Seiko
1964 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 being that the bezel had changed to a count down bezel.
SPECS
| Stock # | SKOSM697990 | |
| Brand | Seiko | |
| Style | Silver Wave | |
| Model | 697990 | |
| Serial | 4N0XXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | SS | |
| Dial | Silver | |
| Millimeters | 38mm | |
| Bracelet | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The previously polished case shows light use but remains in very good and symmetrical condition. The tsunami wave motif on the case back has become faint with wear, but is still visible. The engraved serial number on the outside of the case back is still very much legible. The watch comes on a 2pc handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The silver sunburst dial is in excellent condition, showing very minimal signs of aging. The tritium lume plots have developed a slight patina and show no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands have developed a slightly darker patina than the lume plots and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The silver indices show minimal age. The black bi-directional inner rotating bezel remains remarkably dark in coloration. This is uncommon for SilverWaves, as these bezels tend to fade easily from sun exposure. The lume in the inner rotating bezels "arrow" is no longer present.
ACCESSORIES
None. Watch is functioning perfectly and keeping time, previous service history is unknown.
