Seiko Sportsmatic SilverWave Ref. 69799 - RARE, NOS (1964)

Model History

 

The Seiko Sportsmatic SilverWave occupies an important place in the history of the brand’s sports and diving watches. The original SilverWave appeared in the early 1960s, before the introduction of the professional 150-metre 62MAS in 1965. Although not a professional diving watch by modern standards, it helped establish several design elements later associated with Seiko’s diving watches.

 

Reference 69799 represents the second generation of the SilverWave. Introduced in 1964, it combined a 30-metre water-resistant case with an internal rotating timing bezel operated by the oversized crown at four o’clock. The case back features Seiko’s now-famous wave or “tsunami” emblem, first used on the early SilverWave family and later adopted as a defining symbol of the brand’s diving watches.

 

The champagne sunburst dial is distinguished by applied indices, luminous accents, elegant dauphine-style hands and the characteristic blue “30” within the “Water 30 Proof” inscription. The watch is powered by Seiko’s 17-jewel calibre 6601A, also associated with the earlier 2451 designation. This robust automatic movement runs at 18,000 vibrations per hour and does not support manual winding or hacking seconds.

 

Manufactured in April 1964, this exceptionally well-preserved NOS example retains its original crystal, internal bezel and stainless-steel bracelet, making it a particularly rare find for collectors of early Seiko sports watches.

 

Specifications

 

• Brand: Seiko
• Model: Sportsmatic SilverWave
• Reference number: 69799
• Serial number: 4408497
• Production date: April 1964
• Movement: Seiko calibre 6601A
• Winding: Automatic; no manual winding
• Jewels: 17
• Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour
• Functions: Hours, minutes and central seconds
• Additional features: Crown-operated bidirectional internal rotating timing bezel
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case diameter: Approx. 37.5 mm excluding the crown
• Lug-to-lug: Approx. 44 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Dial: Champagne sunburst
• Crystal: Original, scratch-free crystal
• Crown: Original oversized crown positioned at four o’clock
• Strap: Original stainless-steel bracelet, suitable for wrists up to approximately 19 cm (including the watch)
• Accessories: No original box or papers
• Service: Movement fully serviced in May 2026
• Guarantee: 6-month functionality guarantee from the date of purchase

 

Condition

 

The watch is presented in remarkably well-preserved NOS condition, with no apparent evidence of regular use. The stainless-steel case retains its strong original form and sharply defined lugs, while the original bracelet remains complete and is fitted with its period Seiko clasp. Only light storage and handling marks are visible.

 

The champagne sunburst dial is exceptionally attractive and has developed subtle natural ageing. Minor oxidation and age-related changes can be seen on some applied indices and luminous elements, consistent with a watch manufactured more than sixty years ago. The black internal rotating bezel is very well preserved, with clear markings and an intact luminous triangle.

 

The original crystal is scratch-free. The case back retains its clearly visible wave emblem and even traces of the original blue protective coating around its edge—an especially appealing detail on such an early SilverWave.

 

The automatic movement has been professionally serviced and is covered by a 6-month functionality guarantee. 

 

 

The watch has been serviced by our professional watchmaker and tested for full functionality. The water resistance of the watch cannot be guaranteed.