1969 Zenith Defy 'Spaceman' Automatic Date A7652 36mm

Here we have a rare 1969 Zenith Defy 'Spaceman' Automatic Date A7652 featuring a 36mm tonneau-shaped satin-brushed and polished stainless steel case. Its distinctive futuristic shape is nicknamed "Spaceman" because it resembles a NASA helmet and visor, as seen by millions worldwide during the incredible 1969 moon landing. Its curved satin-brushed flanks lead to a lug-to-lug length of 43mm and a case thickness of 11mm, ensuring a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side, at  4 o’clock, we have the recessed coin-edged crown. A rounded rectangular crystal sits above a black-and-silver dial. The hour markers radiate from the centre, with applied square indices at 12 and 6 filled with Tritium pips. A horizontal silver band incorporates the date window at 3 o’clock. Steel hands, tipped with Tritium, are complemented by a tapered, sweeping second hand. At noon, we have the applied Zentih motif, at 9 o’clock ‘Automatic’, and at 6 o’clock ‘Defy’ completes this cosmic timepiece. On the reverse, a solid screw-down case back, inside an automatic Zenith Cal. 2552 PC, 23 jewels, beating at 21,600 beats per hour, featuring hand-winding, hacking seconds and was in production from 1968 until 1971. It comes paired with its 18mm Zenith Gay Freres stainless steel bracelet, secured by a signed flip-lock folding clasp, which will fit up to a 7.15-inch wrist.

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and, therefore, comes with no original Zenith box or Zenith paperwork. It comes paired with its 18mm Zenith Gay Freres stainless steel bracelet, secured by a signed flip-lock folding clasp, which will fit up to a 7.15-inch wrist. The watch is from Circa 1969 and is in used, worn condition, but overall, it is in fair vintage condition, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty and was serviced in 2025.

Some watches have odd nicknames, and some have very obvious ones. This is one of the obvious ones. This is the awesome Zenith Defy, and with its distinctive futuristic shape, is nicknamed "Spaceman" because it resembles a NASA helmet and visor, as seen by millions worldwide during the incredible 1969 moon landing. What a time that must have been for designers. This amazing examples also features its original Gay Freres Zenith bracelet, which adds to the overall design, fit and feel of the watch. Snap up this vintage gem and add it to your collection today!

Reference : A7652
Movement : Automatic Zenith Cal. 2552 PC
Age : Circa. 1969
Year : 1969
Case Size : 36mm
Case Thickness : 11mm
Lug to Lug : 43mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Zenith was established in 1865 by the ambitious 22-year-old watchmaking prodigy Georges Favre-Jacot. The company established its manufacturing base in Le Locle, a picturesque town in the Swiss Jura Mountains known for its rich horological heritage. The brand gained international recognition in 1909 when the pioneering French aviator Louis Blériot wore a Zenith watch during his historic flight across the English Channel, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. Zenith's watches have adorned the wrists of remarkable adventurers, including the legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. He made history by being the first person to reach both the South Pole in 1911 and the North Pole in 1926. As the company approached its centennial celebration in 1965, Zenith’s designers sought to confront the most challenging technological hurdle facing the watch industry: the creation of a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement. Their efforts culminated in the development of the legendary El Primero movement, which was released in 1969. The El Primero, known for its high-frequency escapement and remarkable accuracy, went into production in 1975 and was reissued in 1986. However, the 1960s were turbulent for Zenith due to ongoing litigation regarding naming rights. To navigate through these challenges, the Zenith watch company merged in 1968 with Movado, another respected Swiss brand. This strategic alliance allowed Zenith to leverage Movado’s extensive distribution networks in the United States and stabilise its presence in the market. In 1971, the Zenith Radio Company, which had previously been in conflict with its Swiss counterpart, opted to buy Zenith Watch Company, effectively uniting two entities under the same brand during a challenging period known as the Quartz Crisis. In 1975, Zenith's leadership made the drastic decision to transition entirely to quartz watch production, marking a significant shift in their manufacturing philosophy. This included the controversial decision to destroy all mechanical watch components and blueprints, including those related to the historical El Primero movement. However, thanks to the courageous actions of Charles Vermot, a senior engineer in Zenith’s movement-making department, the company's rich mechanical heritage was saved. Together with a small group of loyal colleagues, Vermot secretly hid the El Primero blueprints and parts in a concealed attic at the factory, preserving them for potential future use amidst the pervasive quartz trend. Vermot’s foresight bore fruit in the 1980s as the market shifted back toward mechanical watches. Prominent brands like Ebel and Rolex reintroduced mechanical chronograph styles, paving the way for Zenith’s revival. The carefully safeguarded El Primero re-emerged as the driving force behind Rolex's hugely successful Daytona series. In 1978, Zenith was acquired from Zenith Radio Company, which is now part of LG Electronics, by Dixi, a company specialising in machine tools based in Le Locle. This transition marked a new chapter for Zenith, which began reintroducing its El Primero-equipped chronograph watches to meet the rising demand for high-end mechanical timepieces. In 1999, Zenith became part of the prestigious LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) group, aligning itself with other luxury brands such as TAG Heuer and Hublot. Even today, Zenith stands out as one of the few Swiss manufacturers that not only produces mechanical watches but also crafts its own movements.