Zodiac Seawolf skin-diver "Tangerine" ref.722-946 from 1970s
Produced during the 1960s and early 1970s, the reference 722-946 represents the classic evolution of the original Sea Wolf. Its compact 35 mm stainless-steel case, acrylic crystal, and bidirectional bakelite rotating bezel embody the restrained proportions that defined professional dive watches before oversized cases became the norm. Rather than relying on sheer size, the watch was engineered to be practical, robust, and exceptionally wearable. At the heart of the watch is Zodiac's Caliber 72 automatic movement, a reliable in-house development that helped establish the Sea Wolf as more than just an attractive sports watch. Many examples feature the innovative push-to-advance quick-set date, an uncommon convenience during the period and evidence of Zodiac's commitment to technical refinement. Among collectors, however, the greatest appeal of the 722-946 lies in its aesthetics. The early examples featured a glossy black dial with dauphine hands while the later ones had a matte dial with a new style shovel handset like the example we have here. Equally prized are the colorful acrylic (often Bakelite-style) bezels, whose vibrant blues, greys, and oranges have become visual signatures of vintage Zodiac divers. Honest examples displaying untouched patina are increasingly difficult to find, making originality a defining factor in today's market. The present watch is among the rarest known executions of the Sea Wolf reference 722-946. Produced toward the end of the reference's production, it combines a matte black dial with the later shovel handset and a striking orange Bakelite bezel—an extraordinarily elusive configuration that is almost unseen. The survival of this combination today places it among the most coveted variants of the reference, appealing to collectors who appreciate the transitional details found only in the final chapter of the Sea Wolf's early evolution. Brand: Zodiac Model: Seawolf Year of Manufacture: 1970s Material: Stainless Steel Dimensions: 35mm Reference Number: 722-946 Movement: Automatic Strap Size: 18mm Bracelet: Leather aftermarket strap. Box/Papers: N/A Comments: Watch keeping time correctly, matching lume, original crown.