Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton Night Surfer El Primero

It’s finally here: the Zenith x Time+Tide Night Surfer El Primero, the much-anticipated sequel to our popular Zenith x Time+Tide Night Surfer collaboration from 2021.

This time based on the Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton, the Night Surfer El Primero, like the first Night Surfer, premieres several firsts for the Defy Skyline collection, while standing out as a uniquely handsome piece with an undeniable Australian aesthetic.

Not only is it the first Defy Skyline in titanium, it’s also the first Skyline Skeleton to have a gradient-colour dial, as well as the first to incorporate lume into the bridges of the star motif on the dial. The liquid blue gradient dial is inspired by the waves turning an abyss blue as night takes over dusk, with the skeletonised design allowing peeks at PVD blue-treated movement elements.

It’s also even “surfier” than the OG Night Surfer thanks to a screw-down crown as well as a rubber strap option, which is a cinch to swap on thanks to the Defy Skyline’s quick-change strap system. Measuring up at 41mm x 11.6mm x 46.3mm, it’s slightly larger than the OG, however has a similar weight at 105g on bracelet and 102g on rubber strap. All the while featuring a more robust construction and sportier aesthetic.

A complex movement also beats under the hood: a high-beat El Primero calibre derived from the legendary chronograph. This high-tech movement sports a silicon escapement and ticks at 36,000 vph for up to 60 hours. The rapid beat rate is shown off with the six o’clock sub-dial, as the hand traces its perimeter in just 10 seconds. It’s a substantial upgrade over the original; a covetous movement for a covetous watch.