Zenith DEFY Revival A3691 - Loupiosity.com

Zenith just unveiled the second model in its collection of faithfully reproduced iconic DEFY pieces, the DEFY Revival A3691 Revival – an important 1971 reference from the brand’s rich heritage.

Last year one of the most interesting watch launches was the Zenith DEFY Revival A3642 during the LVMH Watch Week – as the first timepiece in the Revival line based on historical references.

Originally the Manufacture debuted the DEFY collection in 1969. The bold, octagonal steel case paired with a fourteen-sided bezel and steel ‘ladder’ bracelet created by the famed Gay Frères company were the strong design codes of the DEFY. One of the first models was the A3642, fittingly nicknamed the ‘coffre-fort’ in French, which translates to ‘bank vault’ or ‘safe-deposit box’.

Zenith DEFY Revival A3642

About two years later, Zenith built on this daring design and introduced new colourful dials with a marked ‘vignette’ effect that darkens towards the edges, including the A3691 with a deep red dial.

Reproduced in accurate detail using the historical production plans, the 37mm stainless steel DEFY Revival A3691 has all the signature elements – a faceted octagonal case paired with a fourteen-sided bezel, a deep glossy ruby red dial with a prominent vignette effect that darkens towards the edges, applied square hour markers feature horizontal grooves, and the now-iconic Gay Frères steel ‘ladder’ bracelet, which has now been updated with a more modern and ergonomic folding clasp. The water-resistance of 30ATM (300 metres) has also been maintained from the original model, even with the addition of a display back.

Zenith DEFY Revival A3691 on wrist

The new version has sapphire crystal and luminescent pigments on the dial. It features a sapphire display back showing the automatic Elite 670 manufacture movement, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28’800 VpH) and delivering a power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound.

Unlike the DEFY Revival A3642, which was produced as a numbered limited edition of 250 pieces, the DEFY Revival A3691 version is joining the permanent DEFY collection and will be available from Zenith boutiques and authorised retailers around the world.

Zenith DEFY Revival A3691

UPDATE – 26 January 2023

Many of the brand’s Boutique Editions across the main collections have featured highlights in blue – including in the dial and movement. Now here is the DEFY Revival A3690 featuring a teal-blue dial with a prominent vignette effect that darkens towards the edges. It is available exclusively at ZENITH physical and online boutiques around the world.

Zenith DEFY Revival A3690

Zenith at LVMH Watch Week 2022 - Part 1 This January Zenith introduced the DEFY Revival A3642, a modern reinterpretation of the earliest DEFY model. As a next step Zenith is unveiling some of its latest creations at LVMH Digital Watch Week 2022.

Zenith at LVMH Watch Week 2022 - Part 2 Zenith is unveiling some of its latest creations at LVMH Digital Watch Week 2022, like the DEFY Extreme Carbon and DEFY 21 Chroma.

Zenith Defy Extreme at Watches and Wonders 2021 Zenith debuted strong and distinguishing Defy timepieces at this year’s online Watches and Wonders edition and highlighted the brand’s involvement in Extreme E, the new off-road electric racing championship.