Birthday Watch September 1964! Seiko Sportsmatic Silverwave 2451 / 69799 17J Automatic Watch (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY

Brand: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Seiko Sportsmatic Silverwave
Year of Production: September 1964
Movement: 2451 / 6601A
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices and Dauphine Hands
Width: 38mm
Height: 44mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Brand-New Hi-Quality Two-Tone Genuine Cow Leather Strap with Quick Release Spring Bars
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

It was after WWII when the popularity of diving moved beyond military and commercial diving. This coupled with the reduced cost of scuba gear and the emergence of surfing prompted Seiko and other watchmakers to provide waterproof watches to cater to this growing market segment.

The Seiko Sportsmatic was first introduced in 1956 as one of the company's earliest automatic watches for the sporty individual. Even though the Sportsmatic was meant to be a more affordable version of the Seikomatic, certain models were nonetheless provided with day / date capabilities, good quality movements and Applied Dial (AD) status.

The original SilverWave was introduced as the J12082 in 1961 until 1964 under the Sportsmatic range. This was the initial Seiko to contain the “tsunami” motif on the case back that all Seiko Divers would incorporate until today.

Seiko decided to marry two different ranges into one. Enter the one-of-a kind 697990 Sportsmatic SilverWave produced from 1964 to 1966. This model is actually based on the 6601-8930 Sportsmatic that also has a 4H crown. Hence, it is commonly known as 2451/6601. This was the model that incorporated an oversized crown thereby showing that Seiko is thinking about divers and the fact that many will be wearing gloves. Furthermore, this oversized crown aids with the rotating of the internal rotating bezel that became a hallmark of many Seiko chronographs, such as the 6139 Pogue, and its future line of 70M Sport Divers from the late 1960’s through the 1970’s.

This Sportsmatic SilverWave also contains luminous hands and pips near the hour markers, as well as a lume pip at the beginning of the rotating bezel. These features are designed to aid divers in low light conditions and would obviously continue in Seiko’s future dive watches.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko Sportsmatic Silverwave 2451 / 6601 / 697990 17J in excellent condition. Confirmed by the spinning top located below the 12H index, this model is also an AD model, hence precious metals are used for the 3D indices. This is a highly sort-after Collectible because this is the ONLY Seiko Sportsmatic Silverwave model ever produced.

The launch of this watch coincided with the Tokyo Olympics thereby it was most definitely sensationalized by the press, and the world sat up and began to take notice. Hence, this is the father of Seiko Diver watches that would take the world by storm in the coming years.

This silver case is in superb condition with its super sharp lines and is beautifully maintained but nonetheless, it was given a good clean via ultrasonic immersion and a good buff afterwards. Most imperfections were removed without compromising the case shape and lines but there are still miniscule scratches remaining that are almost invisible to the naked eye.

The crown is located at the traditional 4H position.

The inbuilt rotating bezel is in immaculate condition with paintworks intact. It works flawlessly by rotating the crown when it is in closed position. The classical designed flat crystal is original and it too was given a good buff.

The ivory white dial has aged gracefully - a beautiful patterned patina growing from the center and moving outwards thereby giving the dial a champagne gold sunburst effect which is extremely pleasing to the eye. The dauphine hands makes the dial very sharp looking.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 25 August 2023. Hence, it underwent an overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the evergreen 2451/6601 17J movement, it operates at 18,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it outstanding accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of +1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 237 in a relatively straight centered line! Such readings are extremely exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking expert calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 38mm (without crown) and 44mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm, and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The watch comes with a brand-new two-tone genuine cowhide leather strap with silver buckle that marry well with the silver case.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts.

Even though the seals and gaskets are intact / replaced, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in excellent condition and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A nice purposeful carrying pouch or box will be provided instead.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT almost all are not in the same quality condition and is well maintained as what you see here. So, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in September 1964! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate, and S$ 80.00 to polish the entire watch including tightening of links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after Seiko Sportsmatic Silverwave 2451/6601 AD Collectors timepiece in excellent condition; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!