Big box-office hits often lead to sequels. Blockbusters, however, need a “threequel” for completion. Following the sell-out success of the micro-blasted titanium DEFY Classic Skeleton Night Surfer in 2021 and the DEFY Skyline Skeleton Night Surfer El Primero in 2023, Zenith and Time+Tide now unveil their third and final collaboration in the “Surfer Trilogy”: the DEFY Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic. This new limited-edition watch retains the blue-gradient open-worked dial concept that unites all three editions, but with a beach-inspired twist.
Following the dark titanium executions of the earlier models, the White Surfer offers a fresh take on Zenith’s bold, architectural DEFY Skyline. Its 41 mm case and integrated bracelet are crafted in ultra-light, scratch-resistant white ceramic, delivering modern resilience, versatility and comfort for a day on the sand. A screw-down crown and 100-metre water resistance mean it is equally ready to head into the waves.
Complementing the case is a gradient-blue open dial and skeletonised movement. Continuing the original concept, the dial fades from dark blue at the top to a breezy light blue at the bottom. The bridges adopt Zenith’s five-pointed star—this time filled with Super-LumiNova, a design cue last seen on the original Night Surfer—and the luminescent star returns after a four-year absence.
Visible through both the dial and the sapphire display back is the El Primero 3620 SK calibre. Rendered in matching light-blue tones, the skeletonised, high-frequency movement displays hours, minutes and a 1/10-second indicator driven directly from the 5 Hz escapement, and offers a 55-hour power reserve.
The DEFY Skyline Skeleton White Surfer comes on an integrated white-ceramic bracelet; a patterned white rubber strap is supplied to exploit the tool-free quick-change system.
“With this third chapter in our collaboration, we’re not just continuing a story, we’re elevating it. Each edition has deepened our creative dialogue, and this new release is the boldest expression yet of what we can achieve together.”
says Benoît de Clerck, CEO of Zenith. Time+Tide founder Andrew McUtchen adds:
“There’s a huge risk in trying for a trilogy when the first two collabs have been so popular, but when we saw the prototype of an ‘inverted’ Night Surfer, in brushed white ceramic, we just had to make it happen. The gradient light blue dial sealed it. Best summer watch ever.”
Limited to 100 pieces worldwide, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic will be available through Time+Tide, authorised Zenith retailers, and Zenith boutiques—both physical and online.
