Allgemein » Zenith Defy Revival A3648

Zenith Defy Revival A3648 brings back the 1969 original An accurate recreation of the impressive 1969 Defy A3648, a nostalgic dive into Zenith's past.

1969 was a landmark year for Zenith watches, as the brand launched the world's first high-frequency automatic chronograph movement. While the El Primero steals the headlines, it's not Zenith's only model. Zenith also quietly launched the durable Defy series, with its angular octagonal case, crazy 14-sided bezel and impressive water resistance. The Defy Plongeur Ref.'s ultra-sturdy case is nicknamed the “Vault.” The waterproof depth of 3648 is 600m. For 2024, Zenith launches a faithful replica of its popular retro Defy Revival A3648.

Following in the footsteps of the 300m water-resistant chronograph Zenith Defy Revival A3642 and the A3690 and A3691 Revival models, Zenith has applied its revival processing technology to the more powerful A3648. True to the original 1969 Defy A3648, what's surprising about this revived model is that it's more compact than the original (if the specs on the vintage watches page are correct) at 37mm in diameter, 15.5mm thick and water-resistant to 600m -The resistance of its ancestors.

The angular octagonal base remains the same as the original, with wide vertical brushed bevels and polished surfaces, and sits above a unique 14-sided bezel that sits atop a bright orange rotating bezel. The screw-down crown is located at 4 o'clock, adhering to the original 600m waterproof rating, and the case back is equipped with a sapphire crystal. The 600m depth rating was no mean feat in the late 1960s and has now become an emblematic number for Zenith, as 600m equals 1,969 feet, the year the Defy A3648 was launched.

The original color scheme is intact, and the unidirectional rotating bezel is set with orange sapphire crystal (not Bakelite, like the original) with black markings. The original Defy Plongeur was chosen in orange for its excellent visibility while diving. The orange color of the rotating bezel is separated by 14-sided polished bevels and is also dotted on the dial's scale ring. Its white hour markers have been treated with Super-LumiNova to emit a long-lasting green glow. In stark contrast to the matte black central area of the dial, the arrow-shaped minute, hour and central seconds hands and their rectangular counterweights are outlined in orange and treated with Super-LumiNova for maximum legibility. The date window at 4:30 has a white background and is relatively low-key.

The case back showcases the Zenith Elite 670 automatic movement with central seconds and date (with quick-set function). Developed in the 1990s, the movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 50-hour power reserve. As mentioned, the case back is set with a sapphire crystal, allowing you to see the movement whizzing by.

Another feature that fans of vintage models will love is the five-link steel bracelet, modeled after the original Gay Frères bracelet made in 1969. The folding clasp expands to fit a wetsuit without adding or removing additional links.

Technical Specifications – ZENITH DEFY REVIVAL A3648
Case: Diameter 37mm x Thickness 15.5mm - Stainless steel, based on the original 1969 octagonal case with 14-sided bezel, brushed and polished - Stainless steel unidirectional rotating bezel set with orange sapphires - Screw-locked crown Located at 4:30 position - Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, sapphire crystal case back - Water resistant to 600m
Dial: Black matte center - Orange chapter ring with white transferred hour markers treated with Super-LumiNova C1 - Orange hour, minute and seconds hands with SLN C1 - Date window at 4:30
Movement: Zenith Elite 670 - In-house, automatic - 28,800vph 7 4Hz - 50 hours power reserve - Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet modeled after the original Gay Frères bracelet from 1969, brushed and polished - Folding clasp with extension system
Reference number: 03.A3648.670/21.M3648