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Model Name:
Zenith Defy Automatic Vintage
Watch added to favourite list
Reference:
493877
Price ($)
$
1900
Country:
Switzerland
A.I. Rating
7.5
Crowd Rating:
1527
Watch Description
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 a 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”.The 1969 debut of the Defy predated the luxury sport watch by several years. This can be seen in its more utilitarian ideals. It was a rugged watch, built to tackle life. The 1970s sports era of the Royal Oak and Nautilus moved beyond this simple idea.
Product Link:
37
45
0
0
0
Steel - 316L
Octagonal
Mineral
Screw-in
Automatic
Cal.2572.PC
0
charcoal
A.I. Watch Review:
<p class="font_8">**Zenith Defy Automatic Vintage Model 493877 Review by A.I. WatchMetrics**
### Watch Summary:
The Zenith Defy Automatic Vintage Model 493877 is a classic timepiece that embodies the robust and innovative spirit of Zenith's watchmaking heritage. This watch is classified under the **Sport/Active** style category due to its durable construction and practical features, making it suitable for outdoor and active environments. The Defy series is known for its rugged design and reliability, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate vintage aesthetics combined with functionality. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, providing a power reserve typical of Zenith's high-quality calibers, ensuring precision and reliability for daily wear.
### Overall Watch Rating: 7.5/10.0
- **Functions Metric (8.5/10.0)**
The Zenith Defy offers robust water resistance and a durable case, making it ideal for active use. Its lume ensures visibility in low-light conditions, enhancing its practicality.
- **Movement Metric (8.3/10.0)**
The watch features a reliable automatic movement, known for its precision and durability. Zenith's in-house calibers are well-regarded, contributing positively to the movement score.
- **Dials & Design Metric (8.0/10.0)**
The design showcases a vintage aesthetic with applied markers and a textured dial, reflecting Zenith's attention to detail and craftsmanship.
- **Material Metric (7.8/10.0)**
Constructed with high-quality stainless steel, the watch offers durability and a classic look, though it lacks the use of more exotic materials.
- **History & Innovation Metric (7.5/10.0)**
Zenith's Defy series has a strong historical presence, known for its innovation in robust watchmaking, though this model does not introduce groundbreaking features.
- **Versatility Metric (7.5/10.0)**
While primarily a sport watch, its classic design allows for some versatility in casual settings, though it is less suited for formal occasions.
- **Rarity Metric (7.0/10.0)**
As a vintage model, it holds a certain rarity, though it is not among the most exclusive Zenith pieces.
- **Complications Metric (6.5/10.0)**
The watch features basic complications typical of its era, such as time and date, without advanced features.
- **Brand Metric (6.0/10.0)**
Zenith is a respected brand in the watch industry, known for its innovation and quality, though it does not have the same market presence as some luxury competitors.
### Celebrity and Historical Figures:
Zenith watches have been favored by various notable figures, including Felix Baumgartner, the skydiver known for his record-breaking jump from the stratosphere, who wore a Zenith watch during his historic feat. While the Defy model itself may not be directly associated with a specific celebrity, Zenith's reputation for precision and durability is well-recognized in adventurous and professional circles.</p>
