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

July 07, 2025

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. What We Think 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. The Basics Brand: Zenith x Time+TideModel: Defy Skyline Skeleton 'White Surfer' CeramicReference Number: 49.9309.3620/85.I001Diameter: 41mmThickness: 12.2mmCase Material: White ceramicDial Color: Gradient blue skeletonizedIndexes: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with lume hour markers, printed minute trackLume: Super-LumiNova SLN C1Water Resistance: 100mStrap/Bracelet: White ceramic bracelet and folding clasp; additional white rubber strap with starry sky pattern and folding clasp The Movement Caliber: El Primero 3620 SKFunctions: Hours, minutes, 1/10th of a second subdial at 6 o'clockPower Reserve: 55 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 36,000 VpHJewels: 35Chronometer Certified: NoAdditional 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; Pricing & Availability Price: $19,600Availability: July 10 at 9 am AEST (July 9, 7 pm EST)Limited Edition: Yes, 100 piecesFor more, click here.