Zenith’s New Titanium "Shadow" Divers
Ventures Into Darkness With Zenith
Zenith returns to its diving roots with a duo of modern tool watches designed for those who explore the depths—both literally and stylistically. Revisiting its archival dive watch legacy, the brand introduces new "Shadow" editions of two models: the robust DEFY Extreme Diver and the vintage-inspired DEFY Revival Diver. Both are crafted from micro-blasted titanium, a material known for its strength, feather-light feel, and stealthy matte aesthetic.
A Legacy Resurfaced
Back in 1969, Zenith launched the original DEFY series—a rugged, overbuilt line of watches affectionately dubbed the “time safe” for their vault-like toughness. Among them was the standout DEFY Plongeur, or A3648, a professional-grade diver rated to 600 meters. Fast forward to today, and that heritage continues in two distinct directions: one rooted in retro design, the other fully contemporary.
DEFY Extreme Diver: Built to Withstand the Abyss
The DEFY Extreme Diver is Zenith’s answer to the high-performance diver of today. Enclosed in a sharply contoured 42.5mm titanium case with an entirely micro-blasted finish, the watch projects purposeful minimalism. Topping the case is a black ceramic bezel that glows with fully lumed indicators for maximum underwater readability. Its chunky, fluted grip ensures ease of operation even with thick diving gloves.
Rated to a serious 600 meters of water resistance, it includes all the hallmarks of a saturation diver’s watch: a screw-down crown with crown guards and a helium release valve. The dial—black with sharp yellow accents—houses luminescent hands and markers, a nod to classic diving functionality with a bold, modern twist.
Surprisingly, this workhorse of a watch also offers a view into its beating heart: the El Primero 3620 automatic calibre. A rare feature in a dive watch of this depth rating, the exhibition case back reveals a high-frequency, silicon-enhanced movement with a 60-hour power reserve.
Versatility is key: the DEFY Extreme Diver comes with three wearing options—an integrated titanium bracelet, a rugged rubber strap, and a casual fabric strap—all easily interchangeable without tools.
DEFY Revival Diver: A Vintage Icon Reimagined
For those who appreciate heritage design, the DEFY Revival Diver captures the original 1969 A3648’s character with uncanny accuracy—now in modern materials. Its 37mm titanium case retains the distinct fourteen-sided bezel and houses a unidirectional rotating bezel ringed with yellow sapphire. Crown placement at 4:30—a quirky hallmark of the original—returns as a faithful design touch.
The matte black dial features yellow accents and high-contrast Super-LumiNova, evoking the utilitarian charm of early dive watches while maintaining underwater legibility.
Inside beats the Elite 670 automatic calibre, driving hours, minutes, central seconds, and a discreet date. Despite its compact dimensions and deep-sea credentials, the Revival Diver also includes a transparent case back to showcase its decorated movement, including a star-shaped rotor with Geneva striping.
It’s finished with a titanium bracelet in a retro Gay Frères style, combining old-school design with new-age comfort and weightlessness.
Available Now
Both watches—one a tribute to Zenith’s archival designs, the other a technical powerhouse—represent two sides of the same coin. Whether you’re seeking vintage flair or modern edge, the DEFY Shadow series delivers. The Defy Extreme Diver Shadow, will set you back £11,100.00, whilst the Defy Revival Divder, is slightly less at £7,400.00.