blériot’s history-making flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-setting stratospheric free-fall jump. Zenith is also highlighting visionary and trailblazing women by celebrating their accomplishments and creating the DREAMHERS platform where women share their experiences and inspire others to fulfil their dreams.

With innovation as its guiding star, ZENITH exclusively features in-house developed and manufactured movements in all its watches. Since the creation of the El Primero in 1969, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre, ZENITH has gone on to master high-frequency precision and offers time measurements in fractions of a second, including 1/10th of a second in the Chronomaster collection and 1/100th of a second in the DEFY collection. Because innovation is synonymous with responsibility, the ZENITH HORIZ-ON initiative affirms the brand’s commitments to inclusion & diversity, sustainability and employee wellbeing. ZENITH has been shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking since 1865, accompanying those who dare to challenge themselves and reach new heights. The time to reach your star is now.6.

The post ZENITH CONTINUES ITS SUPPORT FOR THE GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER appeared first on Arab Watch Guide.

Zenith unveils three new boutique-exclusive editions of the DEFY Skyline in 41mm and 36mm with cool Ice Blue dials, alongside a new comprehensive strap service on its online boutique.

Whether vivid blue skies or crystal-clear waters, the bright and cool tones of the newest Boutique Edition of the DEFY Skyline are certainly evocative and invigorating. As a first for a ZENITH Boutique Edition, ZENITH is adding this striking new and exclusive colour in both the original DEFY Skyline in a 41mm steel case as well as its mid-size 36mm counterpart in two versions – with and without diamonds on the bezel.

With the launch of the DEFY Skyline Ice Blue Boutique Editions and just in time to embrace a full spectrum of colours for the summer season, ZENITH is also unveiling a new service on its online boutique that allows buyers to conveniently browse and purchase a selection of compatible straps. Whether the colour, the size or the need for an additional buckle, giving your ZENITH timepiece a more personal touch through the online boutique has never been easier. This service is first being rolled out in Europe, followed by North America and Japan in September.

Deftly melding the past and present of ZENITH’s DEFY collection with architectural lines and reputable robustness, the DEFY Skyline is crafted in an angular steel case with a dodecagonal bezel, directly inspired by the earliest DEFY wristwatches from 1969. While deep blue tones inspired by the starry night sky have been prominently used in past ZENITH Boutique Editions, the DEFY Skyline proposes a chilled metallic Ice Blue tone with an engraved pattern consisting of four-pointed stars, glistening against the sunray-patterned metallic dial base. In keeping with the visual harmony of the dials, even the date wheels have been fashioned in the same colour as the dial.

Both equipped with ZENITH automatic manufacture movements, the DEFY Skyline Ice Blue Boutique Edition in 41mm is powered by the El Primero 3620 automatic high-frequency calibre, featuring a 1/10th of a second indicator that’s driven directly from the 5Hz escapement. It features a power reserve of approximately 60 hours and is endowed with a stop-second mechanism for precise time-setting. The smaller 36mm version of the DEFY Skyline Ice Blue Boutique Edition runs on the Elite 670 automatic manufacture movement with an autonomy of 50 hours. Both automatic manufacture calibres feature star-shaped oscillating weights and can be admired through the sapphire display backs.

The DEFY Skyline Boutique Edition is delivered on a steel bracelet with a satin-brushed surface with chamfered and polished edges, seamlessly following the contours of the angular case. An Ice Blue rubber strap with a starry sky pattern is also provided with a steel folding clasp and can be easily swapped without any tools using the DEFY case’s ingenious quick strap-change mechanism consisting of secure buttons on the back.

The DEFY Skyline Ice Blue Boutique Edition in 41mm is available exclusively on the ZENITH online boutique. The two 36mm versions are available from both physical and online ZENITH boutiques.

The post COOL AS ICE: ZENITH LAUNCHES A TRIO OF DEFY SKYLINE BOUTIQUE EDITION WITH ICE BLUE DIALS appeared first on Arab Watch Guide.