BIRTH OF A SIHOUETTE
A new chapter is opening in the collection that brings together the re-editions of icons of the Le Locle-based brand’s heritage with the launch of a limited edition. This watch reflects a 1970s style that also explains the current aesthetic approach of the manufacture.
In 1969, the watchmaking landscape changed with the introduction of a new aesthetic signed Zenith and an imposing name: Defy. Nicknamed “the safe” for its sturdiness and water resistance of 300 meters, the sporty watch features an octagonal case, a smoked dial and a steel link bracelet known as “ladder”. In its effort to revive the must-have watches of the past, the Le Locle-based company is unveiling the Defy Revival A3642, a limited edition of 250 pieces with a strong personality that also explains the stylistic evolution that led to the current collection.
Reproduced according to the original plans, the contemporary version has some differences in its 37mm steel case. It incorporates a sapphire crystal, which is more resistant to shocks and scratches, a transparent caseback that allows you to admire the new star-shaped oscillating weight – the symbol of Zenith – and has replaced the original luminescent material with Super-LumiNova®. But the major change is in the mechanical part of the watch with the use of the Elite 670 caliber. This self-winding movement, clocked at 4hz, delivers a 50-hour power reserve.
The beautiful dial is dressed in a smoky taupe color and features grooved applied hour markers, sword-shaped hour/minute hands and a second hand finished with a phosphorescent rectangle. The date appears at 4:30 in black on a white background.
The Defy Revival A3642 is worn on a bracelet similar in every way to the 1969 model.
Price: CHF6,900 zenith.com
By Sharmila Bertin