

Watches and Wonders 2024 is coming to a close, leaving us watch enthusiasts to mull over the many timepieces on show. This year's event was packed with new releases from massive brands – many of which I was fortunate to get up close and personal with.
That includes the subject of this piece – the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph. Already wearing its crown as one of the Best in Show at Watches and Wonders, you might have an early insight into just how good this is.
As one of the most hotly anticipated watches at the show, this was always set to turn heads. It's not hard to see why, either.
Fusing the sumptuous design language of the Defy line with the El Primero movement which has become synonymous with the brand, this is set to be a total monster.
You'll find a 42mm octagonal case, crafted from steel. That's paired up with a really brilliant bracelet. The H-shaped links on that offer a really pleasant wearing experience. It's not at all like the integrated bracelet watches which some might mistake it for.
As mentioned above, the El Primero movement sits inside this model. That's a 5Hz movement, with a power reserve of 60 hours. It also offers a 1/10th of a second chronograph function, allowing users to time events with much more precision.
But enough of the specs – what's it like on the wrist? Well, fantastic. The chunk and heft of that steel case is as robust as you'd expect. It's certainly weighty, but that's exactly what you want from a watch like this.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
It's remarkably comfortable in use – mostly due to that bracelet. As I mentioned, that uses H-shaped links, which morph to the shape of your wrist beautifully.
That 42mm case diameter is certainly going to be a tall order for those with smaller wrists, but it shouldn't be too much of a deal breaker. My diddy 6.5-inch wrist was able to wear it, and while it certainly wasn't small, it wasn't too big.
With a retail price of £12,100, I can see this having a really pleasant time in the current market. Can't buy the Rolex Daytona or an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak? Maybe this is where you should be looking.
If you're looking for more of the best watches on the market right now, check out all of the content on T3's Luxury Watches Month.
Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
The UK gets a huge free streaming service that kicks off a new era for TV
Channel 5 and My5 merge to create something bigger and more exciting
By Rik Henderson Published
-
A Week on the Wrist with the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase – I was wrong about this watch
This MoonSwatch is a groundbreaking watch
By Sam Cross Published
-
A Week on the Wrist with the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase – I was wrong about this watch
This MoonSwatch is a groundbreaking watch
By Sam Cross Published
-
New Biver Automatique is a horological tribute to Japanese watch collectors
My favourite watch movement is back in two limited pieces
By Sam Cross Published
-
A Week on the Wrist with the Christopher Ward The Twelve 38mm – the Goldilocks watch
The latest addition to the Christopher Ward The Twelve collection is just right
By Sam Cross Published
-
New Tissot watches utilise innovative solar technology
This watch could easily stay charged forever
By Sam Cross Published
-
New King Seiko watches offer seventies chic and three days of power
The King Seiko VANAC is a stunning, retro-inspired watch
By Sam Cross Published
-
New Breitling Navitimer offers a perpetual calendar movement for less
This watch boldly goes – and keeps going and going and going...
By Sam Cross Published
-
A Week on the Wrist with the Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms Pink Ocean – real divers wear pink
Ryan Gosling called – Ken wants his dive watch back
By Sam Cross Published
-
A Week on the Wrist with the Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian – a dial to get lost in
Christopher Ward has kicked off 2025 with a bang
By Sam Cross Published