Not all who dive do so for the thrill of it. Some descend for the silence and stillness, for the sense of being disconnected from the world above. Zenith’s DEFY Revival Diver — a timepiece that does not shout, but commands attention in its own, subdued language — captures this quiet intensity. With a generous dash of vintage charm emanating from the faithful recreation of the original 1969 DEFY A3648, Zenith who is celebrating its 160th anniversary, fuses an element of modern, utilitarian cool with a dark, ghostly touch in the dive watch.
Cloaked entirely in Zenith’s “Shadow” treatment, the watch’s angular and monolithic case is fashioned from micro-blasted titanium similar to that of past models such as the Chronomaster Revival Shadow and DEFY Revival Shadow. Instead of developing a hulking presence, Zenith went true to form with a 37mm diameter. Despite its smaller build, the Zenith DEFY Revival Diver still packs a punch with an impressive 600m water resistance and jolts of yellow (in the watch’s yellow-tinted sapphire bezel, watch hands and minute track) punctuating the watch’s predominantly grey colour scheme. The colour extends beyond aesthetic and stylistic decisions as it offers contrast that, along with white Super-LumiNova hands and hour markers, contributes to overall legibility.
Within the lightweight and corrosion-resistant case, and visible through the case back, lies Zenith’s trusted Elite 670 calibre workhorse offering a 50-hour power reserve. An iconic Gay Frères style bracelet serves as the finishing touch to the watch, crafted in the same “Shadow” treated lightweight titanium as the watch case.
Conversely, those who prefer contemporary pieces will gravitate towards the DEFY Extreme Diver. Similar to its vintage counterpart, the watch is retrofitted in a faceted microblasted titanium case. Despite its burly and hulking 42.5mm by 15.5mm build, the lightweight case and integrated bracelet make it a breeze to wear on the wrist. The DEFY Extreme Diver’s other points of differentiation include a black ceramic bezel and Zenith’s famed high-frequency El Primero (calibre 3620) movement. An accompanying black Cordura-effect rubber strap is available for those who prefer the DEFY Extreme Diver in a more casual disposition.
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