Contemporary Art Meets Haute Horlogerie in the Latest Zenith x Felipe Pantone Collaboration

Zenith and Valencia-based optical artist Felipe Pantone are once again blending contemporary art with high-end watchmaking in their newest collaboration: a special edition of the Defy Skyline Tourbillon. Building on their successful partnership that introduced a special edition of the Defy 21 three years ago and the unique Defy 21 Double Tourbillon in a sapphire case, which achieved a record price at the Only Watch 2021 charity auction, Zenith and Pantone present an extraordinary timepiece that pushes the boundaries of both design and craftsmanship.

At the heart of the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is the captivating tourbillon mechanism located at the six o’clock position, completing a full rotation every 60 seconds. This special edition features a tourbillon bridge shaped like a lightning bolt, a recurring motif in Felipe Pantone’s extensive work. The tourbillon cage showcases a star motif, nodding to Zenith. Utilizing advanced 3D-PVD technology, the bridge, cage, indexes, and hands shimmer in vibrant rainbow colors, reflecting Pantone’s signature aesthetic.

The dial, crafted from sapphire crystal, is a masterpiece of micro-engraved concentric circles that create a mesmerizing moiré effect, reminiscent of Pantone’s artwork. The reverse side of the sapphire dial is finished with a mirror-smooth metal surface, which, combined with the engraving, produces a spectacular display of colors akin to a CD. Additionally, the sapphire dial features a vignette effect that darkens towards the outer edges, adding depth and a touch of retro nostalgia to the timepiece.

Housed in a classic stainless steel case inspired by the Defy Skyline collection of luxury sports watches introduced two years ago, the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone boasts an octagonal shape with water resistance up to 100 meters. The case exhibits a meticulously balanced interplay of polished and satin finishes, complemented by a twelve-sided bezel. In keeping with previous Zenith x Felipe Pantone projects, each corner of the case is engraved with the initials "FPT1" (Felipe Pantone Tourbillon #1), marking this as a unique collaboration.

Powered by Zenith’s renowned El Primero 3630 high-frequency automatic movement, the watch offers a 60-hour power reserve. The movement also features the artist’s colorful signature touch, displayed as a star-shaped oscillating weight with a rainbow PVD finish that matches the tourbillon cage and bridge, as well as other metallic elements on the dial side.

Limited to just 100 pieces, the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone will be available from September 12th at Zenith boutiques and online. Priced at $62,300, each watch comes with an additional rubber strap.

To learn more, visit Zenith, here.