Zenith Takes To The Skies and Depths of Watchmaking With Three New Defy Models
Zenith Takes To The Skies and Depths of Watchmaking With Three New Defy Models

Zenith looks towards the past with its latest Defy drop at Watches and Wonders, offering a curious retro revival along with cutting-edge engineering

Zenith seem to be on a mission statement of sorts this year — fanning up hype over its LVMH Watch Week releases back in January before gearing up for a rather surprising setlist at Watches and Wonders. The long-standing Le Locle stalwart has, this week, chosen to launch a massive throwback to the sixties and seventies — and with a rather unexpected segue into diving watches to boot:

 

DEFY Skyline Chronograph

 

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Zenith introduces the DEFY Skyline Chronograph, adding a new dimension to its DEFY collection with a design that bridges its historical El Primero high-frequency chronograph calibre with modern aesthetics. The watch, notable for its 1/10th of a second chronograph function powered by the El Primero 3600 calibre, combines technical prowess with a 60-hour power reserve, showcased through a display back.

 

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Retaining the robustness of its predecessors within a 42mm steel case, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph modernizes the octagonal and multi-sided bezel design with sharper lines and 100 metres of water resistance. Its dial comes in black, blue, or silver, highlighting a starry sky pattern and El Primero's familiar layout of overlapping counters for the chronograph's functions, alongside a date window arranged at a rather unique 4:30 placement.


A notable feature is the quick strap-change mechanism integrated into the case for easy, toolless swapping between the steel bracelet and a star-patterned rubber strap. This addition to the DEFY collection is available through all Zenith boutiques and authorized retailers, underscoring the brand's blend of heritage and modern design elements.

 

DEFY Extreme Diver

 

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Zenith plunges into new depths with the DEFY Extreme Diver, a watch that melds the ruggedness of the DEFY lineage with cutting-edge design for the extreme diver. Crafted from corrosion-resistant titanium and equipped with a helium escape valve and oversized screw-down crown, this timepiece is built to conquer the challenges of deep dark waters with an impressive water-resistance of up to 600 metres, pushing past Zenith's previous limits.

 

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The unidirectional ceramic bezel, marked with Super-LumiNova for clarity in the abyss, complements its 42.5mm angular case. Inside beats the high-frequency El Primero 3620-SC calibre, visible through a sapphire display back—a rarity in diver’s watches—and good for about 60 hours of power.

 

This model doesn't just keep time; it keeps pace with the adventurer's spirit, complete with a titanium bracelet and additional straps for versatility and . Available in black and blue variants, it's a nod to Zenith's tradition of precision under pressure.

 

DEFY Revival A3648

 

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Zenith reaches into its illustrious past to bring back the DEFY Revival A3648, a faithful reimagination of one of its iconic 1969 diver’s watches. This revival is not just about nostalgia; it’s about celebrating Zenith's engineering marvels with a modern twist. 

 

The 37mm angular stainless steel case houses the Elite 670 movement, promising a 50-hour power reserve and a depth rating of 600 metres, . The black and orange dial, set against a unidirectional rotating bezel with an orange-tinted sapphire insert, pays homage to the original's vibrant design while offering unmatched legibility. 

 

In line with the Extreme Diver, a screwed-down crown and transparent sapphire back seal the deal, making the Revival A3648 a compact powerhouse that channels the brand's vintage appeal after quite a few modern releases.

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