Zenith Defy Revival A3648

Zenith has long been at the forefront of horological innovation, a reputation solidified in 1969. In that year, the brand unveiled the El Primero, the world's inaugural high-frequency automatic chronograph movement, which immediately captured the spotlight. Yet, the El Primero wasn't Zenith's sole achievement that year. Notably, the Defy Plongeur ref. 3648, often referred to as the 'vault,' was renowned for its capacity to withstand water depths up to 600 meters. In 2024, Zenith continues to honor this rich heritage by launching a precise re-creation of the much-coveted vintage Defy Revival A3648.The 37mm diameter case with a thickness of 15.5mm is constructed from stainless steel, maintaining the original’s robust and distinct octagonal shape. This modern revival features a 14-sided polished bezel which is surmounted by a bright orange rotating bezel made of sapphire crystal, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functional durability. The combination of brushed and polished surfaces reflects Zenith’s attention to detail and commitment to preserving the historical essence of the original 1969 model.On the flipside is a sapphire crystal caseback that provides an unobstructed view of the inner mechanics. This feature not only allows enthusiasts to admire the sophisticated Zenith Elite 670 automatic caliber but also highlights the meticulous finishes and the open-worked winding rotor made of pink gold, which adds an extra layer of luxury to the watch’s intricate design.It comes equipped with a screw-down crown located at 4 o'clock, which is essential for ensuring the watch’s water-resistance and operational reliability under pressure. This design is critical for a diving watch intended for deep water exploration. Water-resistance can reach up to 600 meters (1,969 feet), making it a highly capable instrument for professional divers and a nod to the year the original Defy A3648 was launched.Time is exhibited on a subtly shaded black dial with applied indices, followed by an orange ring with white printed minute markers. This vibrant and functional aspect of the dial ensures excellent readability and adds a dynamic visual contrast that highlights the sporty nature of the watch. The use of color not only enhances visibility but also pays homage to the original 1969 model’s distinct aesthetic.The dial design incorporates a unidirectional rotating bezel with an orange-tinted sapphire crystal insert that features black markings. This choice of material and color scheme is a modern update from the original Bakelite, chosen for its superior durability and clarity. The orange hue, initially selected for its high visibility underwater, continues to serve the functional needs of divers while adding a striking visual element that is signature to this model.The arrow-tipped central hour/minute hands and the central seconds hand have all been fitted with a luminescent filling for enhanced legibility. This ensures that the watch remains functional in low-light conditions, maintaining its utility as a true diver's watch. The Super-LumiNova treatment emits a long-lasting green glow, further ensuring that all critical time-reading components are visible in underwater and dark environments.

Zenith Defy Revival A3648

The “Zenith Defy Revival A3648” (Ref#: 03.A3648.670/21.M3648) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber Elite 670, with 27 jewels, a balance wheel, and 28,800 vph. It comes equipped with a quickset date feature and a central seconds hand. The movement’s reliability is further enhanced by a silicon escape-wheel and lever, which provide improved longevity and resistance to magnetic fields. Power reserve can last up to 50 hours when fully wound.Mounted on the watch is a stainless steel five-link bracelet, modeled after the original 1969 Gay Frères bracelet, secured to the wrist by a folding clasp with an extension system. For more up-to-date information, visit the official Zenith website here.

Zenith, Defy, Revival, Luxury Watches