As the world got accustomed to the 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 7546-606A SiverWave diver, with an original Seiko 7546 SilverWave instructions manual.
But lets step back - 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 dial, replete with 24-hour markers and applied hour markers, which sparkle depending on the position of wearer wrist.
Contrasting the black dial design for legibility is the white handset and cursive white 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.
And this Seiko SilverWave 7546 - "for customers looking for a sporty and tough look" - is a direct descendent on that Astron above.
This Seiko 7546 comes on a stainless-steel oyster bracelet, and with nylon strap, rugged travel case, Seiko 7546 instructions manual, and springbar tool.
1978 Seiko 7546-606A SilverWave Dive Watch, w/Instructions
DIAL: A fantastic black SilverWave-signed dial, with contrasting hour, minute, and second hands. Applied mirrored stick hour indices provide the dial with an intriguing depth, as does the black stepped 24hr chapter ring.
CASE: Stainless-steel case measures 39mm x 45mm, with sharp case edges.
CRYSTAL: Hardlex crystal, no scratches or cracks.
BAND: This SilverWave comes on a generic brushed stainless-steel oyster bracelet, which will accommodate upwards of an approx. eight inch wrist; this Seiko diver also comes with a beige nylon strap, with matte black hardware.
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 SilverWave instructions manual, in both Kanji Japanese and English languages.