In partnership with Zenith
Haute horlogerie is given a vibrant spin by artist Felipe Pantone, who has once again united with Zenith for a special edition watch. The Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone marks the third series by the artist and Zenith, building on previous iterations in 2021 and 2022, which saw the release of the Defy 21 and Defy Extreme Felipe Pantone respectively.
Now, for the first time, Pantone has reimagined the sleek form of the Defy Skyline watch, drawing from an eclectic prism of references for his continued explorations in the art of colour. Juxtaposing modern and classic design detailing, the watch embodies intricacies of the light spectrum.
Pantone’s considered philosophy takes shape in the watch’s angular lines. Cutting a geometric silhouette, the watch builds on the colour play at its heart with a gentle subversion of traditional proportions, an octagonal case complete with facets, and polished contours expertly retracting light.
Unlike previous collaborations, here the sapphire disc of the dial itself is brilliantly polychromatic, thanks to a micro-engraved circular pattern casting the visual effect distinctive to Pantone’s work; imbued with nostalgia, the dial’s finish is reminiscent of the sheen on a CD.
Pantone’s signature visual play continues through to the hour markers, which appear to crackle in their positions, frozen like a technical glitch. It is a playful foil for the sharp technicality at the heart of the watch, with the tourbillon, visible at 6 o’clock, completing one rotation every minute. The lightning bolt shape of the tourbillon bridge is finished in the gentle gradient of rainbow hues we first saw in the 2021 collaboration.
Available as a limited edition of 100 pieces, the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone Edition is available as of 12 September, from Zenith online and physical boutiques, as well as select retailers.
