ReviewAn Icon Returns: Zenith Unveils The Defy Revival A3691
A contemporary reinterpretation of Zenith's original 1971 timepiece, the brand's latest Defy Revival A3691 retains its own unique character, one that is elevated by a ruby gradient dial, display caseback, and the manufacture automatic movement Elite 670
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Time and again, Zenith timepieces redefine watchmaking and mark new milestones for the watchmaker. This Swiss watch brand knows how to stay true to their roots and honour their traditions, even as they remain contemporary in their approach. In 2019, the maison unveiled the A384 Revival, taking pride in the timepiece’s El Primero engine, and the iconic ladder bracelet. Four years later, it now showcases the Defy Revival A3691—a modern interpretation of the original, which was first presented in 1971.
The latest iteration follows in the footsteps of the original, and offers the old charm in a new, much-improved package. The original A3691 added to the success of the original 1969 Defy A3642—the very first Defy. The A3691 also borrowed heavily from the A3642—it had an octagonal case, square hour markers, 14-sided bezel or the Gay Frères ladder bracelet, much like its older sibling. While the inaugural Defy had a warm brownish-grey dial, the 1971 A3691 had a deep red colour on its watch face. Brimming with an almost tangible pride, these Defy timepieces represented the hard work of the proficient watchmaker, who found themselves holding tight amidst the quartz crisis in the 1970s. Today, after 50 years, many moons have passed, but what has not changed is Zenith’s respect for their history. In a bid to honour this, the brand presents the new Defy Revival A3691, which pays homage to the first Defy ever—the A3642.
Reviving A Legacy: Defy Revival A3691
Last year, Zenith presented their Revival A3642, which featured a gradient brown dial and all the quirks and thrills that gave the original its rugged look. This year, the revival trend continues with the Defy Revival A3691, which explores each detail of the first Defy to be just like its eldest sibling, and yet it possesses its own unique character. The craftspeople have rigorously studied the production plans of the original to allow the latest Revival model to augment all the design elements that kept the original mighty.
This familiarity is rendered handsomely by the faceted octagonal case, along with a 14-sided bezel, a deep glossy red dial that features a striking vignette effect that deepens as it approaches the edges, and very cool applied square hour markers that house horizontal grooves. The modern-day A3691 has been paired with a Gay Frères steel ladder bracelet, which is now even more contemporary and comfortable on the wrist.
The prominent cosmetic differences between the two include the sapphire crystal glass instead of the original’s plexiglass, a display caseback for the Revival model, and the type of luminescent substance used for illumination.
A Contemporary-Vintage Approach
While the original had a solid caseback, the new model goes for a sapphire display one, offering a view of its automatic in-house movement—theElite 670. The engine operates at a frequency of 28,800vph, and provides a power reserve of around 50 hours. The new star-shaped oscillating weight also features a satin finishing. This movement sits snug inside a 37mm stainless steel case that is water resistant up to 300 metres.
The hour and minute hands are rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with white-ish Super-LumiNova (C1), giving a splendid contrast to the ruby gradient dial. Unlike the Revival model for the A3642, which was presented as a limited edition, the Revival A3691 has a permanent place in the Defy family.
The Swiss brand has a penchant for leading the industry with robust, resilient, and inventive timepieces that quickly and rightfully find their place in elaborate collections all around the world. What makes this Revival an apt one is how closely it aligns with the design philosophy of the first Defy. The dream to witness vintage timepieces in person could remain just that—a dream—but it comes very close to becoming reality when timepieces today are inspired by the past, and A3691 successfully and brilliantly does that.
A ‘Revival’ Of Stunning Tributes
While the Revival models for the Defy references from the 1960s and 1970s are limited for now, the Chronomaster Revival line reproduces various iconic chronographs of this decade. Back in 2019, Zenith celebrated the 50th anniversary of the legendary El Primero movement, which first powered the A384, and subsequently ticked inside the A385 and the A386. On this occasion, Zenith introduced the El Primero A384 Revival, which was offered on a black alligator leather strap or a ladder bracelet. In the same year, the watch brand went on to revive the A386.
In 2020, Zenith showcased the Chronomaster Revival Shadow. This timepiece was inspired by a prototype from 1970 that was shrouded in mystery. With black dials and grey counters, along with a black cordura effect strap, the reference most certainly added depth to the Revival series. Soon after that, it was time for another revival from the trilogy.
In 2021, Zenith unveiled the Chronomaster Revival A385. The creators used the original blueprints, production plans, and all the parts of the A385’s 37mm tonneau-shaped stainless steel case, including the pump-style pushers, to produce this Revival A385 and keep it identical to the original.
These few Revival timepieces, along with others in the series, are remarkable references that display the brand’s reverence for the iconic originals.
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