Jamie Weiss
Zenith is not a brand that is immediately associated with diving watches. Chronograph? Definitely. Pilot’s watch? They literally have trademarks related to the term. But Le Locle Firm is more than the ability to create the diving watch they reminded us last year when introducing the Defy Extreme Diver. Cut from a similar fabric to an Xtreme model produced by the brand under glamorous CEO Thierry Nataf in the 2000s (but thankfully featuring a much more refined design), the Defy Extreme Diver combines the “super diver” specs with the El Primero movement and the El Primero movement, combining the trendy integrated Bracelet design in the Luxury Dive Dive Dive Watch package.
However, this latest variant of Defy Extreme Diver dials up to 11 tool watch vibes, covering the same dark microbud version of titanium that the diving watch was used in the brand’s recently limited edition “shadow” model.
case
All Zenith’s Defy Xtreme Srange models shared the diameter of the 46.5mm case at the time. This is huge now, but especially back then. However, this new extreme diver is less impressive. With a diameter of 42.5mm and a thickness of 15.5mm, it is not accused of being a small watch, but considering its robust specifications and the intent of the tool watch, it is a completely acceptable size.
The Defy Extreme Diver was originally released in brushed titanium, but the microblasted titanium in this model is even more handsome. I think this finish was chosen primarily for aesthetic reasons, but I think it suits the tough character of this watch. As for the case itself, it has a crown guard with a proper thickness and angle, with a hexagonal hex bolted along with the large Star Crown. The case offers water resistance up to 600 meters, with an automatic helium release valve protruding from the side from 9 o’clock, demonstrating such a capability. Defy Extreme Diver also meets Deep Dive Watches’ strict ISO 6425 requirements.
What’s particularly cool is the original 1969 defy, namely the nuanced dodecagonal bezel clues from the subtle dodecagonal bezel flat. Speaking of bezels, it is also worthy of a cry. It has a relatively thin design, is made from black ceramic and has very satisfying kneading, making it easy to grip even with very pruned fingers. Again, I think the use of ceramics here is primarily aesthetic. Scratch-resistant ceramic bezels can protect the clock’s crystals from the pedestal of a titanium bezel that frames the crystal, but sits higher than the ceramic bezel.
But this is not an escapee for me. It was an intriguing design, and was actually very loyal to the 1969 Defy Diver A3648 “Plongeur,” which was very loyal to Zenith’s first Dive Watch, and Zenith was revived last year with the Defy Revival A3648. The watch received its “Shadow” transformation in 2025 alongside this extreme diver in microbloust titanium with yellow highlights.
Dial
This Defy Extreme Diver Shadow is a very easy-to-read watch thanks to its large indexes and spade-shaped semi-skeletal hands. The bright yellow Minute Track is also hard to miss. The grand scheme of things only occupy a relatively small amount of dial property, but wow…it just pops. Yellow may not be the most decorative and versatile color, but it really works well here, contrasting with the matte black dial and the dark microblast titanium in its case.
The dial texture is also slightly aquatic. The four pointed star motifs tessellated like this remind me of the tiles at the bottom of the pool… maybe it’s just my brain working in a mysterious way. I’m also grateful for the 3 o’clock dial color match date window. There is a whimsical point in the 5-point star counterbalance of the second hand. Incidentally, be aware of how it rounded up from 600 meters to 1969 feet to commemorate the release date of the Defy Diver A3648. Nice.
strap
Each Zenith comes with three different strap options, ignoring the shadows of extreme divers. Integrated tapered microblast titanium bracelet with symmetric folding clasp. Cordura effect elastic strap with asymmetric folding clasp. Single-piece black and yellow fabric strap secured with pin buckles.
If the Defy Extreme Diver is an integrated bracelet watch, you might ask how Zenith can offer a single piece fabric strap. Well, they came up with a rather novel solution: two fixed bar end links that can be attached and removed via the watch’s quick change system. The black and yellow weave is very eye-catching, emphasizing dealing with sporty characters in extreme diver shadows.
The integrated micro-bloat titanium bracelet feels very premium with a pleasant taper towards the buckle. However, during the week I had a watch, I noticed that I wear it most often on top of a rubber strap. The rubber compounds used by Zenith are extremely flexible and comfortable. Asymmetric folding grip clasps are used to it. Half is released via push buttons with clasp, while the other half is a friction fit. But once you get it, it becomes a second nature.
Movement
The El Primero 3620 SC is powering Zenith. This is tripling the iconic move that maintains an impressive 60-hour power reserve, hitting at 5 Hz. This El Primaro is a big selling point, as it is rarely a high beat Caribre case is displayed inside a diving watch. It is also rare for a watch with such a critical depth rating to have a caseback at an exhibition, which is why Zenith is praised.
If you are a regular reader of Time + Tide, you are definitely familiar with El Primero’s movements in all its outfits… It’s always a great pleasure to see that smooth cleaning center hand. Paramagnetic escapements using major components made from silicon help to achieve ISO standards 764 and 1413 due to antimagnism and impact resistance.
verdict
After wearing Zenith and ignoring the shadows of extreme divers for a week, I have to say I’ve been pretty crazy (and I regret not doing a third Zenith “surfer” collaboration on this model, but the white surfer is pretty sick… It makes me feel like a saturated diver from the 22nd century is wearing it. The interaction of stealth titanium and black dial features its high-screw yellow highlights
The closest competition is something like the offshore of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, but I think this Zenith is intuitively a more refined watch than the AP ROO. Yes, it’s big, tough and bold, but it’s very thought out in its design as well. All three different strap options are excellent too. All have their own ergonomic and aesthetic benefits.
Zenith ignores extreme diver shadow pricing and availability
Zenith Defy Extreme Diver Shadow is available from Zenith Boutiques and Retailers. Price: US$12,800, US$20,100
Brand Zenith Model Extreme Diver Shadow Reference Number 97.9600.3620/21.I300 Case Dimensions 42.5mm(d) x 15.5mm
