The first two days of Watches & Wonders have been fun to cover from the perspective of TBWS. Obviously, many of these watches are to be admired from afar and are not typically something we’d be able to add to our personal collections. But damn, it’s still exciting – especially over at the Zenith camp. This year alongside their vintage Revival A3648, the brand has introduced the Zenith Defy Extreme Diver, a very modern dive watch entry that showcases Zenith’s technical abilities. Much like last year, Zenith may be running as my favorite exhibitor at Watches & Wonders.
I think Zenith releases that are distinguished with the word “EXTREME” clearly aren’t for everyone. Personally, I’ve enjoyed the way the brand’s designs have evolved over the last three years and I’m still excited by the fact that they offer up some great competition against the likes of Audemars Piguet. The new Zenith Defy Extreme Diver takes what we’ve seen come from the current Defy collection and turns it into a diver. We even get the characteristic 12-sided bezel sitting above the ceramic dive bezel, a nice little touch that brings continuity between the models. It’s also a 42.5mm case made out of brushed titanium. You can snag it with either a blue or black dial and both of those versions feature orange accents throughout.
The Zenith Defy Extreme Diver is powered by a high-beat El Primero movement, the 3620-SC. It’s got 60 hours of power reserve and runs at 36,000 VpH. Of course, Zenith has to show it off with a display caseback and I’m sure that’ll make it really popular with the “OMG, iT’s nOt A rEaL tOoL wAtCh” crowd. And just like the Revival model announced this year, it gives you 600m of water resistance and carries the full ISO 6425 certification. Let’s face it though – this is more of a pool party watch and that’s fine.
Zenith Defy Extreme Diver Specifications
| Case Size | 42.5mm (diameter) x 15.5mm (thick) |
| Water Resistance | 600m |
| Movement | El Primero 3620-SC |
| Case Material | Brushed Titanium |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Lume | Super-LumiNova X1 |
| Strap | All included: black or blue rubber, black or blue fabric, and a titanium bracelet with a folding clasp |
| Price | $11,300 |
Honestly at this five-figure price people are going to have some very real opinions. As for me, I think it’s cooler than what we’ve seen from the Royal Oak Offshore line in recent years and at a more competitive price. Again, I’ll be watching from afar but I love that Zenith came out fast with a big dive watch push. Totally unexpected and I hope to see more from this Zenith Defy Extreme Diver platform in the future.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.