Rebirth of Zenith's 1969 Defy Timepiece Model by Watch manufacturer Zenith
Spitting Image of a Legend
The Zenith Defy Revival A3642 is a nod to the 1969 icon – the Defy wristwatch. This timepiece dared to defy the trend of mass-produced, electronic quartz watches, championing the traditional mechanical timepiece. Reborn for the contemporary watch aficionado, the Defy Revival A3642 is a stunningly accurate revival of the original, brimming with rugged charm and innovative spirit.
1969 was Zenith's year to shine, releasing the trailblazing El Primero calibre and the Defy series. These models symbolized a resistance to the impending tide of quartz watches, threatening Swiss watchmaking heritage. With a bold octagonal case and a fourteen-sided bezel, the A3642 boasts a sturdy, geometric design. A replica of the original's sporty steel bracelet has been crafted by the renowned Gay Frères company, cementing the ALL-TERRAIN appeal of this wristwatch. With a water resistance of 30ATM (300 meters) and a screw-down crown, this watch is up for every challenge that comes its way.
Staying True to its Roots
Time has passed, but the Defy's grey dial with its striking gradient effect is as fresh as ever. Square hour markers, equipped with horizontal grooves for a sense of eternal motion, contrast sharply against the dial. Slim sword-shaped hands have been treated with SuperLumiNova, emulating the original Tritium and providing unmatched readability in any light.
In place of the original's solid case back embossed with a four-pointed star, the Defy Revival A3642 flaunts a transparent sapphire display back. This revealing look into the automatic Elite 670 manufacture movement didn't exist in the original, but the revival hews as close to the original as possible while adding a contemporary touch. The movement oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28'800 VpH) and provides a respectable power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound.
Zenith, dating back to 1865, has been a beacon of Swiss watchmaking, crafting timepieces that have shaped history and inspired dreams. Accompanying Louis Blériot on his groundbreaking flight across the English Channel and Felix Baumgartner's record-breaking stratospheric free-fall jump, Zenith epitomizes boldness and innovation. Today, the Defy Revival A3642 can be yours. Only 250 pieces will be available for purchase through Zenith's website and their international boutiques in 2022.
[1] Time+Tide: https://www.timeandtidewatches.com/news/watches/zenith-reimagines-el- primero-defy-in-limited-edition-defy-revival-a3642[2] GQ: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/watch-news/article/zenith-defy-limited-edition[3] Hodinkee: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/zenith-defy-revival-limited-edition- hands-on-with-the-zenith-a3642-and-a3244-watches
- The Defy Revival A3642, a contemporary reinterpretation of the 1969 Defy wristwatch, showcases Zenith's commitment to technological innovation, embodying the spirit of the original timepiece.
- With the transparent sapphire display back, the Defy Revival A3642 offers a glimpse into the intricate mechanical workings of the Elite 670 movement, showcasing the fusion of tradition and modern technology.
