In April 2024, Zenith launched the Defy Excessive Diver, a daring and fashionable dive watch. The model is most well-known for its chronographs, so a brand new diver is massive information. The preliminary launch introduced a pair of black- and blue-dialed watches. Right now, an icy silver model joins the lineup as a serial-production mannequin.
This yr’s Defy Excessive Diver is a heavy-duty water-ready watch with styling traits in line with different Defy fashions. An angular case, textured Skyline dial, and El Primero (sans chronograph) motion make it recognizable as a Zenith mannequin. Suggestions was cut up once we reviewed the preliminary releases, however most commenters agreed that the watches are spectacular in particular person. For these on the fence, maybe a brand new silver dial will make a distinction.
The Zenith Defy Excessive Diver Silver Dial
The most recent Defy Excessive Diver makes use of a 42.5mm by 47.4mm titanium case, in line with its secure mates. It has a beefy 600m depth score, a helium valve, a screw-down crown, and a cultured black ceramic dive bezel. Naturally, the watch has a sapphire crystal, which contributes to the 15.5mm general thickness.
A brighter dial
This Defy Excessive Diver’s dial maintains a brushed sunray end and Skyline (four-pointed-star) motif. The orange outer minute observe additionally carries over from sibling fashions. Equally, the big Tremendous-LumiNova-filled indices and arms are on show. As soon as once more, Zenith opted for contemporary white lume, which is in step with the watch’s general model. A degree price mentioning is that this piece has a dial-matching black-on-silver date wheel.
Two straps and a bracelet
Push buttons on the again of the case make strap modifications a breeze. Whereas the lugs aren’t conventional on the Defy Excessive Diver, the watch comes with three interchangeable choices. A titanium H-link bracelet with a folding clasp affords the “dressiest” look. A black FKM rubber strap with a kevlar texture and folding clasp is sporty however elegant resulting from its built-in look. Lastly, a double-pass nylon strap made out of recycled fishing nets and outfitted with a pin buckle turns the watch right into a vacation-ready companion.
The El Primero 3620 SC
As soon as once more, the Defy Excessive Diver makes use of the model’s El Primero 3620 SC automated motion. Like all El Primero calibers, it has a high-speed 36,000vph (5Hz) frequency. Whereas some manufacturers use slower actions to assist obtain longer energy reserves, the 3620 SC delivers a commendable 60 hours.
Remaining ideas on the Defy Excessive Diver Silver Dial
The most recent Defy Excessive Diver with a silver dial is priced at €11,800, the identical because the blue- and black-dialed fashions. For a premium model like Zenith, that’s not sudden. Some have expressed concern with the dimensions of those watches. Certainly, for smaller wrists, it will be good to see a 39mm or 40mm model, however the comparatively brief case size makes the present fashions put on moderately effectively. Total, I just like the silver dial even when there’s much less distinction than on the darker fashions. It’s a clean, cool look that stands out from the extra widespread black and blue dive watches. What are your ideas on this piece and silver divers usually?
Watch specs
Reference
95.9600.3620/01.I300
Dial
Silver with orange minute observe, sunray brushed end, starry-sky sample, utilized luminous indices
Case Materials
Titanium with ceramic dive bezel
Case Dimensions
42.5mm (diameter) × 47.4mm (lug-to-lug) × 15.5mm (thickness)
Crystal
Sapphire with antireflective remedy on each side
Case Again
Titanium and sapphire crystal
Motion
Zenith El Primero 3620 SC: automated and handbook winding, 36,000vph frequency, 27 jewels, 60-hour energy reserve, 218 elements
Water Resistance
600m (60 ATM)
Strap
Titanium H-link bracelet with butterfly clasp, FKM rubber strap with a Kevlar texture and folding clasp, and a double-pass strap made out of recycled fishing nets and outfitted with a pin buckle
Features
Time (hours, minutes, seconds), date, 60-minute dive bezel, helium escape valve