I have been on the look-out for a Zenith Defy A3642 for several years. (Pictured left) or above on a mobile device.
I previously purchased this A3643 (pictured below) model with the later higher beat 2562PC caliber several years ago, which I really loved. The case had been badly polished, the profile looks like a bar of soap (like many I see on sale in popular online auctions). An Octagonal case poorly polished really spoils the aesthetics of this iconic watch considerable, it my opinion.
The new search…
It has taken me approximately two years to find this unpolished example of the Zenith Defy A3642. This model has the more desirable 2552PC caliber. This caliber had a much smaller production run of 15K. Making this watch much more desirable.
Here is a picture of the 2552PC caliber, I took the watch to my watchmaker to open the back-case, and as I don’t have the correct tool. I am thrilled the see the excellent condition of the caliber. You can clearly see the unique shock protection. Beauty is truly on the inside!!
This photo below was taken with a low light to try expose the sharp edges of the watch case. The geometric angles of the octagonal case and 14-sided bezel that help it truly stand out from the crowd
The Watch…
The dial is rendered in an eye-catching fumé style, a look that has seen resurgence in recent years. The taupe dial colour matches well with the darkened patina found on the lume dots. It is particularly noticeable on the luminous handset. The dial does have some light spotting. After searching so long and considering the Zenith Defy A3642 has the original signed crown, mineral crystal and the Gay Frères ladder bracelet, it was a small compromise. These watches are becoming much harder to find in unmolested condition and are increasingly more costly to acquire. I had even noticed a price increase during my 2 year search.
I also noticed the patina dial colour/shade of this model varies considerable from watch to watch, over the 50 years. Variables like light exposure, strength of sunlight and the elements, making for quite distinctive and uniquely aged timepieces. A service dial may look better to some, but not for me. I love dial and the fact it is original to the watch, as well as the case, crown and bracelet.
The Bracelet…
The signed, and screw down crown is also original and not a service replacement, as well as the original factory mineral crystal. Another unique aspect in this model is the large, short, square hour indices adding to a totally cool 1970’s vibe. The Zenith Defy A3642 is incomplete without the unmistakable signature ladder bracelet by Gay Frères. These bracelets are much sought after. The prices are spiraling, purchased alone they can can cost as much as the watch head itself.
I am very pleased to have the original Gay Frères Ladder bracelet. It has a signed Zenith clasp and the original safety retainer and also divers extension, which is only on the earlier models. On the reverse side of the clasp engraved is the Gay Frères logo, also dated to the 4th quarter of 1969. The watch case serial number on the back-case also corroborates the year.
These watches are also 300m divers, with a unique rubber in-case protection compression system. This system was way beyond the competition in 1969. I am so thrilled to add this model to my collection.
One word sums this watch up, ORIGINAL!
Check out some of my other Zenith watches
