The worlds of contemporary art and haute horlogerie have once again collided in a vibrant display of color and optical intricacy. The latest chapter in the ongoing collaboration between Zenith, and the globally acclaimed contemporary artist Felipe Pantone, has raised the bar in both artistic expression and watchmaking excellence. This partnership, now in its third series, continues to push boundaries, blending art and technology into a singular, breathtaking form. The culmination of this creative synergy is the unveiling of the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone, a limited edition masterpiece of 100 pieces, available from September 12, 2024.
The union of contemporary art and cutting-edge watchmaking in this series is nothing short of extraordinary. Zenith and Felipe Pantone’s partnership began with the transformation of the historical Manufacture’s façade, where Pantone designed a unique tarpaulin in 2020. This was followed by the release of a limited-edition DEFY 21 series in 2021, which sold out almost instantly. Later that year, the collaboration produced a one-of-a-kind DEFY 21 Double Tourbillon in a sapphire case, setting an all-time record for Zenith at the OnlyWatch 2021 charity auction. In 2022, the duo continued to captivate audiences with the DEFY Extreme Felipe Pantone series. Now, the partnership is venturing into uncharted territory, with Pantone’s first reinterpretation of the DEFY Skyline model. The result is a compact, versatile timepiece, rich in intricate details that embody the unique artistic language shared between Zenith and Felipe Pantone.
Felipe Pantone expressed his excitement about this new creation, describing it as their most exceptional watch to date. He highlighted the balance of simplicity and sophistication, noting the complex yet minimalist design of the timepiece. The watch features an array of stunning details, such as tiny gradient indexes and hands, a mirror-like "Planned Iridescence" dial, and a truly unique bolt-shaped tourbillon, all of which reflect Pantone’s signature style.
The DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is housed in a 41mm octagonal stainless-steel case, offering a geometric and angular silhouette that frames the miniature, kinetic artwork within. The case itself is a testament to craftsmanship, with alternating satin-brushed and polished finishes that enhance its visual impact. The watch is designed for both comfort and style, featuring an interchangeable steel bracelet and a black rubber strap, ensuring it suits any occasion. The case's sharp facets and polished contours are highlighted by a dodecagonal bezel, creating an exquisite play of light. True to the continuity of the Zenith x Felipe Pantone series, each corner of the case is engraved with the characters "FPT1," denoting "Felipe Pantone Tourbillon #1."
At the heart of the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is a mesmerizing tourbillon mechanism, visible through an opening at 6 o’clock. Completing one rotation every 60 seconds, this feature keeps the watch animated and alive. For this special edition, the tourbillon bridge is uniquely shaped like a lightning bolt, a recurring motif in Felipe Pantone’s extensive body of work. The bridge and tourbillon cage are finished in a metallic rainbow gradient, a technique first introduced in the duo’s 2021 collaboration, further emphasizing the artist’s distinct aesthetic.
The dial of the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is another marvel of craftsmanship and innovation. Unlike previous Zenith x Felipe Pantone creations, the entire dial is iridescent, crafted from a sapphire disk with a micro-engraved pattern of concentric circles that evoke the moiré visual effect, a common theme in Pantone’s art. The back of the sapphire dial features a mirrored metallic finish, which, when combined with the micro-engraving, creates a striking display of colours reminiscent of a CD. Adding depth and a touch of retro nostalgia, the dial also includes a vignette effect that darkens towards the edges. This combination of sapphire crystal, mirrored back, micro-engraving, and vignette effect is a highly complex and unprecedented achievement, both technically and visually.
The hands and hour markers of the watch are equally captivating, reflecting Felipe Pantone’s signature style of visual distortion. The hands, along with the hour markers (except for the cardinal “crosshair” markers at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock), appear distorted down the middle, resembling a graphical glitch. To match the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, the hands and markers are finished in a gradient of rainbow tones, adding a final touch of color to this vibrant timepiece.
Powering the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is the El Primero 3630, a high-frequency automatic manufacture movement with a 60-hour power reserve. This movement is not only a marvel of precision but also a canvas for Pantone’s artistic touch. The star-shaped oscillating weight, visible through the case back, is finished in a rainbow PVD coating that mirrors the tourbillon cage and bridge, as well as other metallic elements on the dial side, tying the entire design together.
To complete extraordinary piece, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone comes in a customized watch box, featuring an iridescent pattern on the interior and an outer box designed by the artist himself. This box serves as the final touch, encapsulating the essence of the Zenith x Felipe Pantone collaboration in a way that is both visually and artistically compelling. This latest creation is not just a timepiece; it is a work of art, a symbol of the seamless fusion between contemporary art and haute horlogerie.
Brand: Zenith
Model: DEFY Skyline Tourbillon
Reference: 03.9301.3630/49.I00
Case: 41mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: El Primero 3630
Frequency: 5 Hz
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Price: AUD96,200 (Limited to 100 pieces)
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