When it comes to bold artistic collaborations in the world of watchmaking, few can match the synergy that Zenith and Felipe Pantone have forged over the past four years.
Now, the famed Swiss watchmaker and the Argentinian-Spanish optical artist are back at it again for their third collaborative series, this time presenting possibly their most daring creation yet: the Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone.
Limited to just a hundred pieces, this iridescent-dialled co-creation takes the essence of Pantone’s vibrant, futuristic art and channels it into a masterpiece of high-frequency horology for an ultra-rich visual experience on the wrist.
An Evolving Canvas
For Felipe Pantone, collaborating with Zenith is more than just a crossover between art and horology – it's a fusion of two worlds that share a deep commitment to pushing boundaries.
Pantone, known for his dynamic work that explores the intersection of the digital and analogue worlds, brings a unique energy to this partnership. His art, characterised by vivid gradients, geometric shapes and optical illusions using modelling software, mirrors Zenith's own pursuit of mastery through design and engineering.
And Pantone is no stranger to Zenith’s iconic Defy collection. His previous collaborations – including the hugely successful Defy 21 Felipe Pantone and the Defy Extreme Felipe Pantone – have made a vivid mark on admirers of Zenith’s watchmaking and art connoisseurs in general.
This time, however, the artist has focused his creative energy on the Defy Skyline Tourbillon, first unveiled earlier this year. It’s a model that epitomises the strength and versatility of Zenith’s design, borrowing elements from the brand’s rich heritage while looking squarely to the future. Now it comes dripping with Pantone’s distinctive visual language.
Kaleidoscopic Dial
The centrepiece of the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is undoubtedly the dial – a captivating showcase of Pantone’s ability to manipulate light and colour.
Unlike anything seen in previous Zenith x Pantone collaborations, the iridescent dial is crafted from a sapphire disc which has been micro-engraved with concentric circles that recall the moiré effect – a visual illusion that distorts patterns as you change your angle of view.
Adding to the visual complexity is a mirrored metallic finish on the back of the sapphire. This creates an ever-shifting display of colours reminiscent of the reflective surface of a CD – instantly conjuring a sense of digital nostalgia.
But Pantone didn’t stop there. In a nod to the visual tricks that define his work, the dial features a vignette effect, darkening towards the edges to enhance the sense of depth.
Pantone’s signature “glitch” aesthetic extends to the hands and hour markers as well. Treated with Super-LumiNova for optimal readability, the hands and markers are intentionally distorted, as if they’ve been caught mid-glitch.
Meanwhile, the bold, gradient rainbow tones seen throughout the dial are echoed in the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, where the bridge has been reshaped into a lightning bolt – one of Pantone’s recurring visual motifs. The vibrant, multi-coloured finish on the tourbillon bridge and cage ties the entire design together, creating a piece as dynamic as a one of Pantone’s murals, sculptures or installations.
Geometric Frame
The 41mm octagonal case, a signature of the Defy line, provides the perfect frame for Pantone’s dial-side art. Crafted from stainless steel with a dodecagonal bezel, the case is both angular and geometric, its lines brought out by the alternating satin-brushed and polished finishes.
The versatility of the Defy Skyline Tourbillon is further enhanced by its interchangeable strap system. Whether you prefer the sleek look of a stainless-steel bracelet or the sportier vibe of a black rubber strap, Zenith has made it easy to switch between the two.
Water-resistant to 100 meters thanks to its screw-in crown, this is a limited edition that invites you to wear it in all settings, without sacrificing any artistic integrity.
And in keeping with the past Zenith X Felipe Pantone collabs, the case is engraved on each corner with a character to denote “FPT1” – Felipe Pantone Tourbillon #1.
High-Frequency Powerhouse
At the heart of the Defy Skyline Tourbillon is the automatic El Primero 3630 calibre, a testament to Zenith’s longstanding expertise in high-frequency movements. Operating at 5Hz, it offers exceptional precision over its 60-hour power reserve and reinforcing that accuracy is the tourbillon that completes a full rotation every 60 seconds.
Pantone’s influence even extends to this movement, where a star-shaped oscillating weight finished in rainbow PVD continues the chromatic theme established on the dial.
Out of the Box
Even the packaging of the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone reflects the artist’s meticulous attention to detail: The watch comes in a customised presentation case adorned with Pantone’s signature iridescent patterns, ensuring that from the moment you unbox it, you’re entering his vibrant world.
“[This is] our most exceptional watch to date,” says the artist. “It's a masterpiece of high horology, combining simplicity and sophistication. This complex yet minimalist timepiece features stunning details, including the tiny gradient indexes and hands, the mirror ‘Planned Iridescence’ dial and a truly unique bolt-shaped tourbillon.”
Bold Union of Art and Time
In an industry that often looks to the past for inspiration, the Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is another bold leap forwards. By combining Pantone’s dynamic and glitch-inspired visuals with Zenith’s technical prowess, it represents a consummate fusion of contemporary art and fine watchmaking.
Limited to just a hundred pieces and priced at CHF 60,000, it will be available from Zenith online and physical boutiques, as well as with select retailers from September 12.
