Zodiac Sea Wolf (Ref. 699) "Screw-Back Case", 1950s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

When it comes to under-the-radar vintage watch companies, Zodiac should be one of the first brands to come to mind. Zodiac made several sports models in the 50s-60s and were direct competitors to Rolex, Blancpain, and Tudor but are often overlooked as they don't receive the same clout as the aforementioned companies. However, this is to the advantage of the collectors that enjoy the subtle, or not so subtle nuances that the Zodiac timepieces carry. The Sea Wolf was introduced first in 1953 (the same year as the Rolex Submariner) and was one of the first diving sports watches marketed for the general public and it performed really well for the brand. SPECS Stock # ZSW699-2 Brand Zodiac Style Sea Wolf Model 699 Serial 121XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Black Millimeters 35mm Bracelet 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The early Sea Wolf case features more accentuated lugs than its later variants and the case on this example is exceptional, possibly only polished once in its past the long lugs retain excellent factory dimension with light signs of honest use. The early plated brass "countdown bezel" is very well preserved showing no signs of a previous polish and retains all of its factory enamel with minimal signs of honest use. The case retains its original unsigned crown. The early screw-down case back is rarely seen and shows minimal signs of use, retaining all of its original factory markings in deep and crisp condition. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The early black dial has achieved a beautiful matte texture from age and all of the text and dial printing remains fully intact and present. The radium lume plots and Arabic numerals have aged to a dark patina and retain their original lume but show some light degradation when inspected under U.V. light, which is expected. The early radium dauphine hands retain all of the original lume which has aged to a deep green coloration, under U.V. light inspection the hour hand shows some minor cracking and remains stable, the minute hand is fully intact. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, previous service history is unknown.