Zenith x Time+Tide Defy Classic Skeleton “Night Surfer” Limited Edition

During an unlikely meeting of Zenith CEO Julien Tornare and Time+Tide Founder, Andrew McUtchen at Zenith’s Le Locle manufacture, the home of the brand since 1865, Zenith and Time+Tide unveiled an exclusive Defy Classic Skeleton model affectionately nicknamed the “Night Surfer”.

The “Night Surfer” is so named for the inspiration that the vertical gradient dial and Zenith logo - comprised for the first time here in Super-LumiNova® - takes from the sky-show that greets surfers who dare to stay out after sunset. Regarded as a national pastime in one of the world's premier surfing destinations, surfing is enjoyed by millions of Australians and is a vital aspect of the coastal lifestyle in many regions. After riding the waves into the sunset, a line of light appears on the horizon. Then, a deepening gradient of blue, fringing to black in the heavens above. And finally, the literal star of the show, an “evening star” appears that, for a time, is the only visible star in the Southern Hemisphere.

The framing for this moment in time, captured by the Night Surfer dial, is a desaturated matt black bezel, care of the microblasted titanium material that is sparingly used across Zenith’s range to always great effect. Together with Time+Tide, Zenith is flexing its creativity in this series of 100 pieces, housing several premieres for the brand, to be exclusively available on Time+Tide platforms and in Zenith physical and online boutiques worldwide.

The meeting is unlikely because Andrew emerged at Le Locle from Melbourne, Australia, the most locked down city in the world for this occasion, and is delighted to launch, with Julien, a model in person after such a long string of virtual releases. While the scope of the event was limited to a tip of two glasses of champagne, the spirit of being in the same place at the same time to mark a special moment was not lost.

“I have spent many years travelling to and from Australia, and this model, for me, really captures what is special about the place, and the power of the natural elements there: The vividness of the sky, the brightness of the evening star, which is presented here as the Zenith logo in luminous material for the first time. It is fitting that I can connect with our Aussie collaborators, Time+Tide, in person to launch this special model,” said Julien Tornare, Zenith CEO.

Andrew McUtchen, founder of Time+Tide added “It’s no secret that the Defy Classic Skeleton is an underrated model on the market, and in the Night Surfer we have sought to highlight its many qualities. The watche’s high polished, gradient, luminous, layered and matt elements give the Defy Classic Skeleton a new way to shine. The results speak for themselves, and are a credit to the creative and production team at Zenith, led by the extraordinary Romain Marietta. This was a tough brief - capture a totally magical natural moment in a timepiece - and he and his team have absolutely crushed it.”

The premieres contained in the watch are as follows: the first microblasted titanium bracelet in a Zenith Defy Classic model. The first Zenith model to have a Zenith star logo comprised of solid Super-LumiNova®. The first Defy Classic Skeleton with a gradient dial. The first Defy Classic Skeleton with a luminous date frame, allowing the day’s date on the skeletonised date wheel to be backlit at night, enabling legibility.

All the existing attributes of the Defy Classic Skeleton 41mm are on hand to impress, including but not limited to 100 metres water-resistance, a stunning exhibition caseback offering a view of the Elite 670SK calibre, and a featherlight weight of just 95 grams on the wrist. A lug-to-lug measurement of 45mm, coupled with a height of a mere 11.4mm defies any categorisations, appealing to wrists equally.

The Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton “Night Surfer” will be limited to 100 pieces, with 50 pieces allocated to Time+Tide and 50 pieces for Zenith boutiques around the world.

Technical specifications

Zenith x Time+Tide Defy Classic Skeleton “Night Surfer”

Reference: 97.9000.670/26.M9000

Limited edition of 100 pieces

Case

• Material: Microblasted titanium
• Diameter: 41 mm
• Thickness: 10.75 mm
• Water-resistant to 100 meters (10 ATM)

Dial and hands

• Dial: Openworked gradient dial
• Applied star logo in SuperLuminova SLN C1
• Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Superluminova SLN C1
• Hands : Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Superluminova SLN C1

Movement

• Elite 670 SK automatic
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Silicon escape-wheel and lever
• Power reserve min. 50 hours

Finishes

• Special oscillating weight with satined finishings

Functions/Indications

• Hours and minutes in the centre. Central seconds hand. Date indication at 6 o'clock

Strap and buckle

• Microblasted Titanium bracelet

MSRP: CHF 8'900

For more information, please visit zenith-watches.com and timeandtidewatches.com