As the world got accustomed to Seiko's novel new Astron technology dominating the market in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Seiko was hard at work on its next innovation to challenge Swiss watch industry dominance, developing the Superior, Grand Quartz, King Quartz - and eventually the quartz diver here, a 1978 Seiko 7546-6050 SiverWave diver, on its original stainless-steel Seiko bracelet and with original Seiko 7546 instructions manual.
But first, some relevant history - 1969 was one of the most spectacular in Seiko’s storied history. That year, it released the world’s first automatic chronograph, the Calibre 6139 and the V.F.A. (Very Fine Adjusted) movement, which delivered Seiko’s highest yet level of precision for a mechanical movement.
Seiko would release another first upon the world, the first quartz wristwatch - the Seiko Quartz Astron, which went on to change the way the world told time, and severely tested the dominance of the Swiss, bringing high technology within the reach of all.
Immediately obvious on the SilverWave Ref. 7546 here is the shimmer from the dark blue lightly textured dial, replete with iconic Seiko circular hour markers, which sparkles depending on the position of wearer wrist. Contrasting the dial design for legibility is the white handset and cursive black SilverWave dial font. Add in the Seiko 7546 quartz movement with its accuracy, a day-date with quick set, and hacking and you have a watch that stands out on the wrist.
As for the Seiko SilverWave line? Per Fratello’s resident Seiko guru Michael Stockton, “...the mid 1960’s [the era of Seiko's original SilverWave watch, the J12082] were a time of tremendous transition. It seemed to be a period of transition away from the feel good, somewhat old-fashioned 1950’s into a more modern, but realistic period."
"Literature, music, art, and technology were all undergoing these same patterns of metamorphoses…California and its surfing culture went mainstream and people became highly interested in all things water or ocean related.”
Seiko’s “sport divers” would become a long-running theme in their watch design that continues to this day. Clearly its SilverWave line were not designed for deep sea / Jacque Cousteau-like dives. At the time, the only really hardcore dive watches were Rolex, Omega, Blancpain, and some limited others. But as noted, water sports during this era became mainstream, and the SilverWave line was designed for snorkeling, swimming, surfing, and other light water sports.
This Seiko SilverWave 7546 comes on its original stainless-steel Seiko bracelet, and with nylon strap, rugged travel case, Seiko 7546 instructions manual, and springbar tool.
1978 Seiko 7546-6050 SilverWave Dive Watch, w/Original Bracelet
DIAL: A fantastic dark blue linen SilverWave-signed dial, with contrasting hour, minute, and second hands. Lume shines following exposure to strong light, as designed.
BEZEL: Bi-directional with no ratchet (as designed); red and blue "Pepsi" bezel insert is in good condition, with only light wear - impressive given the age of the watch. These inserts are normally first to be damaged when these diver's were used as designed, ie: hard.
CASE: Stainless-steel case measures 39mm x 45mm, with sharp case edges.
CRYSTAL: Hardlex crystal, no scratches or edge chips.
BAND: This SilverWave comes on its original stainless-steel Seiko-signed bracelet, which will accommodate upwards of an approx. 7.75 inch wrist. This Seiko diver also comes with a premium dark blue and red nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Four-jewel Seiko 7546 quartz movement, manufactured in November 1978; movement hacks, as designed.
CROWN: Stainless-steel crown screws down, as designed.
Of note, this Seiko 7546 comes with an original Seiko 7546 instructions manual, in both Kamji Japanese and English.
