This ’60s Dive Watch Revival Just Got Bolder, Lighter and Stronger

After staying out of the dive watch game for decades, Zenith is doubling down on its gorgeous 1960s reissue with an upgraded case and flashier look.

In 2024, Zenith dusted off its dive watch department with the Defy Revival, a faithful reproduction of the 1969 Defy diver that was affectionately called “The Vault” for its octagonal shape and 600m water resistance.

Zenith

Sticking to the original design, aside from some technical updates like a new movement, the first Defy Revival had a steel case and integrated bracelet. This new upgrade applies Zenith’s Shadow Edition microblasted titanium to the case and bracelet.

Familiar from previous releases in the Defy collection, this slate gray alloy has a shadowy matte finish — hence the name. It also increases the durability and decreases the weight of the initial Defy Revival.

Zenith

In stark contrast to the darkened case and bracelet, Zenith cranked up the visibility of the dial and bezel with a shade of yellow that would pass a construction site safety inspection.

While it retains the angular case, integrated bracelet and 1960s-era dial layout, the Defy Revival Shadow Edition sacrifices some of its retro charm for enhanced performance.

Diver down

Zenith doesn’t hold back on anything, as demonstrated by the fact that a 600m water resistance rating is just as impressive now as it was in 1969 when the Defy dive watch was first introduced.

Zenith

One of the most interesting features that helps combat such intense water pressure is the 14-sided bezel, which uncharacteristically sits above the unidirectional rotating dive ring. This bolsters one of the weakest points on a dive watch, where the crystal and case meet.

That formidable toughness is all the more impressive given the watch’s size.

The sapphire crystal and case are thicker than a typical dive watch, making the Defy Revival nearly 16mm tall. But thanks to its era-specific 37mm width, it is still a diminutive diver.

Zenith

Zenith is known for its in-house movements that stack complications with remarkable precision and offer mind-blowing accuracy, but the Defy Revival runs on the straightforward Elite 670 automatic movement.

Despite a simple time and date display and a modest 60-hour power reserve, this well-tested movement is revered for its long-term reliability. It is proudly displayed, decorated rotor and all, through an exhibition case back.

There’s more in the shadows

The Defy Revival Shadow Edition is defined by Zenith’s distinctive microblasted titanium used for the case and integrated bracelet, which is included in all of the brand’s Shadow Edition models.

Zenith

Launching alongside the new Defy Revival is the Defy Extreme Shadow edition. Also introduced in 2024, the Defy Extreme is Zenith’s first new dive watch design in decades and has a modern sports watch appearance.

The Shadow Edition has the same microblasted titanium case but comes with a fabric strap and a rubber strap.

At 42.5mm wide, the Defy Extreme dwarfs its companion, despite having the same water resistance. However, it has a far more impressive movement in the El Primero 3620, a time-date version of Zenith’s premier caliber.

Zenith

The Shadow Edition revamp emphasizes the Defy Revival’s superiority to its modern, wrist-eating companion. The Defy already blends two trends driving the watch industry in 2024 with a 37mm case size and retro diver appearance.

Where the titanium upgrade noticeably increases the performance of the Defy Revival, it does little to help the Defy Extreme’s aggressively sporty and oversized appearance. It also doesn’t help that the Extreme costs $4,000 more than the Revival.

Availability and pricing

The Zenith Defy Revival Shadow Edition is available now from Zenith for $8,200. The Defy Extreme Shadow Edition costs $12,300.

Zenith

Zenith Defy Revival Shadow Edition

Specs

Case Size	37mm
Movement	Zenith caliber Elite 670 automatic
Water Resistance	600m

• $8,200 at Zenith

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