Zenith proudly presents the DEFY Extreme Diver “Bioluminescence” Topper Limited Edition, inspired by marine life off the California coast. Zenith and Topper Jewelers have collaborated to release the DEFY Extreme Diver “Bioluminescence” Topper Limited Edition, a unique interpretation of Zenith's modern professional diving watch. Its design is inspired by the ethereal blue glow of deep-sea bioluminescence, particularly the glowing plankton near the Northern California coast, infusing one of Zenith's most technically advanced diving watches with a captivating and mysterious beauty.
Topper Jewelers, a family-owned business based in Burlingame, California, has built a reputation for excellence that transcends traditional retailers for three generations. Known for its close collaborations with leading watchmakers, Topper recently partnered with Doxa to release a special edition SUB 250T GMT watch inspired by the California coastline, a theme that continues in this latest collaboration with Zenith.
This timepiece features a 42.5mm titanium case, primarily finished with a satin-brushed texture, highlighting the sharp, architectural lines of the DEFY series. The understated finish absorbs light, making the polished chamfers stand out even more, creating a striking contrast. The 15mm thickness gives the case a powerful presence, a size that also ensures its exceptional water resistance of 600 meters. This water resistance depth is not arbitrary but a tribute to 1969 feet, the year Zenith launched its first DEFY dive watch.
The case structure is a masterpiece of geometric complexity. The dodecagonal bezel sits beneath the circular unidirectional rotating bezel, a signature feature of the DEFY series that distinguishes it from many traditional round dive watches. The oversized screw-down crown is protected by thick titanium guards seamlessly integrated into the case sides, effectively preventing accidental impacts to the movement. Opposite the crown, a flush helium escape valve underscores the watch's exceptional performance as a professional saturation diver.
The dial, a vibrant blue with a wave-like texture, displays a dynamic beauty under changing light. The absence of a date display maintains the dial's visual purity, allowing the textured surface to flow smoothly from the center to the minute markers. Multifaceted rhodium-plated hour markers gleam with a jewel-like luster, contrasting sharply with the matte dial. The oversized minute hand prioritizes legibility, its surface coated with a generous amount of luminescent material to ensure functionality always takes precedence over time – crucial for any professional dive watch.
The central seconds hand is balanced by the Zenith star logo, a subtle yet striking brand emblem that rotates once per minute around the dial. As it sweeps across the luminescent coating, it resembles a small boat gently gliding on a starlit sea. The steeply angled bezel adds depth to the dial while accommodating the minute markers, maintaining a clean and balanced overall design. The words "Zenith" and "El Primero" are clearly engraved at the 12 o'clock position, contrasting sharply with the water resistance depth indicator and "1969 Feet" at the 6 o'clock position.
This limited edition watch is powered by the in-house El Primero 3620 SC movement, the same high-frequency movement found in the recently released DEFY Skyline Skeleton Middle East edition. The use of a 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour) movement in a three-hand dive watch remains a significant feature. In addition to the smooth sweeping seconds hand, the higher frequency of vibration subdivides time into smaller units, thus enhancing the watch's stability and accuracy. Despite its 600-meter water resistance, the movement remains clearly visible through the sapphire crystal case back, a rarity for watches of this depth.
The visual narrative continues on the case back, featuring the movement with its signature star-shaped rotor, its finish matching the electric blue of the dial. The skeletonized design fully exposes the escapement and gear train, while the industrial finishing of the rotor and movement components contrasts sharply, reinforcing the modern, high-tech style of the DEFY series. A 60-hour power reserve ensures accurate timekeeping even if the watch is not worn over the weekend.
This timepiece features a comprehensive interchangeable strap system, including a three-link titanium bracelet with a folding clasp, a white FKM rubber strap with a Cordura finish and breathability, and an extra-long silver nylon strap made from recycled fishing nets with dedicated lugs.
Reference: 95.9602.3620/51.I303 Case: Brushed titanium case, blue ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel with Super-LumiNova luminous coating, dodecagonal bezel with orange luminous markers for the first 15 minutes, double-sided sapphire crystal, screw-down crown with Zenith star logo, helium escape valve
Diameter: 42.5 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Dial: Topper Exclusive blue wave-textured dial with unique "bioluminescent" dots mimicking a bioluminescent effect.
Applications: Markers and hour/minute hands; Rhodium-plated; Coated with SuperLuminova X1. Movement: In-house El Primero 3620 SC movement, automatic winding, silicon; Escape wheel and escapement; 35 jewels. Power Reserve: 60 hours. Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz). Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds. Bracelet/Strap: Titanium three-link bracelet with folding clasp; white FKM rubber strap with Cordura texture and vents; and an extra-long silver nylon strap made from recycled fishing nets with special end fittings.