Zenith Defy Revival A3691 automatic red dial steel bracelet 37 mm

A watch born in the 1960s

The year 1969 will forever be remembered as a major turning point for Manufacture ZENITH. Not only did the brand unveil the iconic El Primero caliber, but it also introduced the DEFY watch collection. Taking a firm stand against the emergence of quartz watches that threatened to endanger traditional Swiss watchmaking, ZENITH stood firm in creating a timepiece with a singular, bold design and guaranteed robustness that the mass-produced electronic watches of the day simply could not match. One of the first models in this DEFY collection was the A3642, introduced in 1969 and aptly nicknamed the French safe. About two years later, ZENITH built on this bold design and introduced new colored dials with a sharp "gradient" effect that darkens toward the edges, including the A3691 with a red dial.

The return of the original Defy model

This new Defy is reproduced with amazing accuracy! In fact, it is designed from the historical production drawings. As such, the DEFY Revival A3691 features all of the singular details and design elements that made the very first DEFY watch model an exceptional benchmark of its time, establishing the codes that continue to inspire today's collection. The idea of the Revival is therefore that of a true re-edition, with a few details as always.

The Zenith Defy Revival A3691 thus takes up the style of the former reference A3691 from 1971. These include the 37mm octagonal case paired with a fourteen-sided bezel, a deep red dial with a striking gradient effect that darkens toward the edges, unusual square applique hour markers adorned with horizontal grooves, and the iconic Gay Frères steel ladder bracelet.

A modern automatic caliber: Elite 670

The new Defy Revival A3691 is equipped with the Elite 670 automatic movement. This caliber operates at 28,800 vibrations, features 27 jewels and offers a 50-hour power reserve. The movement can be seen in action through the sapphire back. The choice of a modern manufacture caliber makes sense as it combines the vintage look with modern watchmaking techniques.