Just in, vintage zenith A3642 diver

guaranteed.rohu · Nov 7, 2022

I think certainly one of the most interesting watches I've ever owned, just got this Zenith A3642 octagonal shaped diver!

I believe it's 1970s, and with the original Gay Freres ladder bracelet. For what it is, the prices of these are a steal!

Anyone else out there with one?

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wristpirate · Nov 7, 2022

Congrats! I'm a fan of these old Defys. For sure not to everyone's taste, for me they are wonderful in their own quirkiness. They definitely are nicer in person

ezinternet · Nov 7, 2022

Also a fan - if you want to collect these, there are lots of dial variations, and there is also the crown-at-4 version to chase down.

I've only noticed that the blue-dial version begins to flake off, exposing the brass.

They stand up well, and they look great on the ladder bracelet.

Nupero · Nov 7, 2022

Lovely! One of the best looking 70s watches.

Ruffian · Nov 7, 2022

Here's my A3643, Fr. 330 back in the day:

Geezer · Nov 7, 2022

I love these! Such an interesting and unique design and overall a very well made watch.

I only have an A3651 but would love to add one of these to my collection.

Here is my A3651. Just on the top part of the watch head, there is polishing, straight graining, circular graining, and a sunburst finish.

guaranteed.rohu · Nov 8, 2022

Lovely pieces all, thanks for sharing!

Does anyone know if these bracelets are adjustable with being able to take links off, at all?

Seems like from the construction, no...

Geezer · Nov 8, 2022

Some members have successfully removed links:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/help-removing-links-on-ladder-bracelet-for-a3817.34888/

guaranteed.rohu · Nov 8, 2022

Geezer
Some members have successfully removed links:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/help-removing-links-on-ladder-bracelet-for-a3817.34888/

Ahhh thanks for sharing, amazing!

Zanzibar · Nov 14, 2022

Indeed, nice they are, but I didn't know they were divers. Where do you take that from ?

Risto · Nov 15, 2022

Geezer
...
Here is my A3651. Just on the top part of the watch head, there is polishing, straight graining, circular graining, and a sunburst finish.

That case is amazing!!

guaranteed.rohu · Nov 15, 2022

Z Zanzibar
Indeed, nice they are, but I didn't know they were divers. Where do you take that from ?

Ahh I think I had read that somewhere due to the 300m water resistance, but thinking again it's probably not a dive watch!

Scarecrow Boat · Nov 15, 2022

Z Zanzibar
I didn't know they were divers. Where do you take that from ?

guaranteed.rohu
Ahh I think I had read that somewhere due to the 300m water resistance

In the ad in the OP it says they are “waterproof” to a depth of 1,000ft. However, while they can handle a dive, I doubt they would be classified as a diver since they don’t meet ISO standards. Still, really cool pieces that are engineered to be very capable 👍

CaptainWinsor · Nov 15, 2022

You could buy one with a Diners Club card for those who remember that

Geezer · Nov 15, 2022

Here is a picture of the insides. The movement is shock-protected by a rubber/plastic ring. I guess similar to a Certina DS.

JohnSteed · Dec 7, 2022

great pickup, @guaranteed.rohu

Wear it in great health

alane24 · Oct 23, 2024

I have been really contemplating on picking one of these up for a couple of years now. I don't know what has held me back, either the examples I see are polished to the point of softness—which if there was ever a case to NOT polish it would be this. Or most don't have the ladder bracelet, which I really want. Or maybe it's just because it's such a quirky design that I don't know if I would hate or absolutely love it. There doesn't seem to be a middle ground. Size wise they seem perfect, I love a 36-38mm watch.