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Zenith at Watches & Wonders 2024: Defy Divers and Chronographs

News

Zenith at Watches & Wonders 2024: Defy Divers and Chronographs

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A sincere launch with three all-new models.
Zenith shines brightly at Watches & Wonders 2024 with a refreshingly sincere launch. The brand introduces three entirely new models, diverging from the common trend of merely updating existing collections with new colors or materials. Notably, all three belong to the Defy collection, which is Zenith’s lineup of sports watches with integrated bracelets

Defy Skyline Chronograph

A subset of the Defy family, the Skyline is a distinctly angular watch featuring a 14-sided bezel and an octagonal case, both inspired by vintage models from the brand’s archives. Launched two years ago as a time-only piece, the Defy Skyline now welcomes a chronograph version.

 

Some might argue that the original time-only variant of the Defy Skyline felt somewhat plain on the dial, possibly due to its complex case and bezel design as well as its size. However, this issue is effectively addressed with the introduction of the chronograph version. Most notably, the addition of triple counters adds detail and complexity, enhancing the overall look and masculinity of the watch. 

The Defy Skyline Chronograph comes in blue, silver, or black with a star-pattern dial, similar to the time-only version. It comes delivered on a bracelet, with an additional rubber strap included. This allows you to choose between a bracelet or strap depending on the occasion, and swapping between them is made easy with the quick-release system.

 

Powering the new Skyline Chronograph is the El Primero 3600, Zenith’s latest-generation chronograph movement. With a high frequency of 5 Hz, it also features a high-speed chronograph seconds hand that completes one revolution every 10 seconds, allowing for precise measurements down to 1/10th of a second.

Defy Skyline Chronograph Specifications

Movement: El Primero 3600; automatic; 60 hours power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph
Case: 42 mm; steel; water resistant to 100 m
Strap: Steel bracelet and rubber strap
Limited edition: No
Price: CHF 11,900

Defy Extreme Diver

At first glance, the Defy Extreme Diver might appear to be just another dive watch with a ceramic bezel insert. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that this assumption is mistaken. The Extreme Diver’s design and construction are rather unusual, particularly when viewed from the side, where the complexity of the case and bezel is on full display.

 

Like the Defy Skyline, it features an octagonal case and a 14-sided bezel. However, the Defy Extreme Diver adds a unique twist with a rotating ceramic ring nestled between the bezel and the case, along with prominent crown guards. These details come together to create a nuanced composition, setting it apart from most dive watches that tend towards simpler case designs.

The dial is equally bold and striking, echoing the complexity of the case. The orange minute track immediately catches the eye, offering a vibrant contrast against the black or blue background. The four-pointed star engraved on the dial further adds to the watch’s visual depth.

 

The Defy Extreme Diver offers a water resistance of 600 meters and is equipped with a helium escape valve. Powering this dive watch is the El Primero 3620, a high-frequency (5 Hz) automatic movement with a 60-hour power reserve.

Defy Extreme Diver Specifications

Movement: El Primero 3620; automatic; 60 hours power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Case: 42.5 x 15.5 mm; titanium; water resistant to 600 m
Strap: Titanium bracelet or rubber strap
Limited edition: No
Price: CHF 10,900

Defy Revival A3648

Zenith appears to have an inexhaustible array of fascinating watches in its archive, and the latest addition the brand has decided to resurrect is the A3648 dive watch from 1969. As a vintage recreation, the A3648 boasts dimensions that are unusually small for modern sports watches, making it perfect for collectors with a classical taste – the case is only 37 mm wide.

 

The A3648 really stands out with its bright orange bezel and dial. This orange pops against the black face, making a cool and cheerful contrast. It might be the perfect summer watch for that reason!

Defy Revival A3648 Specifications

Movement: Elite 670; automatic; 50 hours power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Case: 37 mm x 15.5 mm; steel; water resistant to 600 m
Strap: Steel bracelet
Limited edition: No
Price: CHF 7,400