Swiss luxury watch brand Zenith expands its DEFY Revival series with a re-edition of the historic reference A3690.

First launched in 1970,shortly after the introduction of the DEFY wristwatch collection with its rugged “bank vault” case and daring dial design, the A3690 was among the earliest references to incorporate striking colours. It featured a tropical teal blue dial.

Reproduced in accurate detail using the historical production plans, the Zenith DEFY Revival A3690 watch brings back all the details and singular design elements of its ancestor.

This includes a faceted octagonal case paired with a fourteen-sided bezel, a teal-blue dial with a prominent vignette effect that darkens towards the edges, unusual applied square hour markers feature horizontal grooves, and the now-iconic Gay Frères steel “ladder” bracelet, which has now been updated with a more modern and ergonomic folding clasp.

In fact, the only cosmetic differences between the Revival and the historical reference are the sapphire crystal, the display case back and the type of luminescent pigments.

The original reference was fitted with a solid metal case-back emblazoned with a four-pointed star that became one of the brand’s logos. The Zenith DEFY Revival A3690 features a sapphire display back showing the automatic Elite 670 manufacture movement, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 VpH) and providing an autonomy of 50 hours.

The water-resistance of 30ATM (300 metres) has also been maintained from the original, even with the addition of a display back.

The Defy Revival A3690 watch is available now at ZENITH physical and online boutiques around the world.

Technical details

Model: Zenith Defy Revival A3690
Reference: 03.A3642.670/3690.M3642

Movement
ELITE 670 automatic
Frequency: 28 800 VpH (4 Hz)
Power reserve: Approx. 50 hours
Finishes: New star-shaped oscillating weight with satined finishings

Functions
Hours and minutes in the centre
Central seconds hand
Date indication at 4:30

Case
Material: Stainless steel
Octogonal case with iconic 14-sided bezel
Diameter: 37 mm
Water resistance: 30 ATM

Dial
Turquoise gradient dial
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated and faceted
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1

Bracelet
Stainless steel “Ladder” bracelet

Price
6,900 CHF