Birthday Watch May 1981! Seiko Silverwave 8229-7038 SUWA JDM Quartz Watch (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Analog Quartz
Model: SQ Series
Year of Production: May 1981
Movement: 8229 Quartz
Hand and Dial: Analog hands
Width: 35mm
Lug to Lug Height: 40mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug width: 18mm
Strap: High Quality Vintage SS Super Engineer Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Aftermarket EVA pouch will be provided


Introduced in December 1969, the Seiko Quartz Astron is often credited as the world's first commercially available quartz wristwatch. Quartz watches use a quartz crystal oscillator to keep time, which is much more accurate than the traditional mechanical movements used in wristwatches at the time.

The quartz movement in the Astron was incredibly precise, with an accuracy of within 5 seconds per month, far superior to mechanical watches of the era.

The introduction of the Seiko Quartz Astron had a profound impact on the watch industry. It marked the beginning of the Quartz Revolution that led to the decline of traditional mechanical watches in the market and the rise of more accurate and affordable quartz timepieces.

Seiko's Quartz Astron was showcased at the Baselworld watch fair in Switzerland in 1970, where it received international attention and acclaim because this watch change horology history forever.

Here we have a very well preserved Seiko Silverwave 8229-7038 SUWA JDM Quartz Sports Watch in near mint condition.

The Seiko Silverwave was designed as a sports / sports diving watch in mind because of the cessation of the Seikomatic and Sportsman in the early 70s; hence, this is a sports / swimmers' watch but not a full fledged divers watch. Notice its 4H crown location ala diver's watch style.

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

Its stylish silver case was given a good clean-up and buff while maintaining its sharp lines and sexy curves. Many imperfections were removed albeit a few scratches synonymous with age remains. The crystal is original mineral and was given a good polish albeit minor scratches still exist but not obvious what with the black dial.

The crown is located at its traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage and snags yet easily accessible. The day/date and time quick adjustment is via pulling out the crown to the first level and second level to adjust respectively.

Because it is a JDM model, the day is in English and Kanji. Cool!

This timepiece was carefully stripped and given a proper servicing. Its dial was meticulously cleaned, its electronic movement cleaned and touched up, demagnetised, and its battery replaced on 25 November 2023. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next battery change thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

This watch is equipped with a battery life indicator - when the battery is running low, the second hand will move at 2 second intervals to consume energy - cool!

The case width and height are approximately 35mm (without crown) and 40mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, the watch size is suitable for men and modern women.

The SS bracelet is a vintage Super Engineer model. It too was given a good clean-up via ultrasonic immersion followed by a good buff and is now in stunning condition albeit miniscule scratches synonymous with age. The buyer has the option to switch the SS bracelet with an aftermarket Seiko Wave Divers silicon rubber strap OR an Aviation Bung NATO Strap with calf leather padding should he/she wishes to do so at no additional costs.

To the best of our knowledge while servicing this timepiece, everything excluding the bracelet are original. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts, thereby it is considered in outstanding condition.

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 case 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 models in the market, BUT almost all are not in the same quality condition and as well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind timepiece will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in May 1981!

This is a very lovely Black Dial Seiko Silverwave 8229-7038 Quartz Sports / Swimmer's timepiece in near-mint condition; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source or purchase it for that special someone.

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