2026 Zenith Watch Releases

While LVMH Watch Week was all about the Defy collection for Zenith, Watches and Wonders welcomed some new Chronomaster Sport and G.F.J models to the mix for 2026. Here’s a look at all the 2026 Zenith watch releases so far, complete with specs, release dates, and pricing.

Chronomaster Sport Skeleton

Release Date: April 2026

Zenith leans into one of its core strengths for Watches & Wonders 2026 with a skeletonized take on the Chronomaster Sport, putting the El Primero 3600 front and center. While the standard model already hints at its mechanical chops, this version removes any ambiguity, opening up the dial to reveal the movement underneath.

The sapphire dial is lightly smoked from the edges toward the center, maintaining some contrast while still giving a clear view of the openworked architecture. Despite the added visual complexity, the layout remains familiar, with the signature overlapping 3-6-9 grey, anthracite, and blue subdials intact — a direct link back to the original 1969 El Primero. Legibility is still very much a priority here, thanks to applied markers and lume-filled hands.

Inside is the El Primero 3600SK, the same high-frequency automatic chronograph found in other Chronomaster Sport watches — but skeletonized and sans date window. The caliber runs at 5 Hz (36,000 vph) and measures 1/10th of a second via the central chronograph hand, which completes a full rotation every 10 seconds. It also features a silicon escape wheel and delivers a 60-hour power reserve, all visible through both the dial and caseback.

As always, the watch sticks to a 41mm case and is offered in multiple configurations. Stainless steel versions are available with either a black or green ceramic bezel, both fitted with steel bracelets and paired with an additional rubber strap. There’s also a rose gold version with a black ceramic bezel on a black rubber strap, along with a full rose gold variant topped with a diamond-set bezel.

Zenith also introduces its new ZENCLASP system here, a patented micro-adjustable folding clasp designed for easier on-the-fly sizing. It allows for quick adjustments directly on the wrist in 2.5mm increments, with a total adjustment range of 10mm, and is secured by a lift-up safety cover adorned with the Zenith star. The mechanism itself is fairly complex, made up of 41 components, including 10 ceramic balls that handle both the locking and positioning functions. Zenith says the clasp took three years (around 1,800 hours) to develop, and has been tested to simulate more than a decade of real-world use — over 600,000 opening and closing cycles — which gives you a sense of how seriously they’re taking this new clasp.

Pricing for the 2026 Zenith Chronomaster Sport Skeleton starts at $16,700 for the steel models and goes up to $31,500 for the rose gold version, with the limited 10-piece diamond-set edition at the top of the range, coming in at a cool $111,000.

2026 Zenith Chronomaster Sport Skeleton Watch Specs

Model	Chronomaster Sport Skeleton (Steel)	Chronomaster Sport Skeleton (Rose Gold)	Chronomaster Sport Skeleton (Gem-Set)
References	03.3130.3600/01.M3130 (black bezel) 03.3131.3600/01.M3130 (green bezel)	18.3130.3600/01.R951	22.3130.3600/01.M3100
Case	Stainless steel case with black or green ceramic bezel 41mm diameter 100m water resistance	18k rose gold case with black ceramic bezel 41mm diameter 100m water resistance	18k rose gold case 52 VVS baguette-cut diamond bezel 41mm diameter 100m water resistance
Dial	Openworked tinted sapphire dial with smoked black gradient and three different-colored counters	Openworked tinted sapphire dial with smoked black gradient and three different-colored counters	Openworked tinted sapphire dial with three different-colored counters Baguette-cut diamond hour markers
Movement	El Primero 3600 SK Automatic winding 36,000 vph (5 Hz) 60-hour power reserve; silicon escape wheel and lever column-wheel chronograph	El Primero 3600 SK Automatic winding 36,000 vph (5 Hz) 60-hour power reserve; silicon escape wheel and lever column-wheel chronograph	El Primero 3600 SK Automatic winding 36,000 vph (5 Hz) 60-hour power reserve; silicon escape wheel and lever column-wheel chronograph
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds 1/10th of a second chronograph	Hours, minutes, small seconds 1/10th of a second chronograph	Hours, minutes, small seconds 1/10th of a second chronograph
Bracelet	Stainless steel bracelet with micro-adjustable ZENCLASP folding clasp Additional black or green rubber strap	Black rubber strap with 18k rose gold ZENCLASP folding clasp	18K rose gold bracelet with folding clasp Additional black rubber strap with 18K rose gold ZENCLASP folding clasp
Limited Edition	No	No	10 pieces
2026 Retail Prices (MSRP)	$16,700	$31,500	$111,000

Two-Tone Chronomaster Sport

Release Date: April 2026

Zenith updates the Chronomaster Sport lineup for 2026 pairing a new mother-of-pearl dial with a two-tone steel and rose gold case and bracelet. The 41mm case keeps the same proportions as the standard model, now with a rose gold bezel, crown, and pushers contrasting against the steel mid-case and bracelet.

The dial is where things really change. The mother-of-pearl base, paired with lighter, less contrast-heavy subdials, gives the watch a noticeably dressier feel compared to the usual Chronomaster Sport look. It’s still the same 3-6-9 overlapping layout, but the overall presentation is softer and a bit more refined. With its two-tone construction and mother-of-pearl dial, this one also lands squarely in Rolex Daytona alternative territory, especially given how many MOP dial variants exist within that lineup.

Inside the Chronomaster Sport is the familiar El Primero 3600 automatic chronograph movement, running at 5 Hz (36,000 vph) and capable of measuring 1/10th of a second via the central chronograph hand, which completes a full rotation every 10 seconds. The speedy movement offers a 60-hour power reserve and is visible through the sapphire caseback.

The two-tone theme continues onto the bracelet, with rose gold center links, and Zenith also includes an additional black rubber strap. Limited to 50 pieces, the Chronomaster Sport Two-Tone (ref. 51.3102.3600/01.M3100) is priced at $20,100.

2026 Zenith Two-Tone Chronomaster Sport Watch Specs

Model	Chronomaster Sport
Reference	51.3102.3600/01.M3100
Case	Stainless steel and 18K rose gold case 41mm diameter 100 meters water resistance
Dial	Mother-of-pearl dial with three different-colored counters Date window at 4:30
Movement	El Primero 3600 Automatic winding 36,000 vph (5 Hz) 60-hour power reserve Column-wheel chronograph
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds Date at 4:30 1/10th of a second chronograph
Bracelet	Stainless steel and 18K rose gold bracelet with folding clasp Additional black rubber strap with folding clasp
Limited Edition	50 pieces
2026 Retail Price (MSRP)	$20,100

G.F.J. Bloodstone and Tantalum

Release Date: April 2026

Zenith continues building out its G.F.J. collection for 2026, doubling down on the revived Calibre 135 with two very different executions: a yellow gold model with a stone dial and a more limited tantalum version.

At the core of both of these 2026 Zenith watch releases is the same story. Originally developed between 1949 and 1962, the Calibre 135 was purpose-built for observatory chronometry trials, with the competition-spec 135-O going on to win 235 prizes, including five consecutive first-place finishes at the Neuchâtel Observatory. Rather than simply reissuing the movement, the brand re-engineered it for modern use while keeping its defining architecture intact, including the oversized balance wheel and offset center wheel.

The updated manual-winding Calibre 135, which made its debut as part of the 2025 Zenith watch releases, runs at 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz), now with a 72-hour power reserve, a stop-seconds mechanism, and COSC certification with accuracy rated to +/-2 seconds per day. It also retains traditional elements like the Breguet overcoil and double arrow regulator, which feels appropriate given the movement’s original purpose.

The flashier of the two comes in a 39.5mm yellow gold case (ref. 30.1865.0135/56.C216) with a stepped bezel, sculptural lugs, and a box-style sapphire crystal, emphasizing that vintage chronometer look. The three-part dial includes a central bloodstone disc, which, somewhat confusingly, is mostly green with red flecks rather than something I’d expect to be called “blood.” There’s also a mother-of-pearl small seconds at 6 o’clock, and a guilloché outer ring inspired by the brickwork of Zenith’s manufacture. It’s a bold mix of materials and textures — perhaps even a little overdone for some. This version is delivered with three strap options: a beige nubuck alligator, a green alligator, and a black calfskin, paired with a gold pin buckle. Zenith also offers the option to purchase an 18k yellow gold bracelet with a double folding clasp. Limited to 161 pieces, the G.F.J. Bloodstone is priced at $51,900.

Then there’s the second, quieter release. The tantalum version (ref. 98.1865.0135/21.C205), limited to just 20 pieces, swaps the warm gold case for something heavier and far more difficult to work with. Tantalum isn’t used often at this level for a reason; it’s dense, hard, and notoriously challenging to finish. The dial follows the more restrained approach, with a black onyx center, grey mother-of-pearl small seconds, and the same brick-pattern guilloché outer ring. Diamond hour markers add a touch of flash, but overall, this one is much more understated compared to the bloodstone version. Again, Zenith delivers this version with three straps: a blue nubuck alligator, a black alligator, and a gray calfskin, fitted with a titanium pin buckle. Due to its tougher-to-work-with material and much smaller production run, the G.F.J. Tantalum is priced at $83,400.

2026 Zenith G.F.J. Watch Specs

Model	G.F.J. (Yellow Gold)	G.F.J. (Tantalum)
Reference	30.1865.0135/56.C216	98.1865.0135/21.C205
Case	18K yellow gold case 39.15mm diameter 10.5mm thickness 45.75mm lug-to-lug 50m water resistance	Tantalum case 39.15mm diameter 10.5mm thickness 45.75mm lug-to-lug 50m water resistance
Dial	Brick guilloché outer ring with jasper “bloodstone” center and mother-of-pearl small seconds	Brick guilloché outer ring with onyx center and mother-of-pearl small seconds
Movement	Caliber 135 Manual-winding COSC-certified 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz) 72-hour power reserve Breguet hairspring	Caliber 135 Manual-winding COSC-certified 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz) 72-hour power reserve Breguet hairspring
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds	Hours, minutes, small seconds
Bracelet	Beige nubuck alligator strap Additional green alligator and black calfskin straps Yellow gold pin buckle Optional 18k yellow gold bracelet	Blue nubuck alligator strap Additional black alligator and gray calfskin straps Titanium pin buckle
Limited Edition	161 pieces	20 pieces
2026 Retail Prices (MSRPs)	$51,900	$83,400

That covers all of Zenith’s 2026 releases from Watches and Wonders. Now let’s get into the Defy models they released in January at LVMH Watch Week.

Defy Skyline Skeleton

Release Date: January 2026

The Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton returns in one of its most striking executions yet, pairing a black ceramic case with a gold-toned openworked movement.

The 41mm black ceramic case features the collection’s signature dodecagonal bezel and sharply faceted profile. At the dial side, the openworked layout is built around Zenith’s four-pointed star, exposing the El Primero 3620 SK in full view. In place of a traditional seconds display, the watch uses Zenith’s constant 1/10th-of-a-second indicator at 6 o’clock, driven directly by the 5Hz escapement and completing one full rotation every 10 seconds.

Finished entirely in gold tone, the movement contrasts clearly against the dark ceramic exterior. It offers a 55-hour power reserve and incorporates a silicon escape wheel and lever for improved efficiency. The integrated black ceramic bracelet mirrors the case architecture, while an included black patterned rubber strap can be swapped in seconds using Zenith’s tool-free quick-change system.

The 2026 Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton in black ceramic with a gold-toned movement is priced at $18,900.

2026 Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton Watch Specs

Model	Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton
Reference	49.9300.3620/07.I001
Case	Black ceramic 41mm diameter Water resistance 100m
Dial	Openworked dial
Movement	El Primero 3620 SK Automatic winding 36,000 VpH (5 Hz) 55-hour power reserve
Functions	Hours; minutes 1/10th of a second counter at 6 o’clock
Bracelet	Black ceramic bracelet with double folding clasp Additional black rubber strap with steel folding clasp
2026 Retail Price (MSRP)	$18,900

Defy Skyline Chronograph

Release Date: January 2026

Following last year’s anniversary ceramic editions in blue, the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph is back in a full black ceramic execution.

True to form, the black ceramic 42mm case and matching bracelet are finished with alternating brushed and polished surfaces that accentuate the Defy Skyline’s faceted profile. Ceramic’s light weight and scratch resistance suit the watch’s integrated construction, while the dodecagonal bezel remains a defining signature. Water resistance is rated to 100 meters, supported by a screw-down crown.

Continuing the monochromatic theme, the black/gray dial features a dark gradient finish that transitions from a lighter center to a deeper perimeter, overlaid with the Defy collection’s engraved four-pointed star motif. Three chronograph counters are arranged at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, complemented by faceted hands and applied markers filled with lume. There’s also a discreet date window tucked between 4 and 5 o’clock.

Driving the watch is the El Primero 3600, Zenith’s high-frequency automatic chronograph capable of measuring elapsed time to 1/10th of a second. With 60 hours of power reserve behind it, the central chronograph hand completes one full rotation every 10 seconds.

The 2026 Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph is delivered on an integrated black ceramic bracelet and includes a patterned black rubber strap, both compatible with Zenith’s tool-free quick-change system. Retail pricing is set at $23,600.

2026 Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Watch Specs

Model	Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph
Reference	49.9500.3600/21.I001
Case	Black ceramic 42mm diameter Water resistance 100m
Dial	Gradient grey starry sky–patterned dial
Movement	El Primero 3600 automatic column-wheel chronograph 36,000bph (5 Hz) 60-hour power reserve
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o’clock 1/10th of a second chronograph with central hand making one full rotation in 10 seconds 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock 60-second counter at 3 o’clock Date at 4:30
Bracelet	Black ceramic bracelet with double folding clasp Additional black rubber strap with steel folding clasp
2026 Retail Price (MSRP)	$23,600

Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton

Release Date: January 2026

For 2026, Zenith introduces its first tourbillon skeleton to the Defy lineup, pairing a rose gold case and bracelet with a blue-accented open-worked dial.

Rather than relying on a traditional dial inside the 41mm case, the watch uses a peripheral flange to carry the hour markers, leaving the movement — complete with the Zenith star directly integrated into the skeletonized mainplate — fully exposed beneath the sapphire crystal.

That movement is the El Primero 3630 SK, finished in blue PVD and skeletonized around the one-minute tourbillon aperture at 6 o’clock. Bridges at 10 and 2 o’clock add structural depth, while rhodium-plated chamfers contrast against the darker surfaces of the movement. A skeletonized barrel allows a direct view of the mainspring as it unwinds across the 50-hour power reserve.

Along with the fitted rose gold integrated bracelet, Zenith also provides an additional blue rubber strap, equipped with a rose gold folding clasp. Limited to 50 pieces, the 2026 Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton is priced at $103,700.

2026 Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton Watch Specs

Model	Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton
Reference	18.9300.3630/78.I001
Case	Rose gold 41mm diameterW water resistance 100m
Dial	Blue openworked skeleton dial
Movement	El Primero 3630 SK automatic tourbillon movement 36,000bph (5 Hz) 50-hour power reserve
Functions	Hours, minutes Tourbillon at 6 o’clock with one-minute rotation
Bracelet	Solid rose gold bracelet with double folding clasp Additional blue rubber strap with solid gold folding clasp; full interchangeable strap system
Limited	50 pieces
2026 Retail Price (MSRP)	$103,700

Defy Skyline 36

Release Date: January 2026

Zenith updates the Defy Skyline 36 with a new silver-toned dial, offered with or without diamonds. The 36mm case keeps the sharply faceted geometry that defines the Skyline line, along with the dodecagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, and 100-meter water resistance.

The silver dial introduces a more neutral, versatile look compared to earlier pastel and blue variants while retaining Zenith’s four-pointed star motif engraved across the surface. For those who enjoy sparkle, there’s a diamond version with 52 brilliant-cut stones set into the 12-sided bezel. Inside the case is the Elite 670 automatic movement, visible through a sapphire caseback. Beating at 4Hz, it offers a 50-hour power reserve and displays hours, minutes, central seconds, and a date at 3 o’clock.

The 2026 Zenith Defy Skyline 36 is priced at $9,400 in stainless steel, while the diamond-set version retails for $13,300.

2026 Zenith Defy Skyline 36 Watch Specs

Model	Zenith Defy Skyline 36
References	03.9400.670/01.I001 (stainless steel) 16.9400.670/01.I001 (stainless steel with diamond-set bezel)
Case	Stainless steel 36mm diameter Diamond-set bezel on Ref. 16.9400.670/01.I001 with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (~1.00 ct, F–G, VVS)
Dial	Silver-toned sunray-patterned dial with starry-sky motif
Movement	Elite 670 automatic movement 28,800bph (4 Hz) 50-hour power reserve
Functions	Hours, minutes, central seconds Date at 3 o’clock
Bracelet	Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp Additional rubber strap with starry-sky pattern and folding clasp
2026 Retail Price (MSRP)	Ref. 03.9400.670/01.I001: $9,400 Ref. 16.9400.670/01.I001: $13,300

2026 Zenith Defy Revival A3643

Release Date: January 2026

The Zenith Defy Revival A3643 brings back one of the earliest Defy designs from 1969, revisiting the reference that helped establish the collection’s reputation for rugged construction and bold geometry. Rather than modernizing the concept, Zenith stays close to the original, preserving the sharp-edged octagonal case, 14-sided bezel, and unmistakably industrial character that earned the early Defy models nicknames like “bank vault.”

The stainless steel case measures 37mm and follows the same angular architecture as the vintage original, paired with a silver sunray dial that favors restraint over color. Applied hour markers feature a stepped construction with contrasting finishes, while the faceted hands and luminous blocks maintain strong legibility. A subtle orange accent on the seconds hand adds a period-correct pop of contrast without disrupting the otherwise monochromatic layout.

For power, the Revival A3643’s hours, minutes, central seconds, and date window rely on the Elite 670 automatic movement, which beats at 4Hz and supplies 50 hours of power reserve. The watch is delivered on the iconic ladder-style steel bracelet originally developed by Gay Frères, which plays a big role in preserving the A3643’s vintage style. The 2026 Zenith Defy Revival A3643 is priced at $7,800.

Defy Revival A3643 Watch Specs

Model	Zenith Defy Revival A3643
Reference	03.A3642.670/01.M3642
Case	Stainless steel 37mm diameter Octagonal case with 14-sided bezel Water resistance 300 meters
Dial	Sunray silver dial
Movement	Elite 670 automatic movement 28,800bph (4 Hz) 50-hour power reserve
Functions	Hours, minutes, central seconds Date at 4:30
Bracelet	Stainless steel “Ladder” bracelet
2026 Retail Price (MSRP)	$7,800

More Zenith Watches in 2026?

The 2026 Zenith watch releases show a brand continuing to work across multiple lanes rather than focusing on a single collection. Defy remains the outlet for more technical and design-driven pieces, while Chronomaster continues to carry the El Primero forward in new variations. At the same time, the G.F.J. collection signals a more deliberate return to Zenith’s chronometry roots, with the Calibre 135 now positioned as a long-term pillar rather than a one-off revival.

This article will be updated throughout the year as additional 2026 Zenith releases are announced, so check back with Grey Market Magazine to stay current as the lineup continues to expand.