Zenith Defy Revival A780 Chronograph, ref. 03.A780.400/19.M3642, sold in 2025 — view 1 of 3
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Zenith Defy Revival A780 Chronograph, ref. 03.A780.400/19.M3642, sold in 2025

DocumentedDocumented from an auction catalogue; attribution as stated by the auction house.
Maker / attribution
Zenith (brand / maker)
Date
sold in 2025
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
stainless steel
Dimensions
37mm
Lot
Lot 389-141
Credit line
Auction lot record: LOT 141
Catalogue title (original)
ZENITH, REF. 03.A780.400/19.M3642, DEFY REVIVAL A780 CHRONOGRAPH, STAINLESS STEEL

View the source record (auction lot) ↗

Record summary

Catalogued by Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva (lot Lot 389-141), this is a wristwatch by Zenith, made in Switzerland, dated sold in 2025. The Atlas places it in the Contemporary Horology period (2010 – Present) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: stainless steel. Recorded dimensions: 37mm. The record is illustrated with 3 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Antiquorum catalogue description

EUR 3,400 - 7,800 / CHF 3,200 - 7,400 / USD 3,900 - 9,000 / JPY 600,000 - 1,380,000 A fine, stainless steel self-winding chronograph wristwatch with blue dial, date, small seconds and sapphire crystal caseback. Made in a limited edition of 60 pieces.

Lot specifications (Antiquorum)

Caliber: EL PRIMERO 400; Bracelet: Zenith stainless steel bracelet with deployant clasp, approx. overall length 200mm; Signature: dial, case and movement; Accessories: Zenith fitted box, warranty card dated 2025, additional Velcro strap, additional fabric strap with a Porter buckle, cardholder, pouch, tag

Historical context

Contemporary Horology (2010 – Present)

Silicon components, connected watches, optical-lattice research clocks and a thriving independent scene.

Smartwatches became the world's best-selling watches, while mechanical watchmaking focuses on craft, innovation (silicon components, new escapements) and independent makers.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Mechanical Renaissance

Atlas type guide

Chronographs and split-seconds watches

A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.

Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.

What to look for

  • Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
  • Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
  • Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
  • Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).

Dating clues

  • Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
  • Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
  • Automatic chronographs: from 1969.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Read next:Flyback chronographChronograph

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