1959 Zodiac Sea Wolf (Ref. 691)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1959
This Zodiac Sea Wolf, reference 691, is a stainless steel dive watch produced in 1959. It features a 35mm stainless steel case with accentuated lugs and an early screw-down case back.
The watch is distinguished by its glossy black gilt dial, which displays oversized Arabic numerals at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 o'clock and dauphine-shaped, radium-filled 'windowless' hands. It is fitted with an early countdown bezel and is accompanied by its original five-link stretch bracelet. The movement is automatic. The auction description reports that the case retains factory dimensions and sharp edges with light signs of use, and the dial exhibits minimal marks with aged radium lume.
The watch includes an early replacement crown signed with the Zodiac cross logo. This reference represents an early iteration of the Sea Wolf model, characterized by specific design elements that were later modified in subsequent productions.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1959
- Type
- Dive watch
- Maker
- Zodiac
- Serial
- 11XXXXX
- Bracelet
- Zodiac 5-Link Stretch Bracelet
- Case Size
- 35mm
- Reference
- 691
- Case Material
- Stainless Steel
- Maker / attribution
- Zodiac
Design
- Case and Bezel
- The 35mm stainless steel case is characterized by accentuated lugs. According to the auction description, the case retains its factory dimensions and sharp edges, showing light signs of use without evidence of prior polishing. The early countdown bezel remains attached; it shows minimal remnants of the original factory enamel. The case is fitted with an early screw-down case back that retains its factory markings. A crown featuring the Zodiac cross logo is present, which is identified as an early replacement component.
- Dial and Hands
- The watch features a glossy black dial printed with silver gilt text. It is configured with oversized radium-lume Arabic numerals at the even hour markers. The radium lume has developed a beige patina with dark spots, and the lume plots on the outer dial track exhibit a slightly darker patina. The dial is equipped with dauphine-shaped hands described as 'windowless,' which have aged to a green coloration. Under ultraviolet light inspection, the dial remains well-preserved with minimal marking. Lume loss is noted in the 11 o'clock marker and a small spot on the minute hand. The dial remains original to the watch's early production configuration.
- Visible features
- • Oversized Arabic numerals on dial • Countdown bezel with minimal factory enamel • Dauphine-shaped 'windowless' hands with green hue • Zodiac-signed five-link stretch bracelet
- Bracelet and Provenance
- The watch is presented on a Zodiac-signed five-link stretch bracelet. This accessory is noted for its rarity, as the reference 691 was more commonly supplied on straps. The bracelet includes 12 links and shows minimal wear with no actual stretch. This reference is noted by the vendor as the inaugural production reference for the Sea Wolf model, identifying it as a precursor to later design iterations. It lacks the later 'Sea Wolf' dial signature found on subsequent references.
Identification
- Reference
- 691
- Serial number
- 11XXXXX
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Crown is an early replacement
- Research required: 11 o'clock lume plot partially missing
- Research required: Minute hand has small spot of missing lume