The Octagonal Defy

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Inspired by this thread. Received mine today from Italy. Looks really sharp.
 
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Inspired by this thread. Received mine today from Italy. Looks really sharp.

Congratulations 👍
Welcome to the Club 😁
 
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Congratulations 👍
Welcome to the Club 😁

Thanks a lot. I am already thinking about getting a bracelet now. Hopefully someday soon.
 
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Inspired by this thread. Received mine today from Italy. Looks really sharp.
Congratulations on your first Defy. They can get a bit addictive so do watch out😜 I happen to own the same reference and really enjoy the dial in the sunlight.

 
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Thanks, you have a beautiful piece. I hope I don't get into the addiction. One thing I am sure is that, it is a looker.
 
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I like how sharp the case is on both examples, well done! Is the red fume example the same that was recently on eBay?

The red one has been in my collection for a while now.
 
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My father has one of these. I believe he was given it for his 21st birthday and its still going strong today (Sorry for the awful photo).

 
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I picked up my first Zenith which was an A3630 yesterday and as I went to ebay to pay another listing of a job lot of 8 watches popped up which included a "Zenit" which is how it was described. Turned out to be a Zenith Defy similar to the one above so for $120 AUD I thought why not. Looks a bit rough but hopefully will be salvageable. I don't believe the band to be original unless someone can advise otherwise
 
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Thank you for this great resource! Have been looking to acquire a Defy for some time, this was really helpful!
 
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You often see these around with very bad condition dials, did they use a specific lacquer technique for these dials that causes this?
 
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You often see these around with very bad condition dials, did they use a specific lacquer technique for these dials that causes this?
100% true. Rhis one is clearly overpolished and had a dial with missing letters, heavily damaged. But this dial turned it to my “normal day” choice
 
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There's one NOS Defy 30mm (+ crown) with GF bracelet for sale in bay and seller would give it away for less than 700€ if asked 😀 Almost bought it but then noticed the size.
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/132897487382
 
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Here is my Defy family. I'm a big fan of Zenith and especially late 60's and early 70's Defy models. There is something about that design...It was not long ago when I thought that these are one of the ugliest watches Zenith has ever made. Then I read about the history of Defy and my taste turned upside down. My next goals are white and turquois dial versions and also Defy Plongeur.
 
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What is peoples' opinions on leather strap vs the original Gay-Frères bracelets (as per the post above)? I just bought a Zenith and am patiently waiting for it in the mail. It is coming with a Gay-Frères bracelet, but I'm wondering whether people have found some good leather strap combos that work well with it?

Is it the general consensus that the metal bracelet works better with its style?



-J.
 
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What is peoples' opinions on leather strap vs the original Gay-Frères bracelets (as per the post above)? I just bought a Zenith and am patiently waiting for it in the mail. It is coming with a Gay-Frères bracelet, but I'm wondering whether people have found some good leather strap combos that work well with it?

Is it the general consensus that the metal bracelet works better with its style?

I wasn't first a big fan of Gay Frères ladder bracelet that is the orginal Defy bracelet. Problem was those holes on the bracelet. Then I got few Defy with that bracelet and I started to love it. It just has to be adjusted well so that it feels and looks good on your wrist.

Now I think GF ladder bracelet is by far the best looking bracelet for Defy. It is very light and comfort bracelet.

Leather strap looks also good but I think leather strap shouldn't be too fancy one. This is a quite robust watch so for my taste leather strap should be rugged, casual and aged looking strap.
 
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What is peoples' opinions on leather strap vs the original Gay-Frères bracelets (as per the post above)? I just bought a Zenith and am patiently waiting for it in the mail. It is coming with a Gay-Frères bracelet, but I'm wondering whether people have found some good leather strap combos that work well with it?

Is it the general consensus that the metal bracelet works better with its style?



-J.
@Rifish +1

If you get used to the ladder bracelet it's a Keeper.

I wear both ladder bracelet and suede straps - both fit well well imho - the strap should not be too fancy.
 
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What is peoples' opinions on leather strap vs the original Gay-Frères bracelets (as per the post above)? I just bought a Zenith and am patiently waiting for it in the mail. It is coming with a Gay-Frères bracelet, but I'm wondering whether people have found some good leather strap combos that work well with it?

Is it the general consensus that the metal bracelet works better with its style?



-J.

For me personally the Gay Freres bracelet really completes the Defy and it isn't quite the same watch without it. I'd happily wear one with strap but if I had the bracelet that's what it would be staying on, so much character.