As you can probably tell, I’m slowly morphing into bit of a Zenith fanboy. Something about their recent releases just hits all the marks for me. From a titanium Chronomaster to a cool triple calendar—I’m here for all of it. But one thing that we brought up on the podcast once was the possibility of Zenith reissuing a dive watch. It seems crazy, considering we all probably think of high-tech chronos when we think of Zenith. But, it’s here! And it’s expensive. Let’s take a quick look at the new Zenith Defy Revival A3648.
It marks a great milestone for Zenith as the brand unveils the revival of the Zenith Defy diver range, marking a return to realm of dive watches. The A3648 also holds a special place in Zenith’s history, being released in the pivotal year of 1969 alongside the iconic El Primero automatic chronograph.
Historically, the A3648’s original release showcased a design that resonates strongly with the watch we see today. Adorned with bright orange accents, the signature angular Defy case, a distinctive 4:30 crown placement, and an impressive water resistance rating of 600 meters (equivalent to 1,969 feet).
The mix of the matte black dial with vibrant orange elements on the bezel, hands, and outer track creates a visually striking appeal. Retaining elements of its heritage, such as the Zenith wordmark, lowercase script automatic, and italicized DEFY, the design seamlessly merges modernity with classic inspiration.
Zenith Defy Revival A3648 Specifications
| Case Size | 37mm (diameter) x 15.5mm (thick) |
| Water Resistance | 600m |
| Movement | Elite 670 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bracelet | Stainless steel |
| Price | $7,700 |
The watch comes with a five-link bracelet featuring a blend of brushed and polished finishing. Notably, the bracelet faithfully recreates the original Gay Frères design all the way to the clasp. I wonder if it’ll almost be too vintage-y for some. Beneath the surface, the watch is powered by the caliber Elite 670, offering 50 hours of power reserve, visible through the exhibition caseback.
The Zenith Defy Revival A3648 is priced at $7,700 and is available from Zenith immediately. You can learn more on the brand’s official site.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.