During the Watches and Wonders exhibition, ZENITH unveiled its latest creations – DEFY EXTREME DIVER and DEFY REVIVAL A3648.
Since its inception in 1969, the ZENITH DEFY collection has epitomised impeccable durability and reliability. The DEFY line has undergone numerous design changes and specially engineered features over the years. ZENITH reintroduces this collection to the depths of the sea with the DEFY Extreme Diver, along with an interpretation of one of the most sought-after vintage models of ZENITH diving watches – the DEFY Revival A3648.
The DEFY Diver boasts a signature faceted case design and a 12-sided rotating bezel. Today, ZENITH presents modern diving watches inspired by both historical DEFY models and contemporary designs, namely the DEFY Extreme. The result is multifunctional timepieces for underwater exploration that boldly assert their lineage with the ZENITH DEFY collection, capable of withstanding any extreme conditions.
The DEFY Extreme Diver
This model is exceptionally modern. Its original intricate design, emphasising extraordinary technical specifications, is tailored for operation in extreme conditions, whether it be ice, water, or fog. The 42.5mm faceted titanium case is made of a metal known for its favourable weight-to-strength ratio and enhanced resistance to corrosion from salty seawater. The case features a helium escape valve for decompression after underwater dives. A ceramic bezel with a fixed 12-sided bezel is positioned on the case, rotating unidirectionally with ridged edges for easy manipulation even with gloves.
The bezel is engraved and filled with Super-LumiNova luminescent compound in bright colours, facilitating easy readability even underwater in low-light conditions. The large screw-down crown is protected by titanium guards on both sides. This model complies with the ISO 6425 requirements for professional diving watches, as well as the ISO 764 standard for resistance to magnetic fields and the ISO 1413 standard for shock resistance, making it highly convenient for diving watches suitable for the most demanding operating conditions. The dial, a hallmark of the modern DEFY line, is adorned with a geometric pattern of engraved four-pointed stars. Metallic dials are available in black and blue tones with corresponding ceramic bezels.
The key feature of the DEFY Extreme Diver is its outstanding readability, immediately catching the eye. The enlarged hands and applied hour markers are treated with three different pigments of Super-LumiNova X1 composition in blue, green, and orange, allowing easy distinction of functions (hours, minutes, and seconds). Bright orange accents hark back to historical DEFY diving models. The DEFY Extreme Diver model is equipped with the automatic high-frequency El Primero 3620-SC manufacture calibre with a 60-hour power reserve, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback – a rare feature among diving watches. This El Primero model is equipped with an anti-magnetic escapement, the key components of which are made of non-metallic silicon.
The DEFY Extreme Diver comes with a titanium bracelet with three links and two straps. The first additional strap is made of FKM rubber, matching the dial colour, with Cordura texture and side ventilation holes allowing water passage. In line with the ZENITH HORIZ-ON initiative aimed at reducing the brand's impact on the environment and promoting more eco-friendly manufacturing, the DEFY Extreme Diver model also includes an extended strap made from recycled fishing nets, designed for wearing over a wetsuit. It features special attachments for threading the solid strap through the case and underneath it for secure fastening. The DEFY Extreme Diver watches are available with blue and black dials.
DEFY Revival A3648
The inspiration for the creation of the DEFY Extreme Diver watches was the DEFY A3648 model. It was released in 1969 and represents an alternative view of ZENITH's avant-garde robust watches with a steel bracelet.
The A3648 was not only one of the earliest DEFY wristwatch models but also one of the first in the line of DEFY diving watches. Even by today's standards, the A3648 demonstrates remarkable functionality, combining reliability and style.
In line with ZENITH's recent tradition of reviving iconic models from the past, the DEFY Revival A3648 represents the first vintage ZENITH diving watches to be given Revival status.
The DEFY Revival A3648 model, standing out prominently in the original DEFY lineup, features a faceted stainless steel case with a diameter of 37mm. It has a traditional 14-sided steel bezel, typical of DEFY models of that time, only here it is positioned above a round rotating bezel.
The unidirectional rotating bezel is made of steel and frames the ZENITH sapphire crystal with the same black and bright orange markings – one of the most attractive features of historical A3648 watches. The black and orange tones extend to the dial, whose matte black surface contrasts with the orange hands and minute track. The hour markers and hands are highlighted with white Super-LumiNova luminescent compound, providing long-lasting bright green luminescence.
The DEFY Revival A3648, with its screw-down crown at the "4 o'clock" position and sapphire crystal caseback, retains its previous dive depth record – 600 metres (60 ATM). The symbolic number for ZENITH: 600 metres equals 1969 feet, corresponding to the year of the DEFY line's launch, including the A3648 model. The caseback reveals the automatic Elite 670 movement with a power reserve of up to 50 hours.
As in the original version, the DEFY Revival A3648 watches come with a five-link steel bracelet with a folding clasp, allowing these watches to be worn over a wetsuit without the need to add or remove additional links.
The two new models are available for purchase at all brand boutiques.
