After revisiting the very first DEFY wristwatch last year, ZENITH is unveiling the second model in its collection of faithfully reproduced iconic DEFY pieces with the DEFY Revival A3691 Revival, an important 1971 reference that took the audacious design a step further by initiating the collection’s historically extensive use of striking colours.
Returning to the essence of the DEFY collection and the historical references that continue to serve as a source of inspiration for the contemporary collection of the same name, ZENITH is unveiling the second DEFY Revival model with a remake of the A3691, based on the 1971 reference. With its vibrant red gradient-effect dial and rugged geometric case, the DEFY Revival A3691 becomes the first DEFY Revival model in the permanent collection.
1969 will forever be remembered as a major turning point for ZENITH. Not only did the Manufacture unveil the venerable El Primero calibre, but it also debuted the DEFY collection of wristwatches. Taking a firm stance against the onset of quartz watches that threatened to put traditional Swiss watchmaking in peril, ZENITH stood its ground by creating a timepiece with a singularly edgy design and ensured robustness that mass-produced electronic watches of the time simply could not rival. One of the first models of this DEFY collection was the A3642, fittingly nicknamed the coffre-fort in French, which translates to “bank vault” or “safe-deposit box”. 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 stunningly accurate detail using the historical production plans, the DEFY Revival A3691 brings back all the details and singular design elements that made the first-ever DEFY wristwatch model such an outstanding reference of its era; one which established the codes that continues to inspire the DEFY collection today. This includes a faceted octagonal case paired with a fourteen-sided bezel, a deep glossy red dial with a prominent vignette effect that darkens towards the edges, unusual 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.
In fact, the only cosmetic differences between the Revival and its progenitor are the sapphire crystal, the display case back and the type of luminescent pigments. The water-resistance of 30ATM (300 metres) has also been maintained from the original, even with the addition of a display back.
The other main difference beats away inside. Instead of the original’s solid case back emblazoned with a four-pointed star that became one of the brand’s logos and recurring design element for years, the DEFY Revival A3691 features a sapphire display back showing the automatic Elite 670 manufacture movement, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 VpH) and providing an autonomy of 50 hours.
To the delight of collectors and unlike the DEFY Revival A3642, which was produced as a numbered limited edition, 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 Red Technical Specifications
Ref 03.A3642.670/3691.M3642 – 6900 CHF
Functions
- Hours and minutes in the centre
- Date indication at 4:30
- Central seconds hand
Movement
- Calibre Elite 670
- 28 800 VPH (4 HZ)
- 50 hours power reserve
- 144 components
Case
- Stainless Steel
- 37 mm diameter
- 30 ATM water resistance
Dial
- Ruby gradient
- Hour markers: faceted rhodium-plated
- Hands: faceted rhodium-plated coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Bracelet
- 27.03.1816.M3642 stainless steel ladder bracelet
Time to reach your star
Zenit exists to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and make them come true – against all odds. Since its establishment in 1865, ZENITH became the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, and its watches have accompanied extraordinary figures that dreamt big and strived to achieve the impossible – from Louis Blériot’s history-making flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-setting stratospheric free-fall jump. Zenith is also highlighting visionary and trailblazing women by celebrating their accomplishments and creating the DREAMHERS platform where women share their experiences and inspire others to fulfil their dreams.
With innovation as its guiding star, ZENITH exclusively features in-house developed and manufactured movements in all its watches. Since the creation of the El Primero in 1969, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre, ZENITH has gone on to master high-frequency precision and offers time measurements in fractions of a second, including 1/10th of a second in the Chronomaster collection and 1/100th of a second in the DEFY collection. Because innovation is synonymous with responsibility, the ZENITH HORIZ-ON initiative affirms the brand’s commitments to inclusion & diversity, sustainability and employee wellbeing. ZENITH has been shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking since 1865, accompanying those who dare to challenge themselves and reach new heights. The time to reach your star is now.