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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dive watch

1959 Zodiac Sea Wolf (Ref. 691)

Partially verified

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.

Front view of the 1959 Zodiac Sea Wolf (Ref. 691) showing the black gilt dial, countdown bezel, and stretch bracelet.
Front view of the 1959 Zodiac Sea Wolf (Ref. 691) showing the black gilt dial, countdown bezel, and stretch bracelet. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dive watch
Maker / attribution
Zodiac
Reference
691
Catalogue / lot identifier
ZSW691
Source-reported date
1959
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
11XXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “The early glossy black dial with silver printed gilt text is simply beautiful”
  • “The oversized radium lume Arabic numerals and the radium lume plots all remain intact”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “The early Sea Wolf case features more accentuated lugs than its later variants”
  • “The crown, signed with the Zodiac cross logo, appears to be an early replacement”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Completing this exceptional example is its original 1959 Zodiac-signed five-link stretch bracelet”
  • “The ref. 691 represents the beginning of the Sea Wolf story as the model's inaugural production reference”
  • “most ref. 691s were originally sold on straps”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific documented production start and end dates for the reference 691?
  • Does the current movement serial number correlate with the case serial 11XXXXX?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1959 Zodiac Sea Wolf (Ref. 691)
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerZodiac“Brand Zodiac”
Reference691“Model 691”
Date1959“1959 Zodiac Sea Wolf (Ref. 691)”
Case MaterialStainless Steel“Material Stainless Steel”
BraceletZodiac 5-Link Stretch Bracelet“Bracelet Zodiac 5-Link Stretch Bracelet”
Case Size35mm“Millimeters 35”
Serial11XXXXX“Serial 11XXXXX”

Visible details

  • Oversized Arabic numerals on dial
  • Countdown bezel with minimal factory enamel
  • Dauphine-shaped 'windowless' hands with green hue
  • Zodiac-signed five-link stretch bracelet

Research qualifications

  • Crown is an early replacement
  • 11 o'clock lume plot partially missing
  • Minute hand has small spot of missing lume

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Zodiac Sea Wolf رفرنس 691 محصول سال 1959

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4322733666

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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