Since its introduction in early 2022, the Zenith Defy Revival family has quickly gained a cult following among enthusiasts for its ultra-faithful ‘60s-era proportions, brightly faceted case design, and its proto-integrated ladder bracelet. Since the initial launch, Zenith has been eager to capitalize on the model’s success, and so it comes as little surprise that a new Defy Revival model joins the roster of the brand’s Watches and Wonders 2023 novelties. It’s also not terribly surprising (given the strong enthusiast base that still surrounds the model) that Zenith is aiming to expound upon the success of 2020’s blacked-out Chronomaster Revival “Shadow.” With this in mind, the new Zenith Defy Revival Shadow seems like a guaranteed hit for the brand on paper, and if initial images are any indication this new model should certainly live up to the hype.

Specifications

Brand: Zenith
Model: Defy Revival Shadow
Dimensions: 37mm-wide
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Case Material: Microblasted titanium
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire crystal
Movement: Elite 670 automatic
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Operating Frequency: 28,800 bph
Strap/Bracelet: Microblasted titanium ladder bracelet
Price & Availability: $7,400 USD, available now through authorized retailers

Although the 37mm-wide case of the Zenith Defy Revival Shadow is identical in both form and proportions to previous Defy Revival models, the new matte blasted titanium case material gives this funky familiar shape a boldly contemporary edge in initial photos. While the “Shadow” name might imply some sort of black treatment, the deep graphite gray tone of the case comes from the titanium itself, as the microblasting process tends to accentuate the metal’s darker undertones. In contrast to the bright, highly reflective polished surfaces of the stainless steel models, the darker, matte titanium case here takes away some of the late ‘60s-era idiosyncrasies from the design in favor of a more modern, aggressive visual ethos. Functionally, however, this case is still identical to its stainless steel counterparts, including the impressively robust 300-meter water resistance rating.

Rather than the colorful vintage-inspired dégradé dials of previous Defy Revival iterations, the new Zenith Defy Revival Shadow opts for a dial in simple matte black. While this simpler dial layout might run the risk of feeling stark or brutalist, the use of khaki fauxtina lume adds a sense of welcome warmth in initial images. Like the case, outside of the color change, this dial should feel familiar to fans of the brand. The ridged, rhodium-plated applied indices and broad lumed dauphine handset are all series mainstays, as are the intricate outer seconds scale and the love-it-or-hate-it cutout date window at 4:30.

The in-house Elite 670 automatic movement inside the Zenith Defy Revival Shadow is another familiar series staple. As a common choice for Zenith’s less exotic offerings, the Elite 670 is a solid, reliable powerplant, with a 50-hour power reserve at a 28,800 bph beat rate. Naturally, no Defy Revival model would be complete without its Gay Frères-inspired ladder bracelet, and the Defy Revival Shadow is no exception. Like the case, the new micro-blasted titanium material gives this design a more modern edge, and it should additionally make for an extremely light wearing experience on the wrist.

With an intriguing blend of vintage and modern visual cues mated to a lightweight, sharply faceted design, the new Zenith Defy Revival Shadow is the largest stylistic leap for the Defy Revival line thus far and a truly striking statement piece. The Zenith Defy Revival Shadow is available now through authorized dealers. MSRP for the Zenith Defy Revival Shadow stands at $7,400 USD as of press time. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.