The DEFY A3690 Returns as a Boutique-Exclusive Defy Revival Model

Following the reintroduction of the initial DEFY wristwatch model from 1969, the A3642, and the A3691 from 1971 at this year’s LVMH Watch Week, ZENITH continues to bring back some of its most iconically colourful DEFY references with the DEFY Revival A3690.

The A3690 was one of the first references to integrate vibrant colours when it was introduced in 1970, soon after the DEFY wristwatch collection with its tough “bank vault” case and bold dial design. In the 1960s, ZENITH was among the first brands to offer coloured dials with a distinct gradient effect, which was unheard of at the time. In keeping with changing consumer trends, the Manufacture went a step further in the 1970s with more vivid colours, such as the tropical teal blue of the DEFY A3690 and its warmer cousin, the DEFY A3691 with its deep crimson red dial.

Many of the brand’s Boutique Editions across the main collections have featured blue highlights, including the dial and movement, which has become something of a ZENITH characteristic. As a result, the DEFY Revival A3690 is only available through ZENITH physical and online stores around the world.

The DEFY Revival A3690 brings back all the details and distinctive design elements that made the first-ever DEFY wristwatch model such an exceptional reference of its era and one that established the codes that continue to inspire the DEFY collection today. The DEFY Revival A3690 was meticulously recreated using the historical production plans. This includes the now-iconic Gay Frères steel “ladder” bracelet, which has been updated with a more contemporary and ergonomic folding clasp, a faceted octagonal case paired with a fourteen-sided bezel, a teal-blue dial with a prominent vignette effect that darkens towards the edges, and unusual applied square hour markers with horizontal grooves.

The sapphire crystal, display case back, and type of luminous pigments are actually the only exterior differences between the Revival and the historical reference. Even with the addition of a display back, the water-resistance of 30ATM (300 metres) has been preserved from the original.

The other major distinction is on the inside of the timepiece. The DEFY Revival A3690 incorporates a sapphire display back showing the automatic Elite 670 manufacture movement, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 VpH) and offering an autonomy of 50 hours, in place of the original’s solid case back adorned with a four-pointed star that became one of the brand’s emblems and recurring design motifs for years.

The DEFY Revival A3690 retails at RM31,100 and is currently available at ZENITH physical and online boutiques worldwide.