Vintage Zodiac Sea Wolf Diver w/Tropical Brown Dial,USN Engraving,Signed Crown

Description: ***********The hacking automatic movement keeps accurate time over an approximate 41 hour power reserve period. However, the signed crown winds with significant tension. Given this and considering that the movement has likely never been serviced a complete overhaul is long overdue and recommended.***********This vintage 1970's Zodiac Sea Wolf, which came from the estate of the original owner, has a "SWISS T < 25 MC" signed dial that has aged naturally to a truly special milk chocolate hue. As clearly seen in the pictures there is crazing around the indices which can only be seen under high magnification. The original lume, which remains fully intact and emits a faint, short-lived glow after being exposed to bright light, has aged gracefully. The brassed bezel rotates bidirectionally with an appropriate amount of tension and the baby blue acrylic insert, which shows scratching but no cracks, presents beautifully. The all stainless steel case shows honest wear with no visibly noticeable signs of oxidation. The outer edge of the case back is stamped "ZODIAC SEAWOLF WATER-TESTED 20 ATM ESPECIALLY" with "AMHI" followed by "JOHN E. STEYNE,""USN,""OUTSTANDING,""ENLISTED MAN,""OF THE YEAR,""1971" and "HT-8" engraved in the center. The United States Navy abbreviation "AMHI" stands for Aviation Structural Mechanic (Hydraulic) Petty Officer 1st Class with "HT-8" standing for Helicopter Training Squadron 8. John, who retired from the Navy after 23.5 years and passed away at the age of 83 in June 2023, was laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery on Naval Air Station Pensacola in July 2023. Between the lugs at 6 o'clock are the stamped numbers "2223659." The crystal should be replaced as it shows chipping, gouging and scratching. While I normally show pictures of the movements of watches I put up for sale I don't feel comfortable removing the case back on this watch. The case back on Sea Wolf's are notoriously difficult to remove and should be done by a skilled watchmaker familiar with how to do so in order to avoid causing damage. The hacking automatic movement runs strong and keeps accurate time. The hacking feature works flawlessly when the crown is pulled out. When the crown is pushed back in the seconds hand resumes running without issue. After recently winding the original signed crown 39 full revolutions the movement had an approximate 41 hour power reserve period. While the time can be smoothly set the crown winds with significant tension. Given this and considering that the movement has likely never been serviced a complete overhaul is long overdue and recommended. This watch measures approximately 35 mm excluding the crown, approximately 38.5 mm including the crown and approximately 17.75 mm between the lugs. Case thickness, measured from the bottom of the case back to the top of the bezel, is approximately 8 mm. Including the crystal thickness measures approximately 10 mm. The lug to lug distance is approximately 43 mm. A complete overhaul is long overdue and recommended. As such there are no warranties, express or implied, attached with the sale of this watch. Vintage means old and while my personal belief is that old-school means better quality and workmanship, things can and do go wrong from time to time. Any servicing costs going forward are your responsibility.Please thoroughly read this entire listing and kindly ask any and all questions you may have prior to buying as this sale is final and no refunds of any kind will be given. And please study the 24 high magnification pictures carefully as they are part of the description and serve as an accurate representation of the condition of this watch.Expedited and insured shipping along with signature confirmation will be provided. Thanks for looking! ***********The hacking automatic movement keeps accurate time over an approximate 41 hour power reserve period. However, the signed crown winds with significant tension. Given this and considering that the movement has likely never been serviced a complete overhaul is long overdue and recommended.***********

Price: 1795 USD

Location: Brea, California

End Time: 2024-09-04T11:04:19.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD