The Zenith Defy Revival A3691 Relives The 1970s, But With Upgrades

When Zenith’s Defy A3691 was first introduced in 1971, it was eclipsed by the brand’s El Primero chronograph line, which went on to become the company’s reigning icon. But the A3642 was just as popular in its time, because it represented the modern, avant-garde look that was making waves in the watch market. Last year, Zenith introduced a Revival edition of the Defy A3642, and last week, at LVMH Watch Week in New York, it launched two new versions in bright colors: red and turquoise.

The A3642 Revival is an aesthetic reproduction of the original model. It’s a 37mm, steel three-hand, with the same minimalist dial, on which the zingy, four-columned indexes stand out like beacons over the colored dial. The gradient color, a feature of the original dial, was ahead of its time, as was the 14-sided bezel. The composition is updated with modern Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers (the original used tritium). The case has been more tightly sealed, allowing for 300-meter water resistance, and the crystals, front and back, have been updated to sapphire, which hadn’t yet been invented when the original was introduced in 1969.

The movement is also a major update. It’s the Zenith-made Elite 670, an automatic caliber with a normal frequency of 28,800 vph and a 50-hour power reserve. The ladder-style steel bracelet replicates the original, made by Gay Frères, an important bracelet maker of the time that supplied top brands. The Defy Revival A3691 red edition is available in all outlets that carry Zenith, and the turquoise edition is limited to Zenith boutiques only. Neither is numbered. “We have a global production capacity that is highly limited,” says Zenith CEO Julien Tornare. “That is because 100% of our watches contain in-house movements – we are one of the last brands in the industry to do that.” Last year, Zenith produced no more than 24,000 watches. The 31mm case of the Defy Revival A3691 is stainless steel, and water resistant to 300 meters. It is priced at $6,900.