For its latest addition to the Defy Revival collection, Zenith imagines an alternate possibility for the very first Defy silhouette from 1969 in a decidedly modern and stealthy rendition. While there is some historical precedent for blacked-out Zenith watches, which the manufacture produced in very small numbers as working prototypes as far as back as 1970, the Defy Revival Shadow is a modern creation in a vintage silhouette. In the same vein as the Chronomaster Revival Shadow that precedes it, the Defy Revival Shadow creatively blends the historic model’s heritage with a contemporary accent through dark tones and muted textures.
Beginning with the A3642 in 1969, the Defy's signature angular steel case stood out with its brightly polished and satin-brushed surfaces. The Defy Revival Shadow however takes on a decidedly muted and monolithic look. Crafted in titanium, a metal lauded for its light weight yet impressive durability and resistance to corrosion, the highly angular Defy Revival case with its fourteen-sided bezel is entirely microblasted for a matte finish, revealing the dark grey tone of titanium and enhancing the geometry of the singular and instantly recognizable case. For a design that dates back to 1969, such a modern choice of tones and textures further emphasizes just how ahead of its time Zenith was with the Defy line. In fact, the silhouette remains utterly contemporary and literally edgy decades later.
A first for Zenith and its iconic “ladder” bracelet, which was originally conceived by the famed Gay Frères company exclusively for the brand in 1969, the links and clasp are crafted in titanium, and finished with the same matte texture as the case. The light weight of titanium further enhances the comfort and ergonomics of this time-tested bracelet. It is fitted on an updated folding clasp with a more ergonomic and streamlined feel.
Almost paradoxical, considering that the original Defy line of wristwatches prominently featured vibrant dial colours and striking gradient effects, the Defy Revival Shadow’s dial is matte black with a distinctly vintage look. The hands, filled with a cream-coloured Super-LumiNova pigment, as well as the applied square hour markers with horizontal grooves are polished and finished in rhodium for optimum legibility.
Visible through the sapphire display back, which does not compromise the case’s impressive water-resistance of 30ATM (300 metres), the automatic Elite 670 manufacture movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 VpH) with a power reserve of 50 hours.
The Defy Revival Shadow demonstrates how the historical Defy's uncanny form was so singular and far ahead of its time; just as relevant today as it was in 1969.
