New Zenith CEO Benoit de Clerck shows off the brand’s trio of Defy releases
Buffy AcaciaZenith has had an extremely up-and-down couple of decades, but it’s currently riding one of its highest waves in its whole history. Rather than flooding Watches & Wonders 2024 with a bunch of new colour schemes for preexisting watches, Zenith has filled a couple of gaps in its catalogue with targeted entrants to the Defy line. Let’s take a closer look at both of them now.
Defy Skyline Chronograph
- The Zenith Defy Skyline range is about cool, casual flair, and now the Chronograph finally brings an El Primero 3600 into the mix.
- The silver, black, and blue colour schemes are solid essentials to kick the collection off, with hopefully more to come.
- The grid of four-pointed stars on the dial creates an intriguing texture with the right balance of class and playfulness.
| Brand | Zenith |
| Model | Defy Skyline Chronograph |
| Reference Number | 03.9500.3600/51.I001 (Blue) 03.9500.3600/01.I001 (Silver) 03.9500.3600/21.I001 (Black) |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres with a screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Blue, silver, or black |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet and rubber strap with quick-change system |
| Movement | El Primero 3600 |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, 1/10th second chronograph |
| Availability | Available from all Zenith retailers |
| Price | A$20,700 |
Defy Extreme Diver
- The Zenith Defy Extreme Diver brings back near-Y2K levels of masculine overcompensation… But in a fun way, blending it with a slick 1970s attitude.
- The 42.5mm case is made of titanium for a lightweight feel, despite its chunky appearance.
- It’s about as tough as a luxury watch can get, with ISO-compliant levels of anti-magnetism, shock resistance, and diving specifications.
| Brand | Zenith |
| Model | Defy Extreme Diver |
| Reference Number | 95.9600.3620/21.I300 |
| Case Dimensions | 42.5mm (D) x 15.5mm (T) |
| Case Material | Titanium |
| Water Resistance | 600 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire with double-sided AR coating |
| Dial | Blue or black with four-pointed star motif and orange highlights |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Strap | H-link steel bracelet, with FKM rubber and fabric straps included |
| Movement | El Primero 3620 SC |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$17,500 |
Zenith Defy Revival A3648
- The Zenith Defy Revival A3648 is the series’ first purpose-built diver, with 600m of water resistance.
- It’s a stunningly-accurate recreation of the vintage A3648 reference, with a period-appropriate 37mm case.
- The orange and black colour scheme oozes vintage vibrancy, especially with the sapphire bezel insert.
| Brand | Zenith |
| Model | Defy Revival A3648 |
| Reference Number | 03.A3648.670/21.M3648 |
| Case Dimensions | 37mm (D) x 15.5mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 600 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire with double-sided AR coating |
| Dial | Black and orange |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Strap | Solid steel bracelet |
| Movement | Elite 670 |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$11,900 |