The Defy had one design brief: to achieve a higher standard of durability than any other Swiss watch at the time. It was achieved through a series of technical improvements, including 300 meters of water resistance, the adoption of a tougher mineral crystal and a shock proof case. The Defy had a unique suspension system, in which the movement was surrounded by an shock-absorbing band to provide unprecedented impact protection. Zenith employees would test the shock resistance of the first defy prototypes by tossing them out of a second-story window onto the concrete below. 
 
The Defy was the number one watch for the person who wanted to live with a watch on an everyday basis. The robust nature of the watch resonated with many watch wearers, with Italian collectors calling it Il casaforte del temp “The safe of time”, with French collectors calling it the coffre-fort, or “Bank vault”. 
 
This example:
From 1969, this particular example is a first-generation model, with the Black dial and the early 1808-69 Patent Pending Case. This was assigned the Reference A3645. This Black dial tone was the rarest out of the first 5 dial executions. This dial variant also had elongated markers in comparison to the other models.
 
The hour and minute and central second hands are original. The original lume had deteriorated, meaning the in-fill is a well matched super-luminova. The glass is original and is in excellent condition. It has been polished by a lens manufacturer. The large screw-down crown is Stainless Steel, original and in good condition with a polished finish and some light surface scratching. It is signed with the Zenith 4-point star logo used on the Defy. It screws down as it should. 
 
The Octagonal case is legendary and has been known as the Miura for its similarity to the angles of the Lamborghini Miura. Its 37mm case width combines with a 45mm lug-to-lug measurement, which makes this watch very suited to the modern preference for larger watches. It has been respectfully polished to an excellent standard, to restore the beauty of the original finishes. The only examples of this watch that would have a case remaining in good original condition, would be those that were un-used and new old stock. This was a watch designed to be worn and examples picked up scratches accordingly. The case has a unique geometric design, combining the octagonal steel case which perfectly encapsulates the Retro DNA. The angles and bevels on the case remain clean and sharp. The 14-sided bezel is polished and notched, with the base being circular, neatly framing the dial. The front of the case falls away from the dial, before creating curved bevels on the 4 end most corners. The top and bottom facetted section have a brushed finish which rounds off the case nicely, introducing the bracelet. The case sides are polished. The serial number is 575D841 and is still clearly visible. It has the Zenith 4-pointed star logo which is in good condition.
 
The watch is on its original Gay Freres Ladder bracelet. It is made of Stainless Steel and dates to the 3rd quarter of 1969 (code 3/69). The clasp in signed Zenith. The bracelet has diver extension. There are 5 links on one side and 6 on the other. It will fit an 8 inch wrist diameter without dive extension. 
 
The movement is a Zenith calibre 2552 PC. It was introduced in 1969 and was used until 1972. It is an automatic movement and has 23 jewels, with a hi-beat frequency of 21,600 BPH and a power reserve of 46 hours. It has incabloc shock protection and has a date function. The watch has been recently serviced by us. It has a daily gain of +8 seconds, with an amplitude of 290 degrees and a beat error of 0.0m/s.
 
Overall this is a very good example, with a sympathetic overhaul which has brought the watch back to its original beauty.  Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is an all-original example, which is in very good condition. The base tone is a black with a sunburst finish radiating outwards from the centre. Over time these dials age and take on a dark olive or charcoal hue. This particular watch has a dark grey / charcoal hue which is even and looks excellent. They have a polished Stainless base, with a raised central section that has a frosted light orange finish. To the base, there are large Tritium lume plots to clearly denote the hours. The minute / second track is clear with the remainder of marks being white dashes. 
 
Hands: 
The hour and minute hand are original and are of bevelled sword style. They are polished Stainless Steel, with no corrosion but some small scratches. The central second hand is original and is in good condition. The original lume had deteriorated, meaning the in-fill is a well matched super-luminova.
 
Glass: 
The glass is original and is in excellent condition. It has been polished by a lens manufacturer. This ensures that the original glass remains, but in great condition. The newer replacement crystals are nowhere near as good as the original.
 
Crown: 
The large screw-down crown is Stainless Steel, original and in good condition with a polished finish and some light surface scratching. It is signed with the Zenith 4-point star logo used on the Defy. It screws down as it should. The coin edged finish has some marks associated with age. 
 
Case:
The Octagonal Stainless-Steel case is original and is in good condition. It has been respectfully polished to an excellent standard, to restore the beauty of the original finishes. The case has a unique geometric design, combining the octagonal steel case, with a 14-sided bezel. This perfectly encapsulates the Retro DNA. The angles and bevels on the case remain clean and sharp. The 14-sided bezel is polished and notched, with the base being circular, neatly framing the dial. The front of the case falls away from the dial, before creating curved bevels on the 4 end most corners. The top and bottom facetted section have a brushed finish which rounds off the case nicely, introducing the bracelet. The case sides are polished. The serial number is 575D841 and is still clearly visible. 
 
Caseback:
The case back is stainless steel and is in good condition having been polished respectfully to an excellent standard.  It has the Zenith 4-pointed star logo which is in good condition with very little wear. The inside of the case back is signed “Pat Pend 1808-68 Modele depose Zenith Swiss Made, Acier Inocydable”.
 
Bracelet: 
The watch is on its original Gay Freres Ladder bracelet. It is made of Stainless Steel with the clasp in signed Zenith. The bracelet has diver extension. There are 5 links on one side and 6 on the other. It will fit an 8 inch wrist diameter without dive extension. 
 
Movement:
The movement is a Zenith calibre 2552 PC. It is an automatic movement and has 23 jewels, with a hi-beat frequency of 21,600 BPH and a power reserve of 46 hours. It has incabloc shock protection and has a date function. The watch has been recently serviced by us.