Arguably the Best Integrated Sport Watch Under $10k But With Some Odd Quirks - Zenith Defy Skyline

[@deeseeeit]

What to say? I’m proud owner of this Skyline since last week and enjoying every 10th of a second. Today I’m wearing it on the rubber strap. Absolutely amazing experience, quality and change of look. Perfect for the Summer! I can only recommend it, especially in front of 3x more expensive competitors which are even not available. So no discussion here!

[@edgardo1166]

How can you set the time accurately on this watch? I mean how do you know which second is it on? I'm curious because I want one but I'm just a little OC about setting the time right.

[@deeseeeit]

@@edgardo1166 easy bro. The seconds hand stops when adjusting time so stop it at 0 and set the minute hand to 12. After 6 turns (60 minutes) the minutes hand should have moved one minute, right!?

[@deeseeeit]

@@edgardo1166 to 12 or any other exact minute position

[@deeseeeit]

@@edgardo1166 correction: 60 seconds, not 60 minutes

[@divjan3990]

I am waiting mine, hopefully next week will arrive :) Which color you choose? I was torn between blue and white but decided to go with blue dial. I found this 10 seconds counter quite amusing, something different and unique.

[@zeiss72]

It would be interesting to do a comparison between different integrated bracelet watches at different price points and see which offers the best value for money. I’m thinking of Tissot PRX, Maurice Lacroix Aikon, Bell & Ross BR05, Zenith Defy Classic and of course AP Royal Oak.

[@arcana8691]

This is a great video idea

[@sandert3197]

tudor royal

[@dazzaa6311]

Tudor North Flag

[@augustbuuslindstrm4598]

This would make for a good video

[@off-roadingcars]

You need the GP Laureto, of course

[@andresg01]

I bought this watch a couple of weeks ago, and I totally love it. It is better looking in person. It is very well made, solid watch. The 10 Sec dial always grabs people's attention.

[@off-roadingcars]

This is the BEST LOOKING integrated bracelet watch available for purchase by walking int the store. The bracelet and movement are fantastic. Plus Zenith is showing off what it can do with that subdial spinning permanently like that. Most brands could never pull it off, and if they could, it would stop after a few min to prevent breakage. If you’re thinking about this watch, think no longer, go get it while you still can

[@Mysteryboy0007]

whats wrong with the normal second hand cuz this new second hand that run 10 sec is ugly... its just diff but not better

[@MichelMatte-m6f]

Just added the silver dial version of this to my collection (which already includes 4 other Zenith watches). I’m a big fan of the brand and this watch. Love that Zenith isn’t shy about going after the ‘big boys’ like AP and Rolex with their own designs that leverage their own history. The review is spot on. Thanks Teddy

[@p4lxrich]

I agree I like everything but the 10 sec dial. I would rather have a sweeping 60 sec.

[@samuelchow3425]

Couldn’t agree more

[@davidmulligan42]

I prefer the previous Defy Classic. This 10-second register is like a fidget spinner...looks cool, but what function does it serve other than catching the eye? I also prefer the cantilevered indices on the Classic.

[@ruijiang6274]

I would argue that the second hand on any mechanical watch serves no actual function besides letting you know that the watch is running. When has anyone looked down on their wrist expecting to know exactly what second it is?

[@FS-zn9xe]

@@ruijiang6274 I consider the second hand a very useful function and would definitely not buy any watch without it. Not even the AP Royal Oak...

[@kiatography22]

@@ruijiang6274 the second hand indicates to me that the watch is running and alive. Especially important as i have multiple watches and mostly need to wind em up before wearing.

[@brunolang210]

Well, what function does a chronograph watch serve? Today, definetly not to time intervals, but to offer a fidgeting toy for rich, grown up kids

[@Mint-cb2vc]

@@brunolang210 you can boil eggs with the chrono, or time your parking so you return on time

[@ckfvideo]

This might be on my buy list for end of this year. I love the quirky 10-second hand. Great overview.

[@jkirk1284]

Next on my buy list also

[@omarghadir]

Yeah I understand why some don’t like it or out right hate it but i do like the quirkiness. The most important thing is some way to measure seconds for the rare time i need to time something

[@hankwells2637]

happy 500k Subscribers, you got me into watches and I appreciate you!

[@isaiahgray6415]

Congratulations on 500k subscribers, Teddy!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you Isaiah! That number is hard to comprehend.

[@Timepieceguy]

I have to say I love it. Let’s be honest the main reason for buying a watch is the overall look and the feeling it gives you. Here is a genuine royal oak rival in terms of horology and finish, tremendously handsome, steel at a fraction of the price to any comparable royal oak. Min 50k all the way up to 150k! For 8400 and probably less with discounts in the upcoming months I have this firmly in my sights as a keeper. I think they have perfected the original by making it steel and adding the texture to the dial. The only negative I can say just to throw one in is the lack of a conventional sweeping seconds hand but the tenth sub seconds makes up for that. Who uses a chronograph in real life applications so talk about features of watches to me is an antiquated argument. The phone/computer in your hand does everything we need. A luxury watch is for guilty pleasures, optical delights and a love for horology not to forget hype and stamping your mark with the Jones’s… this is a pure winner in my book especially when you look at the current market. Here is a very weeks respected brand with every attribute matching a royal oak at a fraction of the price oh and wait it’s available to buy at retail????? Wooooow :)

[@terryc6420]

I have this watch (black dial version) and I agree with most what Teddy said about it. When the watch was first announced, AP fanbois were quick to call it a RO homage, and the Zenith apologists wasted no time to point out the original Defy preceded the RO by 3 years. Neither of those arguments landed with me, because the first thought I had when I saw the watch was it's the perfected LVMH look. It is basically a Hublot Big Bang Integral, by a respected historical brand. It is less extrovertedly designed, and doesn't come with the Hublot brand baggage. It looks closer to its LVMH sister than either the original 1969 Defy or the Royal Oak. Instead of taking the easy way out by sticking in an Elite movement, Zenith put in the extra effort to make an El Primero variant just for this watch. They showed off their movement chops by proudly displaying a 10-second dial, because they can. Sure, a 10-second running seconds hand is useless, but so is a shiny faceted bracelet. And what a bracelet it is. I completely agree with Teddy that this is the best finished case and bracelet in a sub-10k integrated bracelet watch. The Bell Ross BR05 is close, but not quite there; the Tissot PRX costs 1/10 the price and the finishing shows. Neither sport a dedicated variant of the historic El Primero movement inside. The watch wears very comfortable on my 16cm wrist with a flat profile. I keep it on the bracelet only because the rubber strap is too long for me. The watch has heft to it, but isn't top-heavy like a BB41 diver. It wears and shines like a Royal Oak, but you can wear it without worrying getting mugged on the streets. Folks calling the Skyline a RO homage is missing the point: integrated bracelet steel sports watches is now a category of watches unto itself, and any non-RO new entrants with their own design DNA is not a RO ripoff just like any round case dress watch is not a Calatrava ripoff. Besides, nobody is cross-shopping any Royal Oak with this Zenith Defy.

[@DaddyFatherDad]

From the second I saw this watch when it was released a month or so ago, it became my dream watch. Movement is incredible, it's a great size, dial looks incredible with it's star/waffle style, and the bracelet looks sick as well. Not sure why it's being slammed for "only" having the 10 seconds counter. Plenty of sports watches only offer two hands and no date. Which is also fine.

[@Hnair1982]

Just got the call from the AD, collecting mine this evening. Beautiful watch…I would say this is what a well made steel sports watch with a in-house movement from a Swiss brand should cost.

[@santorini8423]

did you get a discount?

[@Hnair1982]

No discount, I was given 1 month waiting for the blue dial. Silver and black dials were readily available.. in Dubai

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I hope you enjoy the new watch! Thanks for watching.

[@Hnair1982]

Thank you Teddy. Great content, actually you are the one who has inspired me to buy this one. Really made up my mind after watching your video for the watches and wonders. Thanks again.

[@santorini8423]

@@Hnair1982 I’m in the U.K., silver and black look good too, but there is a exit for the blue, already got my name down, do the other colours look as good in the flesh?

[@ludovitvirag3911]

Stunning time piece once again from Zenith. Back to simple clean beautiful dial.

[@dpns2ster]

I like Zeniths and I love my Defy Classic and Chronomaster Sport. It seems that once this Defy was given a dodecagon bezel and 4-star relief dial, they almost had to make something quirky, in this case the 9 o'clock 10 second subdial. For without that, as beautiful as it is, then it might have lacked some differentiation from the other usual suspects of luxury stainless steel watches with an integrated bracelet. Even without that quirky differentiation I'd have preferred it to say the Laureato. The colour matched date wheel is an upgrade on the Defy Classic, and maybe maybe the 4 star relief dial but in most other regards I'd prefer the Classic with it's lighter construction, smaller appearance, floating indices and generally less contrived appearance. It's a shame they had to quit production of the Classic for what feels a less cohesive proposition.

[@rockwarrior5843]

Thanks for a fantastic review, Teddy. I own this watch and just love wearing it. Despite all the backlash of being a wannabe Royal Oak / Laureato, this watch does get a lot of wrist attention by the public. Truly very proud of amazing timepiece. On a separate note, Congratulations on reaching 500k subscribers. Quite a feat!

[@Maxseven777]

What color did you buy?

[@rockwarrior5843]

The blue dial

[@constantinhuet3682]

If you like this, have you seen the Chopard alpine eagle? Interested to hear your thoughts

[@Maxseven777]

@@constantinhuet3682 I have seen that - very nice, but I don't like the Roman numbers, just not really my style.

[@constantinhuet3682]

@@Maxseven777 ok fair enough!

[@diesel5471]

Congratulations on hitting 500.000 subscribers Teddy! Many more to come!

[@kimcoulter806]

Btw Teddy: you are easily in the Top 5 watch reviewers anywhere. Love your work!

[@sauterlw]

Teddy, huge fan but surprised you didn’t mention the blue stainless Cartier Santos - under 10k with a terrific integrated bracelet + strap + endless options for custom straps. Own it, love it, and surprised it doesn’t get more love from the KZbin watch community. Have a look… it’s awesome!

[@atl3630]

I love the Santos, but the scratch magnet bezel is a damn shame. Ruins the watch for many

[@Spectraevil]

@@atl3630 Exactly, cartier has great look but after a while the scratches ruin it. Plus the boutique edition of defy skyline with gray dial and rose gold inserts is beautiful. I bought the black dial though, looks great. That barclet gives patek plus AP look. Might be too blingy for some ppl though.

[@21Mtoto]

Congratulations, Teddy, on reaching 500K subscribers. Well deserved.

[@simonwright6882]

Personally I would prefer the old model dial and hand layout in the new model case and bracelet. Beauty's in the eye of the beholder.

[@lewisjones3345]

I would love to see a direct comparison with this watch (the Zenith Defy Skyline) and the GP Laureato. I think they are both beautiful and 40-42mm in stainless steel. I think they both have the same target audience customer.

[@FS-zn9xe]

Teddy, really appreciate your balanced view of this watch. Love the brand and own a couple of Zenith watches myself, but the new Skyline is as useful as another hole in the head. Am missing the normal seconds hand and could do well with the 1/10 in addition. So in summary prefer the Defy Classic over this new version, which in my opinion is a complete failure and expect it to not sell well.

[@Ofenlicht]

Agree with you! The Defy Classic looks better and was priced better, too.

[@Maxseven777]

Disagree - the 1/10 seconds register is unique and interesting, despite not having any other function than letting the owner know the watch is "alive" and working. Fyi, the blue and white versions are sold out at Zenith's online store.

[@Bruthah]

@@Maxseven777 agreed. I prefer the 1/10 seconds instead of the slow 60 second subdial. Love that it’s an el primero. Love the shape and design and the strap changing system. With the design being so hot right now in the watch world, I would expect it to sell very well.

[@wentaolu6778]

U don't like it=expect it to not sell well

[@meshaalismail]

Without a doubt. Coolest integrated bracelet steel sports watch. Conversation starter for sure

[@iamthelaw69]

Zenith's contribution to watchmaking and the brand itself is so underrated. That said, I like the old style better, especially because it's finished in titanium. If I'm paying that kind of luxury money, I'm not paying for 316L steel that you can find in practically any watch.

[@subeijekalo5884]

I personally love Zenith as a brand, even more after I saw interview with their CEO, just there is something simple about that man, easy to talk to. DEFY is nice, would like to see date at 6 o'clock, I am a sucker for symmetry. Teddy if possible would like to see a video with different options for integrated bracelet, especially 3000 to 5000 USD and 5000 to 10000 USD, if possible I think it would be a good video, couldn't find many of them online. Thank you.

[@philjones6449]

Love the new design, would prefer a standard second hand but the biggest improvement is the change to stainless steel from titanium. When you spend that much on a watch you should feel it all the time not forget it’s there because it’s too light

[@ExitStrategyNow]

The look of the titanium is also a big minus in my opinion compared to stainless steel

[@jhsiung123]

Love the skyline, will sell my GP Laureato 38mm for it, but if I had a GP Laureato 41mm, then I wouldn't make the switch.

[@v-gun9735]

Love this watch, do agree with Teddy on the silly 10 second subdial. As a non diver I would have preferred a croc leather strap instead of the rubber one.

[@willbrink]

I have it, it's a killer watch, but I think if it had 10 second hand and 60 second hand, would make it even better!

[@bobj8877]

I do really like it, however I'd prefer to have just seen the older model updated with this strap switching mechanism and maybe even the dial texture. The skeleton model in titanium is still my favorite.

[@AGL23]

I thought this was a knock off of the Royal Oak. I didn’t know this design predates the RO. That’s cool. The 10 second dial is unique but weird and might be a deal breaker. They should move it to 6 o’clock and make it a second hand.

[@kusamdurgaprasadreddy]

congratulations for 500k 👏👏🎉🎉

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you, my friend! Crazy number!

[@kusamdurgaprasadreddy]

@@TeddyBaldassarre thank you so much for the reply i am so happy now 🤗🤗

[@jfktoo5128]

The 10 second dial is a dealbreaker for sure. Might have worked at the 6 o’clock.

[@camerontait9132]

Congrats Teddy, 500k.

[@wuhanclan]

This release is pretty lackluster. I own the older Defy Classic in blue and the Defy Skyline seems more like a sidegrade than an upgrade. The only objective improvement is the bracelet integration and quick change. Don't care for the textured dial. The El Primero movement in a 3 hander to give a 10 second hand just feels like a gimmick. I'll take the simpler and thinner movement. I think this is a clear instance of where less is more.

[@mikesurratt1922]

Bro...you have become the defacto king of this style of content almost overnight. You and Jody at "Just one more watch" should do something together.

[@tri7661]

Our boy Teddy finally evolved and hit that 500K subs. Proud of ya 🍻

[@bradhepditch7605]

Great review!

[@kimcoulter806]

Have the black dial Chronomaster Sport and absolutely love it. Waiting on the black dial gold version to get in to my AD.

[@ttbaer69]

Nice watch, but would go for the Baume & Mercier Riviera with their own Baumatic movement. Genta design with historical background and also a fast strap system.

[@jamesd1503]

Got mine in blue last week. Love it and it fills a gap in my ever expanding collection.

[@edgardo1166]

How can you set the time accurately on this watch? I mean how do you know which second is it on? I'm curious because I want one but I'm just a little OC about setting the time right.

[@thetravelingnomad6203]

As a fan looking for a Zenith, I think of El Primero as the flagship of the company. But what's legendary about that high beat movement is the Chronograph. Defy has always been the more corkier/fun model and the chrono Defy is almost the same price as Defy Skyline. It's also, imho, one of the nieces skeleton dials so it now has made the decision even harder. Being more dress watch oriented I love the harmony and clean design but the small second, a fav of mine, in this model is unpractical with that 10 sec increments. I know one shouldn't compare oranges and apples but then again not everyone has the means of getting 2 different models of the same brand!

[@gregalonzo747]

Zenith is my favorite brand. This is a beautiful timepiece. I would definitely have to try it on because I fear it may wear too flat on my wrist.

[@piipoo147]

Congratulations on 500k!

[@ellmusic769]

Teddy, long time viewer here. Great content. I like IWC and it seems like you totally forgot the Ingenieur 40mm models. They are the really 1970's competitor to Royal Oak, 222 and Nautilus. Please dig into the Original Genta IWS Ingenieur.....

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

More IWC and Cartier content is needed on this channel. Two brands I am going to showcase more. It has been harder to get my hands on their watches but totally agree with you about a video being there.

[@constantinhuet3682]

@@TeddyBaldassarre Hi Teddy, what about Chopard? I know some people look down on “jewelers” but Chopard shouldn’t be seen that way. They have some truly incredible timepieces, from the Full Strike to something like the Alpine Eagle, which looks similar to this Zenith. Interested to hear your take.

[@IInkHeart]

@@TeddyBaldassarre Definitely waiting on all your upcoming Cartier content! Another brand that should have their deserved attention, especially after their W&W 2022 announcements.

[@Rob6020]

Very compelling offering. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the 10s indicator and without that, given the quality of finish, overall design aesthetic and bracelet/strap options I'd be seriously considering. As it is, it's in my product backlog for further consideration.

[@RoytheLevy]

I own Zenith Defy rose gold. don't understand why zenith get no love like omega rolex tudor and others.... great watches

[@bobbyaxelrod6228]

Very nice suede jacket Teddy. The watch is classy.

[@angelos6817]

This one him look very good! Top job Zenith! You deserve the piece of cake.

[@lavida57]

Ok, if anyone's still seeing this post. I just bought the blue dial, was not planned it just caught my eye. That ten second hand is just cool, to me. But now the problem , i need one or two links. SE Florida and the two AD's dont have any. I have to look to New York or contact Switzerland. Any ideas? Just love this watch. I was ready to try to find the new Speedy and this thing changed the plan. Bought it on a ship in the mid-Atlantic . Thats why no help from the dealer. Thanks

[@atreidis3946]

Nice review of a great watch. I think the AP Royal Oak is a good homage to the Defy Skyline first released in 1969.

[@mrbud8524]

Great Video. Great design love the second hand and the blue dail on this watch. Love blue dail on watches Omega Seamaster 42m blue/ Zenith / Monaco Calbrie 11 blue dail Steve McQueen/ VC overseas/ Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/ AP. Teddy you should do a Video on Blue dail on Watches ⌚️ 💙

[@scottbrandon6244]

At 4:18. If you take away the seconds indicator, from the top view it sort of looks like an AP Royal Oak.

[@hozathekill]

Teddy Great Video as always , The Jacket you are wearing is just perfect :) ,if you don't mind where did you get it or a link or something , Cheers and keep up the good work big fan.

[@ehrenkrause9861]

I like how crisp it looks. ☺️👍

[@randalneal3773]

Beautiful dial. The price, size and lack of micro adjustments kill it for me but I think it is great looking.

[@yragsvids8592]

I like this lots!! I own a Tudor North Flag, which also has an integrated H link bracelet and a quirky power reserve indicator…lots of similarities

[@yragsvids8592]

@Pɪnned by Teddy Baldassarre. Hey Ted hope you’re well, enjoying your content. Can I ask a question? I won’t hang around for your acceptance 🫣🤣…would you swap an 126610LN 2021 41mm for a 2022 126613LB? I like the bluesy, but I’m also thinking future value?…whats your opinion?

[@morgan97475]

Nice. Reminds me of a Baume & Mercier Riviera.

[@Rice_Cake_]

Beautiful! I wish it had 60s full dial hand, but maybe that's too close to royal oak

[@konni951]

If you check out the Omega Constellation, that would be cool!

[@salvelegio1425]

I have to say…..I really love it and would like to have one… However if I hade the choice I would prefer a tradition 60 sec hand. This looks like it would make me feel stressed and in a way captured by it…..that is more captured than relaxed.

[@argyrismanganaris420]

Regularly enjoy your videos, however I couldn't trace a single one for a FORTIS watch, one of my favourite brands.

[@josecrossier]

It would be nice to have a subsecond that really have a purpose. Love the proposal. The 10th of a second does not make a lot of sence though

[@bottomtext5872]

Looks good but I think I'd rather own an El Premiero, the Defy is way too Royal Oaky

[@yvesb1227]

Hello Teddy, since you're a Zenith fan, does a look in your Z crystal ball announce for a Ti version to come anytime soon?

[@horacephistbump]

Will be buying when the chronograph hits

[@ronmcmohan]

Nice review

[@RD0102]

I picked one up today. Black Dial.

[@ericmoss8344]

I'm a big fan of this one from Zenith!! Not sure how the fixed-like lugs-bracelet would work on my 8" wrist, but I'd sure like to give the white dialed version a try. Great review!

[@andreaiacolina]

A very nice watch, but I still prefer the Defy classic.

[@skyworks1621]

Watch is really good looking. I just might buy one.

[@borjastick]

As for the ten second thingy going on I have one question only;why? I love the design and feel it would be a really good type and style of watch for me at a good price to, but the ten second thingy might trigger by OCD to a point where I jump off a bridge...

[@Valera_Scotland]

Really needs to be 38mm

[@opbk88]

Ditch the running seconds entirely, job done 👌

[@alunjones2550]

I adore Zenith and this watch is stunning, but! That small second is just too busy, whizzing around all the time. It looks like a chronograph stopwatch that you forgot to stop.

[@MeDLellO]

My father has the original defy from the 60s. Is it worth to restore it? How much should I consider to pay to have it restored? It doesn't work. How much is too much? I really love the watch but I don't to spend 1000€ and that the value of the watch is 1500€. Do you have service for this brand. Where should I send it to repair? Thanks so much.

[@mkm6073]

Yeah, its definitely a very nice piece! Didn't pull the trigger yet, but can imagine to do so somewhere in the future! Prefer it over the GP. Still, hoping for the call for an AP though ;)

[@gavinturenhout6188]

It’s a very nice watch indeed. I’m a little surprised they didn’t frame the date window with the same tone of steel as the case. Looks a little cheap in that area in my opinion. The rest of the watch is on fire!

[@david300m]

Ten second dial, "unconventional". Not so polite translation, "what the hell is this for?" :) Great review and pics. Thanks for sharing.

[@floridaman727]

I am on the waitlist for the white dial

[@floridaman727]

@Pɪnned by Teddy Baldassarre. how many people on KZbin do you pretend to be?

[@clorox1972]

Did Bvlgari octo copy Zenith's bracelet or the other way around?

[@Wvk5zc]

New Zenith defy vs New Cartier Santos? Both are with integrated bracelet with quick release. Both are around the same price too

[@kiatography22]

I disagree. The Defy Classic retails for SGD7xxx and this new Defy Skyline retails for SGD11xxx. The Defy Classic was THE best entry level watch for mechanical watches by a respected maker especially at that price point, but at SGD11xxx, there are too many options available and the Defy Skyline is no longer the clear cut winner.

[@edgardo1166]

How can you set the time accurately on this watch? I mean how do you know which second is it on? I'm curious because I want one but I'm just a little OC about setting the time right.

[@geno816]

This is a nice watch.

[@MrPhotographerDude]

How is the Chronomaster sport polarizing?

[@einfussganger]

I’m reminded also of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo - a watch that I owned and eventually tired of.

[@cal.3861]

Well done. Too bad you couldn’t time test these watches you review and then discuss in the video. It’s one of the reasons I subscribe to watch time magazine. It’s the only outlet that actually test the accuracy of these watches which is 90% the reason I buy the watches I do.

[@justinphillips3]

Love this watch!!

[@Yeezy-ETH]

How are these going below retail ? 🤧 love these watch

[@DanielPierce]

I want the Defy Extreme so bad but I can’t afford it, so this is on my radar as the affordable version of it…

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Honestly I can't imagine buying this over the Omega Aqua Terra.

[@russellgooding7475]

Your never would!

[@andysoul295]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@henrywest7217]

Sweet piece.

[@vasililabrakis5439]

Absolute class watch.

[@JA-mq9ti]

This is a solid watch!!!

[@macka2131]

I've got a classic defy but this not being in titanium is a touch disappointing. I love the interchangeable straps though I wish the classic came with that

[@Foxrock321]

Dont forget the Chopard Alpine Eagle...coming at street price of $11,000 hey Teddy Id like to see you do a review of this watch...if the Nautilus and the Royal Oak had a baby.....youd get Alpine Eagle!!