Zenith, the renowned Le Locle-based watchmaker, has kicked off 2026 by dedicating its entire LVMH Watch Week showcase to the dynamic Defy collection. This strategic focus, though initially surprising given the brand's diverse offerings in its 150th-anniversary year, powerfully demonstrates the Defy line's remarkable adaptability and extensive range. The presentation introduced six distinct new models, each a testament to Zenith's innovative spirit and precision engineering.
Detailed Exploration of Zenith's Latest Defy Innovations
Among the highlights is the eagerly anticipated Zenith Defy Revival A3643, a modern homage to the 1969 original. Introduced on January 20, 2026, this model retains the beloved retro aesthetics and accessible pricing of its predecessors, featuring a distinctive 37mm octagonal stainless steel case, a 14-sided bezel, and a refined silver sunray dial. Rhodium-plated, faceted indices with Super-LumiNova, a date window at 4:30, and an orange-tipped seconds hand add to its charm. Powering this piece is Zenith's in-house Elite 670 automatic caliber, offering a 50-hour power reserve and water resistance up to 300 meters. The watch is completed with an iconic Gay Frères-style ladder bracelet, providing exceptional comfort for a price of approximately €7,900.
For those seeking a bolder statement, Zenith unveiled the Defy Skyline Chronograph in black ceramic. This 42mm chronometer, launched on January 20, 2026, features a stealthy black ceramic case and matching bracelet. Its black dial is adorned with the characteristic Defy Skyline star pattern, complemented by rhodium-plated, faceted indices and hands enhanced with white Super-LumiNova. Red accents on the chronograph hands inject a vibrant touch. At its heart lies the Zenith El Primero 3600 caliber, a sophisticated movement capable of measuring time to 1/10th of a second and boasting a 60-hour power reserve. This striking timepiece is priced at approximately €23,400.
Continuing the ceramic theme, the new Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton in black ceramic, also released on January 20, 2026, presents a captivating visual with its rose-gold-colored open-worked dial. The 41mm black ceramic case and matching bracelet house the skeletonized Zenith El Primero 3620 SK caliber, an automatic movement operating at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour and providing a 55-hour power reserve. Its constantly running 1/10th-of-a-second counter at 6 o'clock is a standout feature. The rose gold-plated hands and indices, treated with Super-LumiNova, offer a luxurious contrast against the dark ceramic. This model, emphasizing the intricate movement, is available for about €19,100.
Zenith also expanded the 36mm Defy Skyline range with two new models on January 20, 2026, both featuring elegant silver-toned sunray dials with the signature four-pointed star pattern. One version comes in standard stainless steel, while the other features a bezel meticulously set with 52 brilliant-cut VVS diamonds, adding a touch of extravagance. Both watches share a compact 36mm diameter, a 10.4mm thickness, and 100-meter water resistance. The in-house Elite 670 automatic movement powers both, visible through a sapphire case back. Each watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet and a black rubber strap, easily interchangeable thanks to Zenith's quick-release system. The stainless steel model is priced around €9,500, while the diamond-set version retails for approximately €13,500.
Concluding the impressive lineup is the exclusive Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton, a limited edition of 50 pieces, released on January 20, 2026. This rose gold variant, a first for the skeletonized Skyline Tourbillon, boasts a 41mm rose gold case with 100-meter water resistance and is paired with a matching rose gold bracelet, alongside a blue rubber strap with a rose gold clasp. The timepiece features a stunning blue PVD-treated open-worked dial, revealing the intricately finished El Primero caliber 3630 SK. The one-minute tourbillon, prominently positioned at 6 o'clock, is framed by a rose gold bridge, beautifully complementing the gold-plated, Super-LumiNova-treated hands and indices. Operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, this tourbillon caliber offers a 50-hour power reserve. This magnificent limited edition is offered at approximately €102,800.
Zenith's concentrated effort on the Defy collection at this year's LVMH Watch Week highlights the brand's confidence in this sporty yet sophisticated line. The new releases, spanning from vintage-inspired designs to advanced tourbillon complications, underscore the Defy's versatility and appeal across different preferences. The Defy Revival A3643, with its classic charm and new silver dial, stands out as a particular favorite, offering a blend of heritage and contemporary design. It will be fascinating to witness how these additions contribute to Zenith's narrative and whether other collections will see similar expansions later in the year.