Seiko Sportsmatic SilverWave Ref. 69799 (c. 1965)

A NOTE FROM THE CURATOR

Before the legendary Seiko 62MAS formalized Seiko’s dive watch legacy, there was the Silverwave.

Introduced in 1964 in it's 30m variant, the Seiko Sportsmatic SilverWave Ref. 69799 represents one of Seiko’s earliest serious steps into water-resistant sport watches. It wasn’t a hardcore professional tool in the mold of Rolex or Blancpain divers of the era, but that’s precisely what makes it so compelling. Much like the early muscle cars of the mid-1960s, the Silverwave was a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”: a dress-watch silhouette hiding serious sporting intent.

At just 35.5mm, it wears with surprising presence thanks to its narrow outer bezel and dramatic black internal rotating timing bezel. The oversized crown, positioned off-center and used to actuate the inner bezel, signals Seiko’s forward thinking mindset of the time. Gloves, legibility, underwater (but not too deep) timing, these ideas were already in play.

Most importantly, the Silverwave carries the now-iconic Seiko “tsunami” motif on its caseback, the first time it appeared, a detail that remains on Seiko divers to this day. That alone secures its place in the brand’s lineage.

Powered by the automatic Cal. 6601A movement, a 17-jewel caliber beating at 18,000 bph, this non-hacking, non-hand-winding engine embodies the honest, uncomplicated sporting spirit of the era, exactly as it should be.

These are increasingly difficult to find in strong condition. Many were actually used in the water, and moisture damage has thinned the herd considerably. Well-preserved examples, especially with clean dials and functioning internal bezels, have become cult collectibles among serious Seiko enthusiasts.

Enjoy this one, and happy hunting!

- Brent

CONDITION REPORT

This example presents in excellent vintage condition, which is increasingly rare for early Silverwaves.

• Case: Honest signs of wear consistent with age. Retains strong original lines.

• Bezel: Internal rotating bezel operates smoothly via the original oversized crown. Lume-filled pip fades uniformly with the hands and dial under UV light - shows some cracking and warping as seen on many of these watches due to UV exposure and the effect of the underlying plastic bezel. 

• Dial: Desirable silver-toned variant. Shows minor speckling but no moisture damage. Extremely well preserved.

• Hands & Lume: Original greenish lume present on hands and dial, including lume-filled triangle at 12 on the inner bezel. Attractive, natural aging.

• Crown: Original and smooth
  

• Crystal: Acrylic crystal shows light surface scratches but no major distractions. 

• Caseback: Historic Seiko tsunami insignia still visible

• Bracelet: Extremely comfortable vintage steel bracelet with Seiko-signed buckle fits an approx. 6.76 inch wrist. The bracelet is in overall excellent condition, with honest wear.

• Service History: Unknown but running well

SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand: Seiko

• Model: Sportsmatic SilverWave

• Reference: 69799 (often seen as 697990)

• Year: c. 1965

• Case Diameter: 35.5mm

• Movement: Seiko Cal. 6601A

• Jewels: 17

• Frequency: 18,000 bph

• Water Resistance (originally rated): 30 meters

• Bezel: Internal rotating timing bezel

• Crystal: Acrylic

• Bracelet: Period steel bracelet with Seiko-signed buckle