Zenith, the Swiss luxury watchmaker, has joined forces with contemporary artist Felipe Pantone once again. Their latest collaboration, the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone, is a masterpiece of modern design and horological innovation. Scheduled for release on September 12, 2024, this limited-edition timepiece blends art and technology seamlessly.
A Limited Edition of 100 Pieces
Exclusivity is at the heart of this collaboration. Only 100 pieces of the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone will be made available worldwide. This limited edition approach ensures each watch is a rare collector’s item. The watch will be available in Zenith boutiques, selected retailers, and online. The price is set at 65,000 euros, reflecting the luxury and craftsmanship behind each piece.
The Case: A Geometric Marvel
The watch case is crafted from stainless steel, measuring 41 mm in diameter. Its geometric and angular design is both modern and timeless. The shape provides an architectural frame that highlights the miniature mechanical marvel within. The case alternates between satinized and polished finishes, creating a play of light and shadow. Each corner of the case is engraved with the characters ‘FPT1’. This stands for ‘Felipe Pantone Tourbillon #1’, symbolizing the unique collaboration. The case is water-resistant up to 10 bar, approximately 100 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear.
A Play of Light: The Bezel and Engravings
The twelve-sided bezel complements the angular design of the case. Sharp facets and softly polished contours enhance the visual appeal. Light reflects off the polished surfaces, adding dynamism to the watch’s appearance. The engravings on the case, forming ‘FPT1’, add a personalized touch. These details bridge the gap between contemporary art and modern watchmaking.
The Dial: A Canvas of Innovation
The dial is where Felipe Pantone’s artistic influence truly shines. Made of sapphire crystal, the dial features an engraved pattern of concentric circles. This design element is reminiscent of the moiré effect, a signature in Pantone’s artwork. The sapphire crystal dial has a mirrored metallic finish, creating a striking color spectrum. This effect is similar to the vibrant surface of a CD. Towards the edge, the design darkens, creating a vignette effect. This enhances the depth and visual interest of the dial.
Rainbow Gradient Indices and Hands
The hour indices and hands are a reflection of Pantone’s unique style. They feature a rainbow color gradient, adding a vibrant touch to the dial. The hands and indices are deformed at the center, giving them a distorted look. This design choice mirrors Pantone’s exploration of distortion in his artwork. A rainbow-colored PVD coating is applied to the hands and indices, matching the design of the tourbillon at 6 o’clock. The tourbillon is shaped like a lightning bolt, a nod to Pantone’s dynamic and electrifying art style.
The Movement: El Primero 3630 – Precision Redefined
At the heart of the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone lies the El Primero 3630 automatic movement. This high-frequency movement beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour, or 5 Hz. The movement offers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours, ensuring reliability. The tourbillon is a standout feature, visible at the 6 o’clock position. It completes one revolution every 60 seconds, a symbol of precision. The tourbillon cage is designed specifically for this edition, taking the shape of a lightning bolt. It consists of 56 components, showcasing the complexity of Zenith’s watchmaking. The cage is finished with a rainbow-colored PVD coating, adding depth and vibrancy.
The Star-Shaped Oscillating Weight
The movement’s star-shaped oscillating weight also features a rainbow-colored PVD coating. This adds a visual continuity to the watch’s design. The oscillating weight, visible through the caseback, is both functional and decorative. It underscores the theme of blending art and mechanics, a central element of this collaboration.
The Bracelet: Style and Comfort Combined
The Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone comes with a stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet’s design emphasizes the ergonomics of the watch, ensuring a comfortable fit. The alternating polished and satinized surfaces of the bracelet match the case’s finish. For versatility, the watch also includes a black rubber strap. This strap features a starry sky pattern, adding a unique touch. Both the stainless steel bracelet and the rubber strap come with a stainless steel folding clasp, ensuring secure and easy wear.
Art and Watchmaking: A Perfect Fusion
This collaboration between Zenith and Felipe Pantone is more than just a partnership; it’s a fusion of two worlds. Pantone’s contemporary art style, characterized by vibrant colors and optical effects, is seamlessly integrated into the watch. Zenith’s mastery of mechanical watchmaking provides the perfect canvas for Pantone’s art. The Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is a testament to the possibilities when art and technology meet.
The Impact of Artistic Collaborations in Watchmaking
Artistic collaborations have become a growing trend in luxury watchmaking. These partnerships allow watch brands to explore new creative territories. By collaborating with artists like Felipe Pantone, Zenith taps into contemporary art’s dynamic and vibrant energy. This not only appeals to collectors and watch enthusiasts but also to art lovers. Such collaborations broaden the appeal of luxury watches, making them relevant in the world of modern art.
Zenith’s Legacy of Innovation
Zenith has a long-standing reputation for innovation in watchmaking. From the creation of the El Primero movement to the development of high-frequency watches, Zenith has always been at the forefront. Collaborations with artists like Felipe Pantone continue this legacy. These partnerships push the boundaries of traditional watch design. They introduce new materials, colors, and artistic concepts into watchmaking.
Felipe Pantone: Bridging Art and Technology
Felipe Pantone is known for his ability to blend art with technology. His work often features optical illusions, vibrant colors, and digital aesthetics. By partnering with Zenith, Pantone brings his signature style to the world of horology. The Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone embodies his vision of blending the digital and physical worlds. This watch is not just a timepiece; it’s a wearable work of art.
Collectors’ Appeal: A Limited-Edition Masterpiece
Limited editions hold a special appeal for collectors. The exclusivity and unique design elements make them highly sought after. With only 100 pieces available, the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is sure to attract attention. Collectors appreciate the combination of Zenith’s watchmaking expertise and Pantone’s artistic flair. Each piece is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship behind this collaboration.
Future Prospects: What’s Next for Zenith and Pantone?
The success of this collaboration opens the door for future projects. Zenith and Felipe Pantone have demonstrated the potential of combining art with watchmaking. Future collaborations could explore new themes, materials, and designs. The possibilities are endless, promising exciting developments in the world of luxury watches.
Conclusion: A Milestone in Contemporary Watchmaking
The Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is more than just a watch. It’s a celebration of art, technology, and innovation. This limited edition timepiece represents the best of both Zenith’s horological expertise and Felipe Pantone’s artistic vision. As a wearable work of art, it challenges traditional notions of watch design. The collaboration between Zenith and Pantone sets a new benchmark in the world of luxury watches. It’s a testament to the power of creativity and the endless possibilities that arise when art and technology unite.
