Seiko
1965 Seiko Sportsmatic Silver Wave (Ref. 697990)
Seiko’s first range of submersible sports watches started in 1961 with the J12082 Seikomatic Silver Wave. While the Silver Wave is not a true dive watch, it was in fact the ancestor to the 62MAS reference, which had a 150-meter depth rating, and is known as Seiko's first legitimate dive watch.
The Silver Wave showcased many firsts for the Seiko brand; it was Seiko's first watch to host the tsunami motif on the case back, the first of their watches with an inner rotating bezel, as well as their first screw-down case back design. Created shortly after the J12082, came the SilverWave 697990, which continued these new Seiko trends, including the tsunami case back motif, which is still used today on all of their dive watches. However, the most notable change in design from the J12082 and the 697990 was that the bezel had changed to a countdown bezel.
SPECS
| Stock # | SKOSM697990-2 | |
| Brand | Seiko | |
| Style | Silver Wave | |
| Model | 697990 | |
| Serial | 53XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Silver | |
| Millimeters | 38 | |
| Bracelet | Seiko Textured Flat-Link Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The excellent case appears to have been gently polished in the past and retains strong angles and case geometry throughout. The case retains its original crown located at the 4 o'clock position, which shows light wear. The case back markings are mostly faded from wear which is very common for these watches as they were printed lightly from the factory, and the serial number remains fully intact and legible. The original Seiko textured flat-link stainless steel bracelet is in wonderful overall condition, showing minimal stretch, and will fit a 6 3/4-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original silver dial has beautifully aged to show a unique patina consisting of subtle shades of different colors making for a watch with a distinctly vintage aesthetic. Apart from the age, there is no notable damage present on the dial. The inner rotating bezel is in excellent condition showing no damage and retains its lumed triangle that matches the dial. The lume plots on the dial remain original and have taken on a dark cream patina and feature no major degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original hands match the dial perfectly with no degradation present.
ACCESSORIES
None. Watch is functioning perfectly and keeping time, previous service history is unknown.