Zenith DEFY Creations

LVMH Watch Week 2023
by Mariam Yasin

Kicking off 2023 with a focus on its most creative and daring platform for horological innovation, ZENITH is unveiling some of its latest DEFY creations at LVMH Watch Week 2023.

DEFY Skyline Skeleton


Housed within an angular 41mm steel case, the harmoniously symmetrical skeleton dial takes on the form of a four-pointed stars, in a nod to the ZENITH “double Z” logo of the 1960s. The open dial comes in black or blue, with the skeleton movement’s main plate as well as the bridges and open star-shaped oscillating weight finished in the same colour as the open dials for a cohesive and architectural look.

With versatility at its core, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton features an ingenious quick strap-change mechanism consisting of secure buttons on the back. The steel bracelet with a satin-brushed surface can easily be swapped with the supplied rubber strap and steel folding clasp with a starry sky pattern that’s colour-matched to the dial.


DEFY Skyline – Now in 36mm


The DEFY Skyline is now available in a 36mm version, keeping the angular form of the original while introducing more modest, unisex proportions that perfectly fit those who prefer a smaller fit.

Powered by the Elite 670 automatic manufacture movement, the mid-size DEFY Skyline comes in three dial colours. These pastel tones, in pink or green, have a metallic base that is polished then satin-brushed, with rays emanating from the applied ZENITH five-pointed star at the top of the dial.

Available with or without brilliant-cut white diamonds on the bezel, the DEFY Skyline retains the faceted steel case and twelve-sided bezel of its larger counterpart. For added versatility, the quick strap-change mechanism on the case back allows for easy swapping between the steel bracelet and supplied starry sky-patterned rubber strap with folding clasp in the same colour as the dial.


DEFY Skyline Boutique Edition


Housed in a 41mm angular steel case with a dodecagonal bezel, the Zenith DEFY Skyline Boutique Edition stands out with its radiant anthracite dial, engraved with a rose gold motif and set with rose gold hands and hour markers.

Powered by the El Primero 3620 automatic high-frequency calibre, the DEFY Skyline features a unique running 1/10th of a second indicator that’s driven directly from the 5Hz escapement. This automatic manufacture movement visible through the sapphire display back.

The DEFY Skyline Boutique Edition is delivered on a steel bracelet with a satin-brushed surface with chamfered and polished edges, seamlessly following the contours of the angular case.


DEFY Extreme Glacier


Blurring the lines between precision watchmaking and sculptural, wearable art, the DEFY Extreme Glacier is directly inspired by frozen barren landscapes.

An integral part of the titanium case, the component that protects the pushers as well as the dodecagonal bezel are crafted from chalcedony, a crystalline semi-translucent stone with a pale blue hue that evokes the frozen glaciers. Meticulously cut and polished by hand, each stone is different and exhibits slightly different colours and fibrous structures, making each of the 50 examples of the DEFY Extreme Glacier essentially a unique piece.

Completing the look of this conceptual piece are the supplied durable black Velcro strap and white rubber strap, which can be easily swapped with the titanium bracelet using the quick strap-change mechanism on the back of the case.

The DEFY Extreme Glacier is made in a limited edition of 50 pieces, available exclusively at ZENITH physical and online boutiques.

Bulgari ‘Time is a Jewel’

LVMH Watch Week 2023
by Mariam Yasin

Time ticks away to the beat of Bulgari. Iconic designs and daring techniques demonstrate that “Time is a Jewel.” At the beginning of 2023, Bulgari’s emblematic creations are adorned with sparkling gems with timeless designs featuring aesthetic codes that have become signatures.

DIVAS’ DREAM

Precious mobile petals flutter around the pearly face of Divas’ Dream. Their fan shape depicts the mosaics of the Roman Caracalla Baths, symbolizing the union of opposites. Topazes, tanzanites, amethysts, tourmalines, rubies, and diamonds enhance the new Divas’ Dream. The first model features shades of blue, the second shades of mauve, and the third red with eight deep red rubies – a color symbolic of fortune in Asian culture during Chinese New Year festivities.

DIVAS’ DREAM TOPAZ & TANZANITE – 103752


Featuring Quartz Movement and a 33 mm rose gold case, rose gold bezel set with 76 round brilliant cut diamonds, 8 rose gold hand-curved fan-shaped petals set with diamonds and surrounded by four topazes and four tanzanites. White mother-of-pearl dial. The blue alligator strap with a rose gold folding buckle is set with five diamonds.


DIVAS’ DREAM AMETHYST & TOURMALINE – 103753


Featuring Quartz Movement and a 33 mm rose gold case, rose gold bezel set with 76 round brilliant cut diamonds, 8 rose gold hand-curved fan-shaped petals set with diamonds and surrounded by 4 amethysts and 4 tourmaline. White mother-of-pearl dial. The purple alligator strap with a rose gold folding buckle is set with 5 diamonds.


DIVAS’ DREAM DIAMOND & RUBY – 103754


Featuring Quartz Movement and a 33 mm rose gold case, rose gold bezel set with 76 round brilliant cut diamonds, 8 rose gold hand-curved fan-shaped petals set with diamonds, and surrounded by 8 rubies. White mother of pearl dial. The red alligator strap with a rose gold folding buckle is set with diamonds.


DIVAS’ DREAM MOSAICA

Two precious new Divas’ Dream Mosaica models express the full extent of Bulgari’s jewelry and watchmaking expertise. A subtle sapphire gradient ranges from pale pink to magenta for the first rose gold version and sky blue to deep azure for the second white gold iteration. The transparent case-back reveals a finely decorated mechanical self-winding movement.

DIVAS’ DREAM Mosaica PINK SAPPHIRE – 103760


Featuring Mechanical self-winding Manufacture movement, Calibre BVL 191 and a 37 mm rose gold case and bezel set with round brilliant-cut diamonds and pink sapphires. Fan-shaped snow-set dial set with diamonds and pink sapphires; rose gold crown set with a pink sapphire. Rose gold hands. The pink alligator strap with a rose gold folding clasp is set with diamonds.


DIVAS’ DREAM Mosaica BLUE SAPPHIRE -103761


Featuring Mechanical self-winding Manufacture movement, Calibre BVL 191 and a 37 mm white gold case and bezel set with round brilliant-cut diamonds. Fan-shaped snow-set dial set with diamonds and sapphires; white gold crown set with a sapphire. White gold hands. The white gold fan-shaped bracelet is set with diamonds.


ALLEGRA

Colors and shapes sparkle with the precious Allegra. Tourmalines, citrines, rhodolites, and peridots – explode in various joyful shapes associated with pink or yellow sapphires.

ALLEGRA PINK SAPPHIRES – 103713


Featuring Quartz Movement and a 36 mm rose gold case set with 32 round brilliant cut diamonds, 32 pink sapphires, 1 oval cabochon cut pink tourmaline, 3 cabochon & emerald cut citrines, 2 heart & oval cut pink rhodolites, 2 cabochon & emerald cut peridots. Mother of pearl dial set with 12 round diamonds index. The light pink alligator strap with iridescent effect and pink gold ardillon buckle with 8 round diamonds.


ALLEGRA YELLOW SAPPHIRES – 103714


Featuring Quartz Movement and a 36 mm yellow gold case set with 32 round brilliant cut diamonds, 32 yellow sapphires, 3 cabochon cut pink tourmalines, 2 cabochon & emerald cut citrines, 3 heart, oval, and emerald cut peridots. Mother of pearl dial set with 12 round diamonds index. The white alligator strap with iridescent effect and yellow gold ardillon buckle with 8 round diamonds.


SERPENTI TUBOGAS INFINITY

The legendary Bulgari snake introduced in 1948 dares to undergo a new metamorphosis with the Serpenti Tubogas Infinity. The Tuboga bracelet continues to the watch case for the first time, lit up by a snow diamond gem setting. This new expression of Serpenti watches comes in two versions –fitted with single-tour and double-tour bracelets.

SERPENTI TUBOGAS INFINITY – 103792


Featuring a 35 mm curved rose gold case set with 8 diamonds, rose gold bezel set with 44 brilliant-cut diamonds, dial paved with 262 diamonds, rose gold crown placed with a cabochon-cut pink rubellite, double-twirl rose gold bracelet partially set with 172 diamonds.


SERPENTI TUBOGAS INFINITY – 103791


Also available on a single-twirl rose gold bracelet partially set with 131 diamonds.


SERPENTI SEDUTTORI

Two new Serpenti Seduttori models with deep black lacquered faces enrich the collection born in 2019 inspired by the iconic Tubogas. In spectacular contrast to the dial, the first is crafted in steel, while the second combines it with the beauty of rose gold. In addition, the bracelet, with its emblematic scales, appears to merge seamlessly into the case.

SERPENTI SEDUTTORI – 103451


Featuring a 33 mm steel case and rose gold bezel, black-lacquered dial, rose gold crown set with a cabochon-cut pink rubellite, rose gold and steel bracelet with stylized hexagonal pattern and folding clasp.


SERPENTI SEDUTTORI – 103799


Featuring a 33 mm steel case, black-lacquered dial, steel crown set with a cabochon-cut pink rubellite, steel bracelet featuring a stylized hexagonal pattern, and folding clasp.

Tiffany & Co. In the Spotlight

Featured in Emily in Paris, Season 3
by Mariam Yasin

Tiffany & Co. is proud to be presented in season three of the TV series Emily in Paris.

Starring Kate Walsh, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu and Charley Fouquet, the show is an American romantic comedy television series set and filmed in Paris.  The series follows aspiring marketing executive, Emily Cooper (Lily Collins), who moves to France to provide an American point of view to Savoir, a French marketing firm. Tiffany and Co. is mentioned as a client Savoir is pitching to retain. The Champs-Élysées store and iconic jewelry pieces are featured throughout the show as well.

Chronoswiss

ReSec Candy Shop
by Mariam Yasin

In a world where every rainbow has been seen twice already, it takes something extraordinary to fascinate.

The newest addition to the ReSec family of Chronoswiss embodies what the brand stands for: Creating spectacular timepieces that reflect a pioneer mindset and yet respectfully evolve the rich heritage of a family-run watch manufacture.

The Candy Shop of the Lucerne watchmaker is presenting its sweet temptations on 2 Levels of a hybrid hand guilloched dial, that is also serving as a module plate holding the bridges, screws, wheels and jewels. The flowing Guilloche pattern was created on a century old machine in the Atelier Lucerne & each visible part of the elaborate construction is coloured differently. The CVD-coating technique used for the colouring, allows the timepiece not only to shine but also to change its colours depending on the incidence of light.

The provocative watchmaker’s interpretation of a Candy Shop is embedded into a bold DLC-coated 44mm case in black and powered by the reliable Chronoswiss C.301 movement. Limited to 50 pieces only, the newest Open Gear ReSec remains a dream for many but will fulfil the childhood dream of those who are fast and fortunate enough the enter the Candy Shop.

Breitling Abu Dhabi Boutique

Now open in The Galleria
by Mariam Yasin

Breitling has opened the doors to its first Boutique in Abu Dhabi. The new boutique, which can be found in The Galleria, Al Maryah Island was officially opened on Wednesday by Breitling CEO, Georges Kern and Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, Chief Commercial Officer of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.

At the centre of the new boutique is an eye-catching yellow grid panel stamped with a Breitling ‘B’. Wall-mounted propellers and surfboards, as well as unique artifacts guide visitors to explore the boutique’s Air, Sea and Land watches. Guests can enjoy a home-from-home feeling in the lounge area, whilst the Watch Bar and its leather bar stools provide the perfect location to try on watches.

Commenting on the new boutique opening, Breitling CEO, Georges Kern said: “We are thrilled to offer the full Breitling experience to our brand fans and soon-to-be fans in Abu Dhabi. Following the success of our Dubai Mall Boutique, we are extremely proud to be expanding Breitling’s presence in the UAE with our long-standing partner, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.’’

Piaget Moonphase

Four exquisite pieces
by Mariam Yasin

A beautiful story of elegance and creative prowess, told under a star-lit sky.

This year, once again blending together artistic beauty and crafts-making perfection, Piaget is opening a brand-new chapter. The moon phase complication enters the Altiplano collection, introducing the Altiplano Moonphase. Composed of four pieces, the exclusive métiers d’art collection takes savoir-faire and creativity to new heights, furthering the Maison’s decades-long relationship with masterful artists.

The four Métiers d’art Altiplano Moonphase watches are a work of pure beauty and precision, a luxury of intricate details and technicality made to fit on a 36mm-wide watch. Their dials were brought to life after two years of development. On a translucent blue enamel sky created by master enameller Anita Porch. Each Guardian, representing a cardinal point and associated with one of the four seasons and elements, gently appears at night fall.

The Azure Dragon stands for the East and is associated with Spring and wood; the red bird, representing the South, is close to Summer and fire. The white tiger, looking West, is naturally a friend of Autumn and metal, while the black turtle (for the North) is at ease in Winter and water.

In each one of these creations, Piaget’s mastery is at the service of the deep significance of the constellations’ powers and of the Moon’s infinite radiance.

Breitling Top Time Deus

New limited edition release
by Mariam Yasin

Co-designed with the Australian lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina, a second edition of the hit watch along with a new clothing collaboration revive the nomadic spirit of Breitling’s unconventional chronograph from the 1960s.

Breitling and the Australian custom motorcycle and surf outfitter Deus Ex Machina have teamed up once again on a limited-edition Top Time Deus chronograph. It’s the second collaboration between the two brands, following their first sold-out watch release in 2021.

Limited to 2000 pieces, the new Top Time Deus is built for open-road adventure with luminescent indexes and a white lacquered dial contrasted by sky-blue on its subdials and speed-measuring tachymeter scale. While the color scheme is all new, the details that made the first collab so successful are back, including the lightning-bolt-shaped chronograph hand, mushroom pushers, racing-themed calfskin leather strap and caseback engraving of a Deus bike and rider designed by Deus creative director Carby Tuckwell. Today, the Top Time remains Breitling’s watch for bikers, boarders, surfers, and digital nomads — and at 41 mm, it’s a fit for most wrists.

A. Lange & Söhne Festive Season

Shining Masterpieces
by Mariam Yasin

1815 RATTRAPANTE – capturing the moment  


This special chronograph variant combines moments by measuring their duration or adding up time intervals. It allows any number of intermediate times to be measured within one minute and features two stopwatch hands on top of each other – the chrono sweep-seconds hand and the rattrapante sweep-seconds hand. As the eye follows their precise movements or complex switching processes, timekeeping becomes an experience in itself.

This year, A. Lange & Söhne is realising the 1815 RATTRAPANTE in an elegant platinum case. Limited to just 200 watches worldwide due to the high level of watchmaking craftmanship involved, the masterpiece is dedicated exclusively to its eponymous complication.


LANGE 1 TIME ZONE – at home all over the world


The LANGE 1 TIME ZONE is the perfect companion for the travel season, as the sophisticated timepiece brings 24 time zones to the wearer’s wrist. It not only allows one to tell the time at home and in another time zone, but it also shows whether it is day or night and summer or standard time.

The bright argenté dial features functional elegance and a well-conceived design. The larger sub-dial shows the time at home and is combined with the outsize date. The smaller sub-dial displays a second time zone, which is selected in increments of the hour using the circumferential city ring showing all 24 time zones from west to east. The pink-gold version also wraps itself in a warm glow that is also appropriate for the upcoming festivities.

Vacheron Constantin unveils its new Égérie collection novelties, the Égérie Creative Edition, a new reference inspired by the delicacy of Burano lace and the New Moon Phase Creations in pink gold.

Égérie Creative Edition


Originally unveiled in 2020, the new Égérie Creative Edition watch is now writing a new chapter in this relationship with women’s timepieces. Combining the finesse of Burano lace which inspired it with the watchmaking excellence cherished by the Maison, the new reference bears fresh testimony to the art of Belle Haute Horlogerie.


Égérie moon phase jewellery


A full diamond-set version, featuring 12.35 carats along with white gold base, while the flange, the central ring and the moon-phase ring are in pink gold.


Égérie moon phase diamond-paved


A diamond-set dial and case version, featuring 5.35 carats and interchangeable strap in alligator or satin, along with white gold base, while the flange, the central ring and the moon-phase ring are in pink gold.


Egérie moon phase


A new model with a flowing pink gold bracelet, 37 mm pink gold case daintily rimmed with 58 diamonds, dial adorned with a pink gold ring set with 36 diamonds, totaling approx. 1.10 carats.

Frederique Constant Highlife

Design and engineering at it’s best
by Mariam Yasin

Born in 1999, the Highlife collection has marked the history of Frederique Constant. It embodies the values that have contributed to the company’s success: a highly watchmaking design that is faithful to the art of fine Swiss watchmaking, a high degree of finishing, and particular care for a fair price that gives the greatest number of people access to Swiss Made luxury.

Highlife Worldtimer Manufacture


The globe engraved dial that features on this timepiece, with its contemporary 41 mm steel case, is sure to awaken the wanderlust in you.

The highly contemporary design of the 41 mm steel case and dial with globe engraving is an ode to travel. The FC-718 manufacture calibre is designed for exactly that.
Visible through the case back, the self-winding mechanical movement has a power reserve of 38 hours. Highly user-friendly, its single crown can be used to set any function: hours, minutes, the date at 6 o’clock and the 24 cities disc that represents 24 time zones on Earth, itself engraved in the centre of the piece.

The integrated interchangeable strap from the Highlife collection has become one of its characteristic features. The first option is a polished and satin-brushed three-link steel bracelet with folding buckle, the second is a blue strap with silky nubuck finish and the third is a blue rubber strap to complement the urban feel of the watch.


Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture


In 2020, the Maison brought its Highlife collection back to the forefront of the watchmaking scene. Today, its flagship model, the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, is offered for the first time with a mysterious blue-grey dial.

Borrowing from both blue, grey and black, this new dial symbolizes that fleeting moment between dusk and dawn, when the day eclipses to make way for the celestial vault. The perpetual calendar is the expression of this, indicating both the days and the phases of the moon. It is complemented by the date, month and leap year indications, all on a single dial that favours simple and intuitive reading.

Its 41 mm case is designed with an integrated three-link bracelet, alternating polished and satin-finished surfaces and houses its Manufacture FC-775 self-winding mechanical movement, visible from the back case. The bracelet can be alternated with a navy blue textured and stitched rubber strap – delivered with the watch.