Chunky and water resistant to 600 m, the Zenith Defy Extreme Diver is based on the Defy A3648 of 1969. It shares the distinctive styling of the vintage original, but the Extreme Diver is modern in construction and specs. The case is titanium while the bezel is black ceramic. Originally introduced with either a black or blue dial, the Extreme Diver now gets a silver dial while retaining the signature bright orange flange.

Initial thoughts

Zenith’s catalogue includes several sports watches, including the Chronomaster Sport, but the Defy Extreme Diver is arguably the most distinctive design. With historical roots in the vintage Defy A3648, the Extreme Diver is also original. And the watch also manages to look entirely modern, despite preserving most of the design elements of the vintage original, including the angular case and 14-sided inner bezel.

The Extreme Defy is one of Zenith’s pricier time-and-date watches at CHF10,900, but is still a reasonable value proposition considering the in-house movement and overall build quality.

Stars

Rated to 600 m just like the vintage A3648, the Extreme Diver has a case of brushed titanium measuring 42.5 mm in diameter and 15.5 mm in thickness. Around the trademark 14-sided inner bezel is a unidirectional black ceramic bezel with fluted edges for grip. Large titanium crown guards protect the fluted screw-in crown at three.

The dial is finished in silvery-white with sunburst brushing. Like other Defy models, the dial is decorated with a repeating four-pointed star pattern.

Like on the vintage A3648, the hands and dial sport bright orange accents. The bezel markings, applied indices, and all three hands are filled with Super-LumiNova for visibility in dark conditions.

Powering the watch is El Primero 3620 SC, which offers a power reserve of 60 hours and beats at 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz). The high-frequency calibre is derived from the El Primero 3600, the brand’s flagship chronograph movements. Visible through the open back, the 3620 SC is fitted with a star-shaped, satin-finished oscillating weight.

Key facts and price

Zenith Defy Extreme Diver
Ref. 95.9600.3620/01.I300

Diameter: 42.5 mm
Height: 15.5 mm
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 600 m

Movement: El Primero 3620 SC
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Frequency: 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 60 hours

Strap: Black rubber with folding buckle, white fabric strap with pin buckle and metal bracelet with folding clasp

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Zenith boutiques and retailers
Price: CHF10,900

For more, visit zenith-watches.com.