Sameera Gamage 
Zenith’s new DEFY Diver Shadow editions are made to conquer the depths with purpose, presence, and undeniable wrist appeal!
Since its creation, the Zenith DEFY collection has been one of the brand’s boldest expressions of innovation, technical mastery, and futuristic design. The DEFY Collection has often served as a playground for the brand’s more cutting-edge materials and high-frequency movements, proudly displayed through eye-catching designs. This collection takes what we know Zenith is capable of and creates timepieces that are able to perform under extreme pressure, all the while making a statement on the wrist.
The DEFY Collection was given the nickname “time safe” as the robust construction of the case gave it the ability to protect the movement like a vault, which made the DEFY timepiece quickly pick up a reputation for reliability and durability. One of the most iconic iterations in the DEFY Diver range was the A3648, also known as the DEFY Plongeur. This was a true professional dive watch that featured a 600-meter water resistance and a rotating bezel.
In 2024, Zenith introduced a faithful revival of this striking DEFY Diver A3648, while also introducing a modern version of the DEFY Extreme Diver, showcasing the brand’s commitment to extreme performance. Now, Zenith has remagined both these creations in striking micro-blasted titanium “Shadow” editions, bringing together vintage inspiration with bold contemporary design.
The use of lightweight yet exceptionally robust titanium allows the DEFY Extreme Diver and DEFY Revival Diver to be engineered for the most demanding underwater explorations. The angular DEFY Cases are entirely Micro-blasted, which gives a matte finish that helps the architectural lines of the case to really stand out.
DEFY Extreme Diver
The DEFY Extreme Diver’s 42.5mm case with its micro-blasted titanium material gives it a deep grey matte aesthetic, which combines nicely with the black unidirectional rotating bezel. While it offers a subtle contrast, it enhances the tool-watch presence without overpowering the wrist, providing a perfect balance between rugged capability and refined design. The integrated bracelet of the timepiece completes the “Shadow” look of the timepiece. reinforcing its stealthy aesthetic while maintaining the comfort and looks the DEFY line is known for.
The signature colour theme of these two new DEFY timepieces is grey, black, and vivid yellow (almost bordering on fluorescent yellow). The DEFY Extreme Diver retains the signature star-patterned dial, which is a nod to Zenith’s iconic logo. With the dial being done in a deep black that matches the bezel nicely, it also allows the dial elements, such as the hour indices and hands, as well as the colour minute track, to stand out beautifully. The markers and hands have white C1 Super-LumiNova, while the minute track is done in bold yellow accent, which makes reading the time, regardless of the situation, super crisp and simple.
The movement sitting inside this latest DEFY Extreme Diver is Zenith’s in-house El Primero 3620 automatic movement. This time-only calibre beats at a very high frequency of 5Hz (36,000 VpH), a signature feature of El Primero movements, while the movement’s bi-directional winding system gives a decent 60-hour power reserve. What’s also impressive about this timepiece is that with a water resistance of 600m, it is offered with a transparent case back showcasing the El Primero 3620 movement!
DEFY Revival Diver
The DEFY Revival Diver takes the same design approach as the DEFY Extreme Diver, featuring a case and bracelet in micro-blasted titanium that gives the watch a uniform grey matte finish and vintage appeal. Measuring in at 37mm, the case size stays true to the original proportions of the 1969 model, offering a compact yet highly wearable size, making it especially appealing for smaller wrists or those who prefer a more understated diver.
This edition of the DEFY Revival Diver is much more utilitarian in appearance compared to the 2024 edition, as it is designed purely with outdoor adventures in mind. All the styling cues remain from the 2024 edition, such as the octagonal case with a 14-sided bezel, the signature coloured unidirectional rotatable bezel, and the crown between 4 and 5 o’clock. The bezel insert is made in sapphire with a yellow insert, which does contrast beautifully against the matte grey background. The DEFY Revival Diver boasts a water resistance of 600m or 1969 feet, which is a subtle nod to the year the DEFY Collection was born!
Unlike the DEFY Extreme Diver, where we have black accents on the bezel, Zenith has only used black for the dial, which provides the perfect contrast for the bold yellow minute track. Where the DEFY Extreme had rhodium-plated hands, the DEFY Revival Diver features yellow painted hands. Combined with the white Super-LumiNova C1 filled hands, reading the time in low-light or underwater conditions is effortless, a design that prioritises both visibility and vintage charm.
Beating inside is the automatic Elite 670 calibre, which operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 Vph), delivering a high level of accuracy, while also giving a power output of 50 hours. The Elite 670 movement is known for its slim profile and efficiency, allowing the DEFY Revival Diver to maintain a sleek case silhouette without compromising durability or performance. Like the DEFY Extreme Diver, this timepiece, despite its 600m water depth rating, also comes with a transparent caseback, which gives a view of the movement finishing, such as the oscillating weight, which is adorned with Geneva stripes and is skeletonised in the shape of the iconic Zenith star.
Related Reading: Zenith Defy Revival Diver A3648
Initial Thoughts
With these latest Shadow editions of the DEFY Extreme Diver and DEFY Revival Diver, Zenith leans hard into utilitarian toughness and stealth-driven design. These timepieces are not just built for style and vintage-inspired aesthetics, but for survival, engineered for the harsh, demanding environments where reliability becomes non-negotiable.
The case and bracelet with its micro-blasted construction, the high-contrast dials, and the 600-meter water resistance positions both timepieces as serious tools that are made for the deep-sea expeditions and high-altitude missions alike. Whether it’s the modern muscle of the Extreme Diver or the vintage spirit of the Revival, these latest DEFY Shadow editions aren’t just watches, they’re purpose-built instruments that just happen to look incredible on the wrist!
Specification: Zenith DEFY Extreme Diver (97.9600.3620/21.I300)
- Dimensions: 42.5mm x 47.4mm lug-to-lug and 15.5mm thick
- Case Material: Microblasted titanium
- Dial: Black and yellow matte with a starry sky pattern
- Water Resistance: 600m (60 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic calibre El Primero 2630
- Movement Power reserve: 60 hours operating at 5Hz (36,000 VpH)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Bracelet/Strap: Black “Cordura effect” rubber with folding clasp. Micro-blasted titanium bracelet with folding clasp included. Black & yellow fabric strap with pin buckle included.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: AU$ 19,100
Availability: Available now through Zenith boutiques and authorised retailers, or head online to Zenith-watches.com.au
Specification: Zenith DEFY Revival Diver (97.A3648.670/21.M3648 )
- Dimensions: 37mm x 44mm lug-to-lug and 15.5mm thick
- Case Material: Microblasted titanium
- Dial: Black and yellow colour theme, with yellow painted hands.
- Water Resistance: 600m (60 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic calibre Elite 670
- Movement Power reserve: 50 hours operating at 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Bracelet/Strap: Micro-blasted titanium bracelet with folding clasp.
