It’s officially white watch season, and Zenith has just dropped something pretty wild with Time+Tide: the Defy Skyline Skeleton "White Surfer" Ceramic. This is their final piece in what they’ve called the “Surfer Trilogy” — and honestly, they saved the boldest for last ๐ฅ
I know what you’re thinking: white ceramic? That’s either going to be super cool or feel like you’re wearing a stormtrooper on your wrist. But hear me out. Zenith and Time+Tide actually pulled this off in a way that feels fresh rather than gimmicky โ
๐ Riding the Trilogy Wave
Time+Tide kicked off this collab back in 2021 with the "Night Surfer" — a titanium Defy Classic Skeleton that was all about moody, dark vibes ๐. Then came the 2023 follow-up: another "Night Surfer", this time built on the Defy Skyline Skeleton El Primero. Both models had that late-evening-at-the-beach-after-sunset energy ๐๐
The new "White Surfer," though, is a full 180. Bright white ceramic case and bracelet, gradient blue skeleton dial, icy light blue movement plate — this thing just screams summer ๐๏ธ. It’s made for coastal road trips, beach brunches, or rooftop parties with ocean views.
๐๏ธ Built for the Beach (Or Just Dreaming of One)
At 41mm across and 12.2mm thick, the case hits that wearable sweet spot. Bold, but not bulky. And since it’s all ceramic, it’s super light and scratch-resistant ๐ช. Just don’t drop it on a tile floor.
The dial is where it really shines โจ. The gradient blue skeleton layout shows off the pale blue baseplate, and at 6 o’clock, there’s a 1/10th of a second subdial that spins so fast it’s mesmerizing — seriously, don’t stare too long during Zoom meetings ๐ต๐ซ
Zenith includes a white rubber strap with a star-patterned texture, and thanks to their tool-free quick-change system, swapping is a breeze ๐
It’s even water-resistant to 100m, so yes, you can take it for a swim. (But if you do — please post pics ๐ธ)
๐ง The Beating Heart
Inside ticks the El Primero 3620 SK — an automatic, high-frequency movement running at 36,000 VpH with a 55-hour power reserve โ๏ธ๐. You can see the special light blue rotor through the caseback — a secret visual treat for the wearer.
๐งฑ Ceramic: The Material We All Secretly Love
Ceramic’s had its glow-up. Once niche, now luxury staple. It’s tricky to produce and gets expensive fast — but when done right, it’s worth it. White ceramic is especially risky: it can look plasticky if done wrong. Thankfully, Zenith nailed it โ
๐น Summer Wrist Candy
Is it a daily beater? Probably not. It’s loud, playful, and unapologetically seasonal. But if you love shorts in March and rotate sunglasses daily — this is your watch spirit animal ๐ถ๏ธ๐ฆฅ
Only 100 pieces exist, priced around €18,000 (about $19,600). Not cheap — but rare, beautifully made, and undeniably fun ๐
โ The Verdict
Zenith and Time+Tide end their “Surfer Trilogy” on a high. The first two were moody and introspective — this one's full-on sunshine ๐. It’s a watch that reminds you not to take life too seriously — and that’s a vibe we can all use.
