Zenith Defy Skyline

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pbj204
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Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by pbj204 » Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:18 am

Image

Image

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I like it better than AP. $8,400. It would be great to get these in a couple of years for $5k.

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JP Chestnut
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by JP Chestnut » Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:45 am

Seems like a knock off APRO, but with nice Rolex Oysterquartz getting super expensive this is a welcome addition to the market. And look at that perfectly placed/executed date. It looks great.

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dnslater
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by dnslater » Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:56 am

I get what you are saying Jacob, but Zenith has a pretty rich history of integrated bracelet avant garde watches that predate both of the models you referenced, although the popularity and unobtainability of those no doubt inspired this.

I think I prefer the Defy Classic Titanium models that came out a year or so ago.
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Vintage Defy FYI
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JBZ
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by JBZ » Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:05 am

Clearly derivative of the modern Royal Oak, but I think it looks great and it's a good size (I might prefer a little smaller - like 39mm). I also love the Vacheron style quick change strap system.

The only thing I'm not fond of is the 10th of a second counter. I just don't see the point of that on a non-chronograph watch. I'd much rather have a traditional 60 second counter for this one.
Image

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dnslater
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by dnslater » Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:14 am

JBZ wrote:
Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:05 am
I just don't see the point of that on a non-chronograph watch. I'd much rather have a traditional 60 second counter for this one.
I agree, have never understood this complication just for the sake of the complication. 3 hander just looks better.

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logan2z
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by logan2z » Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:16 am

dnslater wrote:
Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:56 am
Zenith has a pretty rich history of integrated bracelet avant garde watches that predate both of the models you referenced,
That's true, but did they have the same case/bezel shape, tapisserie-style dial and handset as the Royal Oak?

I like the Royal Oak so I like this Zenith as well, but I'd always feel like I was wearing a knockoff of/homage to the Royal Oak and that would bug me.

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JP Chestnut
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by JP Chestnut » Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:34 am

dnslater wrote:
Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:56 am
I get what you are saying Jacob, but Zenith has a pretty rich history of integrated bracelet avant garde watches that predate both of the models you referenced, although the popularity and unobtainability of those no doubt inspired this.
For sure. Zenith is a great brand with tons of heritage. But this

Image

Looks a lot more like this
Image

Than it does this:
Image

With that said, I like the Zenith RO. I think it looks good standing on its own and as an homage to the APRO.
dnslater wrote:
Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:56 am
I think I prefer the Defy Classic Titanium models that came out a year or so ago.
Image
I think I do as well. I looked it up and this model is even more affordable.
JBZ wrote:
Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:05 am
... but I think it looks great and it's a good size (I might prefer a little smaller - like 39mm). I also love the Vacheron style quick change strap system.
I feel like Zenith missed the mark size-wise. The reissue was a tiny 37mm and this one is another 41mm integrated bracelet watch. I wish they would have at least offered this in a smaller 38 or 39mm form factor.

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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by Bob1035 » Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:44 am

dnslater wrote:
Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:56 am

Vintage Defy FYI
Image
Zenith is outside of my realm, but holy sh!t is this piece awesome! *off to watchrecon*

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Jeep99dad
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by Jeep99dad » Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:47 am

That’s not even close to a tapisserie dial
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JP Chestnut
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by JP Chestnut » Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:57 am

Jeep99dad wrote:
Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:47 am
That’s not even close to a tapisserie dial
At a glance, from normal viewing distances, that blue would look very similar to the APRO dial. Zenith even chose four pointed stars (despite five points being used in their logo) to further the "textured square" impression of the dial.

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dnslater
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by dnslater » Mon Jan 24, 2022 8:57 am

logan2z wrote:
Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:16 am
dnslater wrote:
Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:56 am
Zenith has a pretty rich history of integrated bracelet avant garde watches that predate both of the models you referenced,
That's true, but did they have the same case/bezel shape, tapisserie-style dial and handset as the Royal Oak?

I like the Royal Oak so I like this Zenith as well, but I'd always feel like I was wearing a knockoff of/homage to the Royal Oak and that would bug me.
I agree and won't argue that there is some APRO DNA in there for sure with that look.... and yes the dial/hands gets into homage territory.

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Steve O.
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by Steve O. » Mon Jan 24, 2022 10:09 am

Bob1035 wrote:
Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:44 am
dnslater wrote:
Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:56 am

Vintage Defy FYI
Image
Zenith is outside of my realm, but holy sh!t is this piece awesome! *off to watchrecon*
You may also want to look for a Movado Defy. Movado was owned by Zenith from the late 1960's to 1978 or so. Due to an agreement with the Zenith Television Company, Zenith watches were sold under the Movado name in North America during this period. Consequently, there is a good deal of overlap in styles, names, and movements. The Defy being one. Ironically, after brief ownership by the Dixie Corporation, Zenith/Movado was actually bought by Zenith TV, who ran the brands into the ground. It wasn't until 1983, when Movado was bought by the Grinberg family, that the two brands went separate ways. That's when the "Museum" dial became the focal point of Movado moving forward...
Last edited by Steve O. on Mon Jan 24, 2022 11:17 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by ericf4 » Mon Jan 24, 2022 11:13 am

id rock that shit
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by ericf4 » Mon Jan 24, 2022 11:16 am

although it really seems super close to the 2 IWG ingys I have.....so maybe not
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Re: Zenith Defy Skyline

Post by AtomicTom » Mon Jan 24, 2022 12:47 pm

Wow Paul, Zenith is trying some different things this year huh?! :o

Not only have they been going back to past designs, but now it looks
as if they are looking toward other brands too. And to be honest, I
don't mind them looking toward other brands for inspiration. This one
does have a Royal Oak feel, but that's o.k...The more the merrier. :grin:

It should be fun hearing how the watch compares when it's released,
and people can take a look at it.

Thanks a ton for the report !!!

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