Taking inspiration from the legendary Zenith DEFY A3648, the brand has just presented the new DEFY Extreme Diver in two iterations cased in titanium with a blue or black dial. It additionally features an interchangeable strap system; it comes with a titanium bracelet, an FKM cordura-like rubber strap, and an extra-long strap made of recycled fishing nets. Maintaining the collection’s distinctive design with its signature angular case and dodecagonal bezel, Zenith incorporated all the necessary elements to create a diver’s watch waterproof to 600 meters and equipped with a ceramic rotating bezel and bright color accents for instant readability underwater.

The new DEFY Extreme Diver is as modern as they come. Equipped with a 42.5mm angular case in titanium, a metal that not only boasts a significant weight-to-strength ratio but is also highly resistant to corrosion from salty seawater, the case is equipped with a helium escape valve for saturation diving. The DEFY Extreme Diver is available with a blue dial with a matching blue ceramic bezel and orange accents as reference 95.9601.3620/51.I301 or with a black dial with a black ceramic bezel and orange accents as reference 95.9600.3620/21.I30.

Things to Know About the Watch

Above the fixed dodecagonal bezel, the ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel features grooved edges for a better grip when operating —even with gloves on. The bezel is engraved and filled with SuperLumiNova and bright colors for effortless reading underwater where light is scarce.

The oversized screw-down crown feature is protected by titanium crown guards on either side. Just like the historical DEFY A3648 from 1969, the DEFY Extreme Diver is rated to 600 meters of water resistance, which happens to be 1,969 feet —a symbolic number for the DEFY diver. The new DEFY Extreme Diver meets the ISO 6425 requirements for professional diver watches, which include ISO 764 for paramagnetism as well as ISO 1413 for shock resistance, making it a comprehensive diver’s watch suited to the most demanding conditions.

Something of a signature in the contemporary DEFY line, the dial features a geometric pattern of engraved four-pointed stars. Available in black and blue with matching ceramic bezels, the metallic dials feature a sunburst finish, with rays emanating from the applied Zenith star at 12 o’clock. The date aperture at 3 o’clock features a calendar disc matching the color of the dial to provide a more discreet look.

Legibility is a key factor in the DEFY Extreme Diver —and it shows. The dial’s oversized hands and applied hour markers feature three different pigments of “X1” grade SuperLumiNova with lume in blue, green, and orange, making it easy to distinguish between the functions —hours, minutes, and seconds. The bright orange accents are a nod to historical DEFY diver models.

The DEFY Extreme Diver is delivered on a three-link bracelet in titanium as well as two supplied straps. The first additional strap is in FKM rubber, matching the dial color with a Cordura-effect texture that features vents on the side, allowing water to pass through. In line with Zenith’s Horiz-On initiative to reduce the brand’s environmental impact and produce more sustainably. Additionally, the DEFY Extreme Diver also comes with an extra-long strap made of recycled fishing nets, intended to be worn over a wetsuit. It features specific end pieces to pass the single-piece strap through and under the case for a secure fit.

The Movement

The DEFY Extreme Diver with blue and black dials are available from all ZENITH boutiques and authorized retailers around the world. Turning the DEFY Extreme Diver over reveals the automatic movement calibre El Primero 3620beating at a frequency of 36,000 vph to provide a power reserve of 60 hours. The movement features a new star-shaped oscillating weight with satin-brushed finishings.

On the Wrist & Price

The Zenith DEFY Extreme Diver watch is an exceptional timepiece that offers a perfect blend of style and functionality for diving enthusiasts. Its bold design, featuring a perfectly sized 42.5 mm titanium case with a matte finish and a ceramic bezel, exudes a rugged yet sophisticated look on the wrist. The watch wears true to its size and perhaps slightly smaller and more like a 41 mm watch.

The high contrast created by the indices stands out against the deep black or blue dials, ensuring excellent legibility in low-light conditions underwater. The watch's impressive water resistance of 600 meters, along with a helium escape valve for deep-sea diving, makes it a reliable companion for any aquatic adventure. With its comfortable FKM rubber strap or its sturdy titanium bracelet, the Zenith DEFY Extreme Diver watch is not only a statement piece but also a practical tool for discerning divers.

Sticker Price USD 11,300. For more info on Zenith click here.