2026 Zenith Watch Releases
The 2026 Zenith watch releases get underway at LVMH Watch Week with a clear point of focus: the Defy collection. Rather than spreading attention across multiple families, Zenith has used this first round of 2026 introductions to explore the Defy line in depth, presenting new material executions, complications, and sizes that underline its role as the brand’s most contemporary platform. From skeletonized high-frequency movements and ceramic chronographs to compact everyday models and faithful heritage revivals, these releases show how Zenith continues to evolve the Defy as a testing ground. Here’s a look at all the 2026 Zenith watch releases so far, complete with specs, release dates, and pricing.
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 |
Thoughts on the 2026 Zenith Watch Lineup
The 2026 Zenith watch releases from LVMH Watch Week make it clear that the Defy collection remains the brand’s primary outlet for contemporary design and technical expression. Whether through high-frequency skeletonized movements, full ceramic chronographs, compact everyday references, or historically faithful revivals, Zenith is using Defy to explore a wide range of ideas.
This article will be updated throughout the year as additional 2026 Zenith releases are announced, so go ahead and bookmark this page or check back with Grey Market Magazine to stay current as the collection continues to evolve.
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