Those even tangentially familiar with Zenith are aware of the Swiss brand’s DEFY series, which has become their do-anything collection, be it a titanium chronograph, a luxurious tourbillon, or a wild openworked skeleton dial. What we’ve learned is: Do not question the methods of the DEFY series but know that whatever comes from it will be noteworthy and coveted. This motto certainly holds true for Zenith’s latest Watches and Wonders release, which introduces its first dive watch in a long time, reviving a catalog piece from the ‘60s.
Despite being a brand that’s over 150 years old, Zenith has seemed to maintain a level of modernity with its new releases, especially in the Defy range. Whereas other brands’ dive watches seem to evoke a level of vintage appeal, justified by reissues and revivals. Well, Zenith did have some divers in the ‘60s and ‘70s, such as the Sub Sea, the S.58, and the A3648 Defy — the latter of which is being revived today. Featuring the hallmark 14-sided bezel and the 8-sided case of the DEFY range, the A3648 was launched in 1969, helping kickstart the Defy series all those years ago.
For the DEFY Revival A3648, the retro appeal is pronounced, albeit the dimensions have been reduced a bit with a 37mm stainless steel case. However, the 15.5mm thickness and 600m of water resistance have been maintained from its progenitor. It’s also powered by an in-house Elite 670 automatic movement, which can be seen through the exhibition caseback. Surrounding the black dial is an orange minutes scale on the dial itself and an orange rotating dive bezel. The bracelet has some historical significance as well, inspired by the one on the original which was designed by Gay Frères.
If you’re not into the retro appeal, Zenith has also made a modern version of the vintage A3648 dive watch with the new DEFY Extreme Diver. However, the DEFY Revival A3648 will be available soon from Zenith boutiques for $7,700.
