In April 2024, Zenith introduced the Defy Extreme Diver, a bold and modern dive watch. The brand is most famous for its chronographs, so a new diver is big news. The initial release brought a pair of black- and blue-dialed watches. Today, an icy silver version joins the lineup as a serial-production model.This year’s Defy Extreme Diver is a heavy-duty water-ready watch with styling traits consistent with other Defy models. An angular case, textured Skyline dial, and El Primero (sans chronograph) movement make it recognizable as a Zenith model. Feedback was split when we reviewed the initial releases, but most commenters agreed that the watches are impressive in person. For those on the fence, perhaps a new silver dial will make a difference.The Zenith Defy Extreme Diver Silver DialThe latest Defy Extreme Diver uses a 42.5mm by 47.4mm titanium case, consistent with its stable mates. It has a beefy 600m depth rating, a helium valve, a screw-down crown, and a polished black ceramic dive bezel. Naturally, the watch has a sapphire crystal, which contributes to the 15.5mm overall thickness.A brighter dialThis Defy Extreme Diver’s dial maintains a brushed sunray finish and Skyline (four-pointed-star) motif. The orange outer minute track also carries over from sibling models. Similarly, the large Super-LumiNova-filled indices and hands are on display. Once again, Zenith opted for modern white lume, which is in keeping with the watch’s overall style. A point worth mentioning is that this piece has a dial-matching black-on-silver date wheel.Two straps and a braceletPush buttons on the back of the case make strap changes a breeze. While the lugs aren’t traditional on the Defy Extreme Diver, the watch comes with three interchangeable options. A titanium H-link bracelet with a folding clasp offers the “dressiest” look. A black FKM rubber strap with a kevlar texture and folding clasp is sporty but classy due to its integrated appearance. Finally, a double-pass nylon strap made from recycled fishing nets and equipped with a pin buckle turns the watch into a vacation-ready companion.The El Primero 3620 SCOnce again, the Defy Extreme Diver uses the brand’s El Primero 3620 SC automatic movement. Like all El Primero calibers, it has a high-speed 36,000vph (5Hz) frequency. Whereas some brands use slower movements to help achieve longer power reserves, the 3620 SC delivers a commendable 60 hours.Final thoughts on the Defy Extreme Diver Silver DialThe latest Defy Extreme Diver with a silver dial is priced at $11,800, the same as the blue- and black-dialed models. For a premium brand like Zenith, that’s not unexpected. Some have expressed concern with the size of these watches. Indeed, for smaller wrists, it would be nice to see a 39mm or 40mm version, but the relatively short case length makes the current models wear reasonably well. Overall, I like the silver dial even if there’s less contrast than on the darker models. It’s a smooth, cool look that stands out from the more common black and blue dive watches. What are your thoughts on this piece and silver divers in general? Watch specifications Brand Zenith Model Defy Extreme Diver Reference 95.9600.3620/01.I300 Dial Silver with orange minute track, sunray brushed finish, starry-sky pattern, applied luminous indices Case Material Titanium with ceramic dive bezel Case Dimensions 42.5mm (diameter) 47.4mm (lug-to-lug) 15.5mm (thickness) Crystal Sapphire with antireflective treatment on both sides Case Back Titanium and sapphire crystal Movement Zenith El Primero 3620 SC: automatic and manual winding, 36,000vph frequency, 27 jewels, 60-hour power reserve, 218 parts 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 from recycled fishing nets and equipped with a pin buckle Functions Time (hours, minutes, seconds), date, 60-minute dive bezel, helium escape valve Price $11,800 Warranty Five years