LVMH Watch Week 2026: Zenith has expanded the 36mm Defy Skyline collection with a new silver dial in two watches, including a diamond-set bezel.
Zenith continues to build out the Defy Skyline 36mm collection with the introduction of a new silver-dial variant, offering a more understated and versatile take on the brand’s compact, unisex sports watch. Joining the existing deep blue, ice blue, pastel green and pastel pink options, this latest interpretation leans into a cleaner, more monochromatic aesthetic while staying true to the Skyline’s modern identity.
At the centre of the dial is the familiar starry night pattern, a contemporary reinterpretation of Zenith’s historic “double Z” logo from the 1960s. Based on the Zenith story, and Georges Favre-Jacot peering into the night sky, imagining the pinnacle of watchmaking, it is a subtle nod to the founder.
The 36mm stainless steel case retains the sharp, faceted design language that defines the Defy Skyline collection. Its twelve-sided bezel – available either clean or set with brilliant-cut diamonds – gives the watch a distinctive profile, evoking the angular lines of modern urban architecture. Despite its proportions, the case doesn’t sacrifice practicality, with a screw-down crown delivering water resistance to 100 meters, making it more than capable of handling daily wear.
Powering the Defy Skyline 36 is Zenith’s Elite 670 automatic calibre, visible through the exhibition case back. Finished in a sleek silver tone and fitted with an open star-shaped rotor, the movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz and offers a healthy 50-hour power reserve. This is more than enough for a daily-wearing watch, which Zenith has designed the Defy Skyline to be, be it for men or women.
As with all of Zenith’s Defy Skyline range, the new silver-dial Defy Skyline 36 features Zenith’s interchangeable strap system. With the press of the button on the case back, the integrated two-link steel bracelet can be quickly swapped out for the included black rubber strap, which features a subtle star pattern.
It’s a practical touch that allows the watch to shift easily between a sportier and more refined look. Personally, I feel the black strap doesn’t match the overall look of the watches as much, especially the diamond-set bezel variant; however, there is a range of coloured straps in the 36mm range that can suit, such as light blue, dark blue, pink, and green, to name a few, so you have no shortage of choice here.
Initial Thoughts
Colour choices are good in my opinion – the more the merrier, I say, as it gives people the option to express themselves through the use of colour. Yes, sometimes less choice is better and easier to decide, but then you get stuck with the same old. The use of the silver dial now gives people the option for a slightly more elegant and subtle choice in the 36mm Defy Skyline range.
At 36mm, these are classified as unisex, and for those who like a smaller watch, these will work perfectly, and could be classified as a pure couples watch set. The diamonds on the bezel does make this model a little more feminine, and perfect heading into Valentine’s Day for those looking for something special for their significant other. Or, just a nice way to start the year!
References: 03.9400.670/01.I001 (Steel) / 16.9400.670/01.I001 (Diamonds)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 36mm x 10.4mm thick x 40.6mm lug-to-lug
- Case Material: Brushed and Polished Steel case, choice of diamond (52 VVS brilliant-cut diamonds ~1ct) or non-diamond set bezel
- Case back: Steel screw-down with sapphire display back
- Dial: Sunray brushed, star-patterned silver
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 100 Metres (10BAR) with Screw-Down Crown
- Movement: Elite 670 automatic movement
- Power reserve: 50 Hours
- Strap/Bracelet: Integrated steel bracelet with an interchangeable black strap