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 watch here – a Japanese Domestic Market (Japan only) 1978 Seiko 7123-8070 SilverWave diver, with its spectacular Deep Blue starburst dial.
Seiko did their homework when they designed these deep blue dials, and pictures do not do these justice - these dials are amazing to behold in person, and this dial here is no different.
But back to the story - 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 Seiko 7123 SilverWave here is the vibrant silver starburst textured dial that changes colors depending on the position of wearer wrist. Even the black handset mirrors the design of the dial’s hour indices.
Add in the Seiko 7123 quartz movement with its known accuracy, day-date with quick set, screw-down crown, unique rotating bezel, and hacking feature and you have a watch that stands out on the wrist.
This Seiko SilverWave diver comes on a stainless-steel Seiko bracelet, and with nylon strap, rugged travel case, and springbar tool.
1978 Seiko 7123-8070 SilverWave Z Dive Watch
DIAL: A fantastic Deep Blue starburst Seiko "SilverWave Z"-signed dial, with matching hour, minute, and second hands. Applied stick hour indices and reflective chapter ring provide the dial with an intriguing depth.
CASE: Stainless-steel case measures 38mm x 40.5mm, with sharp case edges. Rotating dive bezel works as designed, and features UV fade, with all script and minute marks legible.
CRYSTAL: Hardlex crystal in great condition, with no scratches or edge chips.
BAND: This Seiko SilverWave comes on its original stainless-steel Seiko-signed bracelet, which will fit up to an approx. 7.50 inch wrist; it also comes with a light blue, red, and white nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Two-jewel Seiko 7123 quartz movement, manufactured in December 1978; movement hacks, as designed. Date and day - with English and Kanji Japanese language variants - functions work as designed.
CROWN: Stainless-steel crown screws down, as designed.