The modern revival of the earliest Zenith Defy model is a timely reminder of its audacious geometry.
The iconic Zenith Defy A3642 was nicknamed the coffre-fort in French, or “bank vault” when it was first launched in 1969 – and fittingly so, for its edgy strongroom of a design: a bold, octagonal case paired with a fourteen-sided bezel and steel ladder bracelet.
Not only was it unflinching in its design, the Defy A3642 was also a big gesture against the “quartz crisis” that was threatening to decimate traditional watchmaking in favour of mass-produced electronic timepieces. This was Zenith proving that mechanical movements were here to stay.
The Swiss luxury watchmaker is now reviving its historical timepiece with a limited edition of 250 pieces of the Defy Revival A3642, reproduced in stunningly accurate detail using the original production plans from 1969.
Bringing back all the beloved details of the original design, the Defy Revival A3642 features a warm grey dial with horizontal hour markers, wide sword-shaped SuperLumiNova hands, and a striking gradient effect around the bezel.
The main difference between the Revival and its progenitor is the new beating heart within – the automatic Elite 670 manufacture movement which the Defy Revival A3642 proudly shows off through a sapphire display back.
Images courtesy of Zenith, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related Links:
Zenith Defy Extreme: Harder, Faster, Stronger
Zenith: Defying the Boundaries
Zenith Defy Midnight: Cosmic Kismet
