Zenith continues to expand on its Defy collection, with a broad range of options, all housed in octagonal-shaped cases.

Of all the sub-collections — the Classic, Extreme, 21, Zero G, Midnight, Double Tourbillon, Fusee Tourbillon, and Revival — the Revival is the most likely to appeal to vintage collectors as it’s a faithful remake of the so-called “bank vault” case design in a vintage-sized 37 mm octagonal case, with a 14-side bezel. It’s also the watch that the entire collection is essentially based on.

Last year, Zenith introduced the brown gradient dial Defy Revival (Ref. A3642), inspired by the original 1969 model, available in a limited edition of 250 pieces.

This year, they’ve followed with two more variations. The 1970-inspired Defy Revival (Ref. A3690) with a teal blue gradient dial, is available exclusively in Zenith boutiques and their online store only. And the Defy Revival (Ref. A3691), inspired by a 1971 version, with a ruby red gradient dial, is available as a regular production model across the brand’s entire authorized dealer network.

Apart from the dial colors, and distribution channels, the three Defy Revival models are the same, with the exception of a $100 premium on the limited edition brown dial version, which also comes with a standard Zenith rotor, whereas the slightly cheaper teal blue and ruby red models come Zenith star-shaped oscillating weights. All three versions feature hours, minutes, center seconds, and date displays, powered by Zenith’s 4Hz automatic Elite caliber 670 movement, which has a 50-hour power reserve. Each case is 300 meters water-resistant, which interestingly was about the same depth as the original.

The Gay Frères steel “ladder” bracelet, which gives the watch its unquestionable retro aesthetic, is awesome, though will do very little to hide your arm hair.

The Defy Revival is $6,900 for the teal and ruby red dials and $7,000 for the brown dial.

 

Photos by Zenith.