At Watches & Wonders 2024, Zenith unveiled a new timepiece in the Defy Extreme Diver line. The watch is a modern interpretation of the brand’s historical diver’s watches from the 1960s, showcasing the collection’s characteristic robust design and technical features. The latest addition features a titanium case, a black ceramic bezel, and a new silver-white dial. Let’s take a closer look at this watch that combines sportiness with functionality.
The case of the new Defy Extreme Diver measures 42.5 mm in diameter. Made from titanium, it offers an excellent weight-to-strength ratio and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for maritime conditions. A notable feature is the helium escape valve, essential for saturation diving. The unidirectional rotating bezel, with its black ceramic and engraved Super-LumiNova, ensures readability underwater. The oversized screw-down crown, protected by titanium guards, adds to the watch’s durability and water resistance of 600 meters (60 ATM). This rating is a nod to the historic Defy Diver models and meets various ISO standards for diving watches.
The dial of the new Defy Extreme Diver stands out with its geometric pattern of engraved four-pointed stars, a symbol of the Defy line since 1969. The new silver-white tone with a sunburst finish enhances its modernity. Equipped with oversized hands and hour markers, the dial prioritizes readability, especially in low-light conditions. These features are complemented by three different pigments of “X1” grade Super-LumiNova, emitting blue, green, and yellow light. The bright orange accents, reminiscent of historical Defy Diver models, add a touch of nostalgia and underscore the watch’s connection to its predecessors.
At the heart of the Defy Extreme Diver with a silver-white dial lies the El Primero 3620-SC automatic movement. Known for its high-frequency oscillation of 36,000 vibrations per hour, it offers a precision of 1/10th of a second. This movement also features a paramagnetic escapement with components made from non-metallic silicon, enhancing its durability and reliability. The movement’s power reserve is 60 hours and can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back, an unusual but welcome feature for a diving watch.
The new Defy Extreme Diver comes with a titanium three-link bracelet that complements the watch’s robust design. Additionally, two straps are included: one in black FKM rubber with a Cordura-effect texture and side vents, ideal for water sports, and another extra-long strap made from recycled fishing nets, designed to fit over wetsuits. This strap features special end-pieces that secure it under the case, ensuring a snug fit. These additional options enhance the watch’s versatility, catering to both casual wear and professional use.
The new Defy Extreme Diver is now available at Zenith’s boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide. The price for this timepiece is 11,800 euros.
