Zenith Defy Revival A3648

Quick specs Zenith Defy Revival A3648
Price: € 8.000 | CHF 7’400 | $ 7,700 | £ 6,900
Size: 37 mm
Reference: 03.A3648.670/21.M3648

Let’s dive back to the late 1960s with this Zenith Defy Revival A3648, a remake of a 1969 dive watch by the Swiss brand. That 1969 diver is known as the Zenith Defy Ref. A3648, an underwater workhorse from the 1960s with specs most regular modern divers don’t even have. 1969 is also the year in which Zenith introduced their Defy model line.

This Revival is not the first remake we’ve seen from Zenith. Last year they launched the Zenith Defy Revival Shadow, a reference to the original Defy. However, this new one is a copy of the original, with a 37-millimeter stainless steel angular case, just like the 1969 version. Furthermore, is has the original steel fourteen sided bezel, now placed above the round rotating bezel.

Differences between the Revival and the 1969 Defy A3648

Apart from the case and bezel that look more or less the same, there are some differences as well. Of course, the Plexiglas from the original has changed to sapphire crystal. The colors, matt black for the dial and orange for the hands and other parts, are more bright and won’t fade. And the super-luminova is stronger nowadays.

But the design of the dial remained the same, with the same black on bright orange markings and minute track. Even the depth rating of 600 meters or nearly 2,000 feet is the same. Impressive in 1969, still great for a diver in these days. The crown, screwed-down, is still at the 4 o’clock position.

The Zenith Defy Revival A3648 has a power reserve of 50 hours

Inside runs the automatic in-house Zenith caliber Elite 670 which can be seen through the sapphire case back. It offers a power reserve of 50 hours and has an oscillating weight with Côtes de Genève motif.

The Zenith Defy Revival A3648 comes on a five-link stainless steel bracelet. To allow you to wear it over a wetsuit is has an expandable deployant buckle. And if you are looking for a more modern, and particularly bigger diver from Zenith, take a look at the 42.5-millimeter Zenith Defy Extreme Diver. A titanium dive watch available in black and blue, with three straps included.