Lot #5319
Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton Night Surfer x Time+Tide 97.9300.3620/79.I001
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Introduction
The Night Surfer began in 2021 as a collaboration between Zenith and watch institution Time+Tide, using the Defy Classic Skeleton as a canvas for a watch inspired by the Australian night sky. Its combination of dark microblasted titanium and a deep blue openworked movement proved successful enough that the original 100-piece edition was followed in 2023 by this second chapter, transferring the same concept to the sharper and more architectural Defy Skyline Skeleton.
Limited to 200 pieces, the Night Surfer Chapter Two uses a 41mm microblasted titanium case with the Defy Skyline's octagonal architecture and 12-sided bezel. Beneath the sapphire crystal, the blue openworked movement effectively becomes the dial, with a star-shaped bridge incorporating Super-LumiNova and a 1/10th-of-a-second display at six o'clock. Power comes from the automatic El Primero 3620 SK, running at the characteristic high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour and providing approximately 60 hours of power reserve. Supplied on an integrated microblasted titanium bracelet with an additional night-blue rubber strap, the result takes the atmospheric character of the original Night Surfer and places it within Zenith's more angular contemporary sports-watch architecture.
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Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, warranty and booklet
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Zenith
Dimensions
41mm x 11.6mm
Model
Defy Skyline Skeleton Night Surfer x Time+Tide
Movement
Automatic Zenith El Primero calibre 3620 SK
Reference
97.9300.3620/79.I001
Bracelet
Microblasted titanium bracelet and night-blue rubber strap
Year
2023
Condition
Near mint
Material
Titanium
Included
Box, warranty and booklet
Dial Color
Blue openworked
THE DIAL
The watch dispenses with a conventional dial, instead using the blue openworked movement and star-shaped bridge as its visual foundation. Super-LumiNova is applied to sections of the bridge as well as the hands and hour markers, while the display at six indicates 1/10th of a second rather than conventional running seconds.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 41mm x 11.6mm titanium case is entirely microblasted, giving its octagonal body and 12-sided bezel a dark, matte appearance. Sapphire crystals front and back expose the openworked architecture, while a screw-down crown contributes to 100 metres of water resistance.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall near-mint condition. The titanium case shows very light signs of wear to some of the edges and corners. All engravings around the edge of the display case back remain crisp. The dial elements and hands are like new. It is currently fitted with a rubber strap and titanium pin buckle showing light wear to the edges. Included is the bead-blasted titanium bracelet showing a couple of very light surface scratches. There are 5 full spare links and 1 half link included. Comes with inner and outer boxes, warranty card and booklets.
Our Perspective
The second Night Surfer works because it does more than simply apply a new colour to the Defy Skyline Skeleton. The microblasted titanium removes much of the usual visual shine from the case, allowing the luminous blue skeleton architecture to become the focus. Limited to 200 pieces and powered by a 5Hz El Primero with its wonderfully animated 1/10th-second display, it is a particularly distinctive interpretation of Zenith's modern Defy.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
