Since 1969, the ZENITH DEFY collection has stood as a symbol of unwavering strength and precision. Nicknamed the “time safe” for its robust construction and ability to protect the movement like a vault, the DEFY quickly became a benchmark in durability. Among its most iconic iterations was the DEFY Diver A3648, known as the DEFY Plongeur, a true professional dive watch featuring a 600-meter water resistance and a rotating bezel. In 2024, ZENITH reaffirmed its commitment to extreme performance with the launch of the modern DEFY Extreme Diver and a faithful revival of the coveted A3648. Today, both models are reimagined in striking micro-blasted titanium “Shadow” editions, fusing vintage inspiration with bold, contemporary design. These stealthy new interpretations are built for modern adventurers and ready to descend into the abyss.
Engineered for the most demanding underwater exploration, the DEFY Extreme Diver and DEFY Revival Diver are crafted from lightweight yet exceptionally robust titanium. Their bold, angular DEFY cases are entirely micro-blasted to achieve a matte finish that accentuates their strong, architectural lines and gives them a distinct stealth aesthetic. While their dark tones and subdued textures evoke a sense of technical sophistication, vibrant yellow accents inject a burst of energy and high visibility, making these timepieces as functional as they are striking.
DEFY Extreme Diver: Designed for the Deep, Built for the Extreme
A modern descendant of ZENITH’s pioneering 1969 DEFY dive watches, the DEFY Extreme Diver is a contemporary instrument engineered for the most challenging underwater conditions. Housed in a 42.5mm micro-blasted titanium case, this rugged timepiece is as functional as it is striking. Sitting atop the fixed dodecagonal base is a unidirectional rotating bezel in black ceramic, fully filled with Super-LumiNova for optimal legibility. Precision operation is ensured, while the fluted bezel edge allows for easy handling, even with gloves.
Designed for saturation diving, the watch boasts a 600-meter water resistance and features a helium escape valve, alongside a screw-down crown flanked by protective guards. The star-patterned black dial is equipped with C1 Super-LumiNova markers and hands, punctuated by vivid yellow accents that ensure visibility in low-light conditions.
In a rare feat for a watch of such depth rating, ZENITH has integrated an exhibition case back that reveals the El Primero 3620 automatic movement, finished in a sleek modern black. This time-only calibre beats at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour and features a paramagnetic escapement with key components crafted from silicon. The bidirectional winding system provides a robust 60-hour power reserve.
Completing the DEFY Extreme Diver is a micro-blasted titanium three-link bracelet, as well as two interchangeable strap options. The first is a durable black rubber strap with a Cordura-effect texture and folding clasp. The second, is a black and yellow single-piece fabric strap secured with a pin buckle. Thanks to the integrated quick strap-change mechanism, switching between options is effortless and tool-free.
DEFY Revival Diver: Heritage Reborn in Titanium
A faithful recreation of the original DEFY A3648 diver’s watch from 1969, the DEFY Revival Diver brings vintage charm into the modern era with a dark, faceted 37mm micro-blasted titanium case. Staying true to the original DEFY design language, the signature fourteen-sided bezel is retained, now placed above a round unidirectional rotating bezel crafted in titanium and fitted with a yellow-tinted sapphire insert. For improved ergonomics, the screw-down crown is positioned at 4:30, just as it was on the original. Like its contemporary counterpart, the DEFY Revival Diver boasts a water resistance of 600 meters, or 1,969 feet, a subtle nod to the year the DEFY collection was born.
The bold black-and-yellow theme carries over to the dial, where a matte black surface is energized by yellow accents on the hands and minute track. The hands and hour markers are filled with white Super-LumiNova, ensuring clarity and visibility in the darkest depths.
Powering the DEFY Revival Diver is the automatic Elite 670 calibre, which displays the hours, minutes, seconds, and date. Remarkably, despite the 600-meter depth rating and compact size, the watch features an exhibition case back offering a clear view of the movement. The oscillating weight is adorned with Geneva stripes and skeletonized in the shape of the ZENITH star. Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz, the Elite 670 delivers a power reserve of 50 hours.
The watch is fitted with the iconic Gay Frères style bracelet, crafted in lightweight titanium with the same micro-blasted finish as the case. This enhances wearing comfort while the titanium folding clasp ensures a secure and refined fit.
The DEFY Extreme Diver and the DEFY Revival Diver are available at all ZENITH boutiques, online and in-store, as well as from authorized retailers worldwide.
