Why We Love It

The Sea Wolf is one of Zodiac's most well known and collectable models.

Originally released in 1953, the model was one of the very first dive watches released, along with the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and Rolex Submariner. 

Although this is a diver, it's definitely unique its class. With its relatively diminuitve 35mm stainless steel case, it wears much more subtly compared to other early divers known for their jumbo proportions. But make no mistake, what it lacks in size it makes up for in style!

This particular example features a rich glossy black dial in beautiful condition with oversized luminous markers at 6, 9 and 12. Black text is shown in relief within a triangular plot of creamy Tritium, giving the dial an impressive depth. The oversized triangular hands have also amazingly retained their factory lume. And its blue bakelite timing bezel is in near mint condition, a rare find on a Sea Wolf.

Offering a tremendous design and an entirely attainable price point, this Sea Wolf is a great addition to any dive watch collection!

The Story

Zodiac is an old brand that's enjoying new life under new ownership. Fossil, its current owners, understand the tremendous staying power of classic designs such as the Sea Wolf. As far as the genuine article is concerned, vintage collectors are now seeing the value of these stunning and sporty watches. 

With roots going back to the late 19th century, the brand that would come to be known as Zodiac distinguished itself from its earliest days with some impressive technical feats. They produced flat pocket watches in the 1920s, some of the industry's earliest automatic watches in the 1930s, and power-reserve complications in the 1940s. As the intention of Ariste Calame when founding Zodiac was to specialize in the production of complicated movements, it’s no surprise that the lineage of technical expertise would live on throughout the brand’s history.

Zodiac is perhaps best-known in today's vintage market for their chronographs, often referred to as "Poor Man's Heuers" because Heuer often manufactured these watches and gave them to Zodiac for rebranding. Another popular watch from this period is the Sea Wolf, known for its slim case (unusual for a diver) and rotating bezel.