Brand: Zodiac

Model: Sea Wolf Automatic Diver ref. 699; rare early example with glossy black "SWISS" only dial circa 1962

Case: Solid stainless steel case with compressed snapback is approximately 35mm excluding the original Zodiac signed winding crown

Bracelet: Rare original vintage Zodiac stainless steel expandable "rivet" bracelet with spring-loaded links and Zodiac signed fold-over clasp dated 7-62; will accommodate approximately 6.25" to 7.25" wrist sizes

Movement: Correct early Zodiac AS cal. 1624 self-winding automatic movement (non-hacking) with 17 jewels and no date; 18,000 BPH; Swiss Made

Features: Stunning original glossy black "SWISS" only dial with incredible yellow patina to the hour markers; original full-lumed hands with matching yellow patina; original metal rotating diver bezel displays elapsed time and can also be used in count-down applications; 35mm unpolished stainless steel case with correct 20 ATM. caseback and Zodiac domed acrylic crystal; excellent original Zodiac rivet bracelet with tight expandable spring-loaded links; rare and desirable early Zodiac Sea Wolf model 699

Condition: Exceptional original condition overall with minor honest wear consistent with age and light use; sharp solid stainless steel case appears to be completely unpolished with sharp edges throughout; crisp caseback remains clearly legible; superb original glossy black "SWISS" only dial with very attractive original Radium luminous hour markers; dial has one small triangular area that is slightly less glossy where the Radium hour hand must have been sitting stationary at 8 o'clock for many years; beautiful original Radium broad-lumed hands with matching yellow patina; excellent original metal rotating diver bezel with no major notable wear; very clean and correct Zodiac domed acrylic crystal; very nice and tight original Zodiac expandable rivet bracelet

Other: An original advertisement for this watch called it "The Underwater Explorer's Watch" and further boasted that the Zodiac Sea Wolf was "the world's finest selfwinding super waterproof watch developed especially for the diver." For reference, you can view a nice selection of original vintage Zodiac Sea Wolf advertisements available exclusively from our friends at AdPatina.com.

***Note: An original vintage Zodiac Sea Wolf advertisement is included with the purchase of this watch***

This important example of an early Zodiac Sea Wolf dates to 1962 and is extremely rare to find in such exceptional original condition. In fact, finding this watch would be equivalent to finding a vintage Rolex Submariner with no crown guards in equally mint condition (except the Rolex Submariner could cost 50x to 100x or more)... This is truly one of the best early Zodiac Sea Wolf examples that we have ever seen. And if you ask us, it is THE Zodiac Sea Wolf variation to own with its glossy black dial, full-lumed hands, early automatic movement with no date, unpolished 20 ATM. case with original diver bezel, correct Zodiac domed acrylic crystal, and original expandable rivet bracelet. The full-lumed hands are an important detail in separating early examples from later examples - The lume itself was prone to falling out and later examples featured a central "backbone" within the hands to assist in retaining the lume. The Spring Bar did a really nice job outlining these subtle details within the history of the Zodiac Sea Wolf model in case you want to do further reseach.