Introducing The Zenith x Time+Tide Defy Skyline Skeleton 'White Surfer' Ceramic

Our friends down under (and across the pond and in the Big Apple), Time+Tide, are launching their third and final watch in their "Surfer Trilogy" series with Zenith with the new Defy Skyline Skeleton "White Surfer" Ceramic available on July 10 at 9 am AEST (July 9, 7 pm EST). The watch, featuring a brushed and polished 41mm white ceramic case, bracelet, and folding clasp, is complemented by a gradient blue skeletonized dial and light blue movement mainplate.

If you need a recap on their previous two "Surfer Trilogy," Time+Tide started with a micro-blasted titanium Deft Classic Skeleton "Night Surfer" in 2021 and Defy Skyline Skeleton "Night Surfer" El Primero in 2023. That means that the new "White Surfer" is the brightest and boldest of the bunch. White ceramic is certainly a bit brighter than anything "night" themed, but it is softened by the soft blue color across the rest of the watch.

The "White Surfer" is powered by the El Primero 3620 SK automatic movement, visible through a display caseback. A high-beat, 36,000 VpH movement, the watch features hour and minute hands, as well as a high-frequency 1/10th-second subdial at 6 o'clock, spinning away at dizzying speed. On the back, you'll notice a special light blue oscillating weight with a satin finish. You'll also find the buttons for the quick-change strap system, which allows you to switch to the included white rubber strap.

As the markings on the case back band suggest, this watch has a 100m water resistance and is limited to 100 pieces. The retail price in the United States is $19,600.

Summertime (at least in the northern hemisphere) seems like the perfect time for a white ceramic watch like the "White Surfer." The increasing use of ceramic in the industry demonstrates the progress brands have made in working with this challenging and unpredictable material. Time+Tide has done a good job of maintaining the design codes of the watches across multiple releases in different models and materials. Still, while this might be the loudest version of their surfer trilogy, it also might be the most fun. I like the icy blue dial, a color that has grown on me despite initially resisting it when I first saw a platinum Daytona; now, it seems like the perfect color to pair with a white case like this.

Brand: Zenith x Time+Tide
Model: Defy Skyline Skeleton 'White Surfer' Ceramic
Reference Number: 49.9309.3620/85.I001

Diameter: 41mm
Thickness: 12.2mm
Case Material: White ceramic
Dial Color: Gradient blue skeletonized
Indexes: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with lume hour markers, printed minute track
Lume: Super-LumiNova SLN C1
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet: White ceramic bracelet and folding clasp; additional white rubber strap with starry sky pattern and folding clasp

Caliber: El Primero 3620 SK
Functions: Hours, minutes, 1/10th of a second subdial at 6 o'clock
Power Reserve: 55 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 VpH
Jewels: 35
Chronometer Certified: No
Additional Details: Light blue movement mainplate, special light blue oscillating weight with satin finish; silicon escape wheel and lever; screw-down crown; toolless interchangeable strap system;

Price: $19,600
Availability: July 10 at 9 am AEST (July 9, 7 pm EST)
Limited Edition: Yes, 100 pieces

For more, click here.