Introducing The New Zenith Defy Extreme Diver & Revival Diver Shadow Editions

Zenith revolutionized watchmaking with the introduction of the El Primero in 1969, the world’s first high-frequency automatic chronograph movement. In the same era, the brand also released a diver’s watch, the Defy, nicknamed the “time safe.” Last year, Zenith revived this historic line with the DEFY Extreme Diver and the DEFY Revival Diver. Now, both models take a darker turn with stealthy Shadow editions crafted in titanium with yellow accents.

DEFY Extreme Diver

The DEFY Extreme Diver features a 42.5mm case made from micro-blasted titanium (sandblasted on a micro level) with a 15.5mm thickness and a 47.4mm lug-to-lug span. A fixed dodecagonal base sets the stage for a black ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel, fully filled with Super-LumiNova to ensure maximum underwater legibility. The case includes a helium escape valve and a screw-down crown with protective guards. It offers a remarkable 600 meters of water resistance. Despite this robustness, Zenith includes an exhibition caseback that reveals the movement within.

The star-patterned black dial is accented with vivid yellow, enhancing both visual flair and readability. Rhodium-plated, faceted indices and hands are coated in Super-LumiNova C1, glowing brightly in low-light environments. Beating inside is the El Primero 3620 automatic movement, renowned for its 36,000 vph (5Hz) frequency and anti-magnetic silicon escapement. The calibre offers a 60-hour power reserve and features a stop-seconds mechanism for precise time-setting.

The watch comes with three interchangeable options: a micro-blasted titanium bracelet with a folding clasp, a black Cordura-effect rubber strap, and a bold black-and-yellow fabric strap, all easily swappable via Zenith’s quick-change system. The DEFY Extreme Diver is priced at CHF 11,900, equivalent to AED 47,600.

DEFY Revival Diver

The DEFY Revival Diver is sized at a modest 37mm with a 15.5mm profile and a 44mm lug-to-lug span. It comes in a titanium case and retains the iconic 14-sided bezel, now paired with a yellow-tinted sapphire insert on the rotating bezel. The screw-down crown is positioned at 4:30, honoring the quirky placement of the 1969 original.

Like its modern sibling, the Revival Diver offers 600 meters of water resistance and also features an exhibition caseback. The matte black dial continues the black-and-yellow color theme, with white Super-LumiNova applied to the indices and yellow-painted hands.

Powering this watch is the Elite 670 automatic calibre. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz), it delivers a 50-hour power reserve and features a date display subtly tucked at 4:30. The watch is fitted with a titanium bracelet, also finished in micro-blasted titanium for a cohesive look and comfortable fit. The DEFY Revival Diver is priced at CHF 7,900, equivalent to AED 31,600.

For more information, visit Zenith’s official website.