Zenith debuted another Defy Revival pieces this week in Milan.

The Defy Revival A3643 is a faithful re-issue of a 37 mm diameter stainless steel 1969 timepiece from Zenith’s archives that features an octagonal case, a 14-sided bezel, and ladder-style Gay Frères-inspired bracelet.

On the dial, Zenith used a high-precision scan of a vintage example to engineer the silver sunbrust dial with two-tier applied hour markers. which features a silver-sunray finish, with two-tier allied hour markers that have a satin-brushed central plane elevated above glossy black-lacquered recesses.

Placing of the date aperture at 4:30 is a “polarizing element” for some enthusiasts, though others feel its presence is appropriate given it was a feature of the 1969 model. A unique central seconds hand, with a vibrant orange painted rectangular tip subtly adds contrast to the otherwise monochromatic color scheme.

Zenith’s Elite caliber 670 automatic movement powers the hours, minutes, center seconds, and date for 50 hours. Unlike the original solid caseback, a sapphire caseback is used to showcase the movement. Water-resistance is rated at 300 meters.

Final Thoughts

Zenith delivers with a revived design that blends vintage charm and modern reliability. This is an esoteric design that’s not going to be for everyone, and certainly the ladder bracelet is a love it or hate it look. A retail price of $7,800, for a rather basic Zenith movement and watch, may deter some people, while the retro vibe, and integrated bracelet design, could get consumers to pay Zenith’s premium asking price.