Zenith | New releases from Watches and Wonders 2024

DEFY: Extreme Diver

A nod to the pioneering spirit of the DEFY divers from 1969, the DEFY Extreme Diver has had a sleek makeover for 2024. And as you know, dive watches, by nature, not only need to go deep underwater, they also need to withstand extreme conditions such as ice, water, and mist. Unsurprisingly, this timepiece can handle all of the above - let’s just say it’s designed to handle it all.

Crafted with resilient titanium, a metal known for its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio and exceptional resistance to salty ocean waters, the 42.5mm case boasts sharp angles in all the right places for a perfect blend of strength and sophistication, making it impervious to Mother Nature herself. Ideal for the intrepid deep-sea explorer amongst you, with a helium escape valve this timepiece certainly sets a new standard for other diving watches on the market.

It also goes without saying that you want rugged good looks, too, and the ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel does not disappoint. With grooved edges for smooth operation (even when wearing gloves) and filled with SuperLumiNova and bold colours you'll be able to tell time, even when the water gets murky. The most recognisable feature of the DEFY line is the metallic dial, thanks to the intricate geometric pattern of four engraved pointed stars. Choose from either black or captivating blue, each with a beautiful sunburst finish and rays emerging from the applied Zenith star at noon – our favourite kind of night sky. And the colour coordination continues with the date window at 3 o'clock, as well as oversized hands and applied hour markers in three different hues – blue, green, and orange – of “X1” grade Super-LumiNova so you can go the distance and still tell time - and with bright orange accents (a nod to older models), you’ll look good doing it too.

But it’s not just all about good looks, just like its iconic predecessor, the DEFY Extreme Diver boasts an oversized screw-down crown with titanium crown-guards for a double dose of protection. And if that isn’t enough to impress you then the 600m water resistance will (1,969 feet to be exact, a symbolic number for the DEFY diver), meeting the highest standards for professional diver watches including ISO 764 for paramagnetism and ISO 1413 for shock resistance - this timepiece upholds Zenith’s legacy of creating the very best ocean-faring timepieces.

Boasting a rare feature for divers watches you can catch a glimpse into the intricate inner workings of the esteemed El Primero 3620-SC automatic high-frequency manufacture calibre through a sapphire display. And with a 60 hour power reserve, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. There’s also a paramagnetic escapement with key components crafted from non-metallic silicon. Topped with a titanium three-link bracelet and two extra straps for good measure: one in FKM rubber with a Cordura-effect texture, and the other made from recycled fishing nets – a nod to sustainable luxury and Zenith’s HORIZ-ON initiative - this unique piece simultaneously manages to offer professional performance whilst managing to look incredibly stylish, just the way we like it.

DEFY: Revival A3648

The watchmaker has certainly taken a step back in time with the DEFY Extreme Diver inspired by the legendary A3648 (one of the first DEFY divers watches) and their avant-garde design approach shines through in this luxurious masterpiece, with style and purpose effortlessly intertwined. Originally introduced in 1969, the DEFY Revival A3648 is joining the ranks of revived classics for the very first time transformed for the modern era.

The distinct angular 37mm stainless steel case pays homage to the original DEFY line, while the fourteen-sided bezel nods to the era's design aesthetics. And for the modern touches? The unidirectional rotating bezel is now crafted with a sapphire crystal insert and features black on bright orange markings (a nostalgic tribute to the historical A3648). On the face, the dial continues the black and orange theme, with orange hands and a minute track striking against the matte black backdrop. And for when you’re gliding along the ocean floor, the hour markers and hands emit a luminous green thanks to the white Super-LumiNova.

Sporting a screw-down crown delicately placed at 4 o’clock and a mesmerising sapphire display back, this timepiece effortlessly maintains its impressive 600m water resistance - a feat that dates back to 1969, the very year the iconic DEFY wristwatch range, including the A3648, first graced the market. That's right, this watch has been defying the odds for over five decades.

And with a compact diver's design featuring a sapphire back, you can admire the intricate inner workings of the Elite 670 automatic manufacture movement, which boasts a 50 hour power reserve. Impressive. And just like its predecessor, it’s complete with a five-link steel bracelet with a deployment buckle that features an expansion so you can wear it over your diving wear as well as on dry land.

DEFY: Skyline Chronograph

Drawing on a legacy of El Primero chronographs that date back to the '70s, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph breathes new life into nostalgia. With its avant-garde design and precision engineering - timekeeping just got a whole lot cooler.

Leveraging its dedication to fluidity and precision across diverse landscapes, the latest DEFY Skyline Chronograph marks the apex of over half a decade in redefining the chronograph. With its bold and architectural design, this timepiece is the definitive 21st-century incarnation of the iconic DEFY series and it has our undivided attention. Boldly architectural, impeccably geometric, and beautifully detailed (a few of our favourite things) are what this beauty has to offer. With a 42mm steel case that is a contemporary spin on the original octagonal case, boasting a multi-faceted bezel, it’s a showstopper without a doubt.

Every detail counts, with sleek pushers effortlessly complementing the precisely sculpted lines of the case, while the stylish screw-down crown adorned with a star emblem ensures 100m water resistance. The dial is as delightful as it looks (available in metallic black, captivating blue, or classic silver) and effortlessly marries the renowned starry sky-patterned motif, showcasing intricately engraved four-pointed stars, with the timeless El Primero dial design, did someone say celestial heaven?

The three slightly oversized counters not only display the elapsed time they also show the constant running seconds, handy, right? There’s a date window at 4:30, too - a stylish nod to the signature El Primero style which perfectly complements the dial colour. And the distinctive flange ring with a 1/10th of a second scale has twelve facets which seamlessly merge with the dodecagonal bezel and hour markers - precision is paramount, after all.

At the heart of this horological marvel beats with the El Primero 3600 calibre, boasting a 1/10th of a second function- a result of the high-frequency rate of 5Hz that highlights the watchmaker's technical finesse. An impressive power reserve of 60 hours ensures that time ticks on gracefully, courtesy of the open star-shaped oscillating weight with bidirectional winding which can be seen through its mesmerising display back.

But the allure doesn't end with its technical prowess, with its integrated quick strap-change mechanism seamlessly built into the case, with a simple twist, you can switch to the accompanying star-patterned rubber strap, complete with a secure steel folding buckle. So, whether you’re deep diving, sailing or just cooling down in the pool you can trust this watch to keep up with you, above or below the surface.