When we think of the Zenith Defy line, we tend to think of things that push the boundaries of what can be done with materials and movements. What you may not realize (I know I didn’t) was the Defy line actually started in 1969, at the same time as the El Primero calibre. Defy came in as a stand against the wave of quartz movements, and it is when the world was first introduced to the watch we’re seeing recreated today as the Zenith Defy Revival A3642.
In terms of the actual design, the Zenith Defy Revival A3642 is a very, very faithful reproduction of the original. Up front, the only thing you’d notice as different is the use of a sapphire crystal, and perhaps the fact that SuperLuminova is used for lume (rather than tritium; they’ve endeavored to match the hue). Flip the watch over, and you’ll see another thing the original didn’t have – an exhibition caseback. Past those elements, the watch is much the same.
Well, aside from one other major element – the movement inside. While I’m all for these funky 60s/70s looks, I’m a big fan of modern manufacturing. That means we get fit and finish that can be superior, and also means that we can take advantage of 50+ years of improvements in movements. Here, we’ve got their Elite 670 calibre taking up residence.
The Zenith Defy Revival A3642 is chock-full of angles and lines, from the octagonal case to the lined, square indices on the dial. This makes it stand out from today’s watches, and the inclusion of that coffee-tone degrade dial further reinforces this watch as hailing from another era. For this release, only 250 of them are being made at a price of $7,000. While the Defy chronographs haven’t done much for me, I can definitely get behind Zenith exploring the history of the Defy lineup and reintroducing us to them. zenith-watches.com
Tech Specs from Zenith
- Reference: 03.A3642.670/75.M3642
- Key points: Original Revival of the 1969 Reference A3642. Octogonal case with iconic 14-sided bezel. Limited edition of 250 pieces.
- Movement: Elite 670, automatic
- Frequency 28,800 VpH (4 Hz)
- Power reserve min. 50 hours
- Functions : Hours and minutes in the centre. Central seconds hand. Date indication at 4:30
- Finishes: New star-shaped oscillating weight with satined finishings
- Price 6900 CHF ($7,000 USD)
- Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 30 ATM
- Diameter: 37mm
- Dial: Gradient brown
- Hour markers: Rhodium-plated and faceted
- Hands : Rhodium-plated and faceted with SuperLuminova SLN C1
- Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel “Ladder” bracelet.
