Zenith Turns To The Dark Side With The New Defy Revival Shadow Titanium

There is the funky blue, the ruby red and the gradient brown, and we were right to expect another bright-coloured edition of the Defy Revival by Zenith to join the series (like the blue A3651), but no. The brand opted for “dark tones and muted textures” for the new watch in the Defy Revival series, in line with the Chronomaster Revival Shadow, released by Zenith in 2020. The new monochromatic Zenith Defy Revival Shadow looks stealthily good and contemporary but keeps its full vintage flare.

It is impressive how a watch conceived half a century ago can be provided with a new look with so few changes. The 37mm case of the new Defy Revival Shadow, including its distinctive fourteen-sided bezel, is made from titanium and is micro-blasted to achieve the desired matte finish. The iconic “ladder” bracelet, designed by Gay Frères exclusively for Zenith in 1969 and until now produced in stainless steel only, is now crafted in titanium and gets the same treatment as the case.

The dial is matte black, and the applied faceted square hour indices with horizontal lines are rhodium plated and polished. The faceted and rhodium-plated hour and minute hands are filled with beige Super-LumiNova, and the central seconds hand also has a touch of lume pigment. The date window between 4 and 5 o’clock is almost invisible, with the date in white on black.

As the previously issued Defy Revival references, the Zenith Defy Revival Shadow is equipped with the automatic Elite 670 manufacture movement visible through the caseback. With a power reserve of about 50 hours, it beats at 28,800vph. It is worth noting the titanium bracelet has a new folding clasp for better ergonomics. The watch will be available at physical and online Zenith boutiques and authorised retailers worldwide; the price is CHF 7,700.

For more information or to buy one, please visit www.zenith-watches.com.