Zenith Celebrates Comeback of Its Diver’s Watch With The Defy Extreme Diver And Defy Revival A3648
Following Zenith’s revival of its pilot’s line last year, this year sees another revival in the form of the new Defy Extreme Diver. As with the brand’s pilot’s watches, the diver’s watch has a long history at Zenith – a 55-year history to be precise, as the first Defy A3648 diver’s watch appeared in 1969. In addition to the new Defy Extreme Diver, which is a modern interpretation of the original diver’s watch, Zenith is also launching a vintage version with the Defy Revival A3648.
Defy Extreme Diver
The case
In the new Defy Extreme Diver, Zenith has retained the characteristic angular case with the dodecagonal bezel, although the modern version is in titanium and has a diameter of 42.5 mm. The case has a helium valve to release helium gas, which can occur during decompression and cause damage. Above the dodecagonal bezel is a unidirectional rotating bezel made of ceramic with grooves, making it easy to adjust even when wearing gloves. The rotating bezel is coated with Super-Luminova for better readability in the depths of the sea. The screw-down crown is fitted with a titanium crown guard.
In keeping with its historical role model, the new Defy Extreme Diver is also water-resistant to 600 metres and meets the requirements of ISO 6245 for professional divers’ watches, ISO 764 for paramagnetism, and ISO 1413 for shock resistance.
The dial
The dial is engraved with the four-pointed stars familiar from the modern Defy watches from Zenith. The metal dials are available in black or blue and are decorated with a sunburst pattern whose rays emanate from the applied Zenith star at 12 o’clock. The date display is located at 3 o’clock and is colour-coordinated with the dial. The large hands and hour markers are coated with Super-Luminova X1 in three different shades of blue, green and orange.
Caliber El Primero 3620-SC
The new Defy Extreme Diver is powered by the El Primero 3620-SC automatic calibre – a high-frequency oscillator that was developed and produced in-house. A paramagnetic escapement was chosen for the new diver’s watch, which consists mainly of non-metallic silicon. The movement is visible through the open caseback – which is rather unusual for a diver’s watch – and offers a power reserve of 60 hours.
The new Defy Extreme Diver is worn on a three-link titanium bracelet. Two additional straps made of rubber and recycled fishing nets are included. Price: 11,800 euros.
Defy Revival A3648
In addition to the modern interpretation of one of Zenith’s first diver’s watches, the manufacture is also launching a retro version of its diving watch, the Defy Revival A3648. True to the original, it has a stainless-steel case with a diameter of 37 mm. The characteristic 14-sided stainless-steel bezel is located above the round bezel. The rotating bezel has the same black markings on a bright orange background as the historical model, but on a sapphire crystal insert instead of Plexiglas.
The retro model is also water-resistant to a depth of 600 metres, which corresponds to 1,969 feet, the year in which the Defy line was first launched. The open caseback allows a view of the Elite 670 automatic manufacture movement with a 50-hour power reserve. The Defy Revival A3648 is worn on a five-link stainless-steel bracelet with a folding clasp. Price: 8,000 euros.
Both the Defy Extreme Diver and the Defy Revival A3648 are now available in all Zenith boutiques and from authorised Zenith retailers worldwide. The Revival model can also be purchased online.
When Piaget presented the world’s thinnest watch, the Altiplano Ultimate Concept, six years ago, it showed the world exactly what masterful, high-precision work can look like. With the invention of the caliber 9P, Piaget can already draw on 67 years of experience in the manufacturing of ultra-thin movements. To celebrate its 150th anniversary, the brand…
Simplicity that conveys complexity is rare. When it comes to the Louis Vuitton Voyager Skeleton Platinum Limited Edition, it is so rare that there are only a mere 150 pieces in existence. With its streamlined shapes, navy blue details and use of the precious metal platinum, this new limited piece from La Fabrique du Temps unites function…
This year at Watches & Wonders, we are seeing a flurry of Santos-related action from Cartier. The maison is introducing no less than four new mechanical Santos de Cartier models and six new mechanical Santos Dumont models. One of these Santos de Cartier wristwatches is a stunning diamond-set skeletonised edition, while three of the Santos…
With the unveiling of the second chapter in the M.A.D. series, M.A.D. Editions introduces a timepiece that differs significantly from the M.A.D. 1, both in concept and appearance. This watch, a creation by Eric Giroud — designer and long-standing friend of MB&F — is a heartfelt tribute to the wild, captivating club culture of the…
Geneva based watchmaker Laurent Ferrier presents a new watch in his collection: the Sport Auto. A tribute piece to the founders car racing passion that goes back to the 1970s. On 9 June 1979, Laurent Ferrier and François Servanin participated at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race in their Porsche 935 Turbo. After…
This year, Omega is expanding its Seamaster Diver 300M collection with two new models in Bronze Gold. These special editions combine the exclusive material with the design of the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition. The watches feature a case made from the brand's bronze-gold alloy as well as a dial and bezel made from anodised…
The 37th edition of the America's Cup will take place between August and October. This year, the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, supported by Panerai, will once again be competing in the world's oldest sailing regatta. With the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech, Submersible GMT Luna Rossa Titanio and Submersible Tourbillon GMT Luna Rossa Experience…
The Swiss watch brand Vacheron Constantin launches a new model expanding the ‘Patrimony Collection’ and completing its midnight blue timepieces introduced on this year’s watch fair SIHH in Geneva. The contemporary style and the pure lines are kept up with the new Patrimony perpetual calendar ultra-thin. Other than that, the calendar function is run by an ultra-thin self-winding movement, that…
On the occasion of the classic car event Le Mans Classic, Richard Mille presents the RM 029 Automatic Le Mans Classic, a limited special edition. The event was co-founded by the Manufacture and takes place every two years near Le Mans in France. The watch celebrates the return of the event in 2022, and accordingly…
Glashütte-based A. Lange & Söhne is launching the ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD "Lumen". The watch with digital time display now combines a honey gold case with a sapphire crystal dial. The latter makes the discs of the time display visible. In this model of the "Lumen" series, the numerals are generously coated with luminous material, which gives…
The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar white ceramic offers a slim case which nonetheless houses a complete perpetual calendar. The 41 mm case is made of white ceramic. Furthermore, the watch is equipped with non-reflective sapphire crystal on the front and back. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar White Ceramic Ref. 26579CB.OO.1225CB.01…
OMEGA is introducing another model as part of its collaboration with Orbis – a non-profit organisation that treats eye diseases in developing countries. The OMEGA Trésor Orbis-Edition is available with two different bezels and features the Orbis teddy bear, which every child treated by Orbis receives. ORBIS is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to treating…