1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

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demer03
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1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by demer03 » Sat Dec 05, 2020 1:52 pm

I must say, I’m a little wowed by what I’ve got here. I’ve been jonesing for another vintage Seawolf, and started hunting for an early datographic model. Found one on Reddit watch sales from a collector in Chicago.

Price was fair for head only and condition looked ok. It showed up Thursday and I threw it on a Forstner until I can source a correct bracelet. I didn’t really pay much attention to the back until I started trying to date it. It’s a 1966, and engraved in the back is the original owners name. It’s a unique one, J Paton Dellow.

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Holy cow.... turns out he was a captain in the US Army Special Forces in Vietnam. Sadly, he passed in 2013, but I found this from his obituary:

“ J Paton Dellow was born in Monroe Michigan.
J. attended the Kentucky Military Institute before transferring to New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, Ill., where he graduated in 1961. He attended the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a degree in History and a minor in Political Science. J. joined the United States Army in 1967 and was promoted to Captain while serving in Vietnam. While in the military, J. became a Green Beret, a member of the Special Forces Airborne, and was recognized with the Bronze Star for service against hostile forces. He was also awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.”

Turns out he was on Facebook and has a couple of old pictures.

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And double holy shit....here he is in country WEARING the Seawolf!

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It feels really cool to be able to discover a watches history. I have half a mind to reach out to the family.
Last edited by demer03 on Sun Dec 06, 2020 7:49 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Chocodove
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by Chocodove » Sat Dec 05, 2020 2:01 pm

Yeah. That’s really cool. :thumbsup:
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DoctorC
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by DoctorC » Sat Dec 05, 2020 2:11 pm

Very cool.
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rockmastermike
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by rockmastermike » Sat Dec 05, 2020 2:12 pm

holy crap that is amazing, Mike. great research and provenance

As much as I think this is awesome, I like the idea of reaching out to the family.
Last edited by rockmastermike on Sat Dec 05, 2020 2:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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hoppyjr
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by hoppyjr » Sat Dec 05, 2020 2:13 pm

That is exceptional Mike! Definitely not a watch I would sell, but it might be special to somebody in his family.

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Axelay2003
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by Axelay2003 » Sat Dec 05, 2020 3:52 pm

This gave me the goosebumps! Great find and salute to this man.
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unixshrk
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by unixshrk » Sat Dec 05, 2020 4:16 pm

That’s definitely cool

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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by BacoNoir » Sat Dec 05, 2020 4:17 pm

That’s awesome! I’d be half tempted to see if there were family connections on his FB profile and try to reunite the watch with the family. But the other half of me says keep that bad boy.
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by BBK357 » Sat Dec 05, 2020 4:29 pm

That is incredible Moke. So cool.


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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by mattcantwin » Sat Dec 05, 2020 4:39 pm

That's amazing; great find on all levels.
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by MikeyLikesIt » Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:36 pm

That’s badass Mike

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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by Ryeguy » Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:40 pm

Extremely cool. Maybe he crossed paths with my uncle. USMC Vietnam 1968
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demer03
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by demer03 » Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:43 pm

Ryeguy wrote:
Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:40 pm
Extremely cool. Maybe he crossed paths with my uncle. USMC Vietnam 1968
90AC0212-6A3F-41B2-BDF7-68FB4C6CE49F.jpeg
Awesome
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by aikiman44 » Sat Dec 05, 2020 10:01 pm

Talk about a watch with a story, that is one of the best.
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Skinny Rogers
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by Skinny Rogers » Sat Dec 05, 2020 10:10 pm

I love everything about this!


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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by Captdave » Sat Dec 05, 2020 11:06 pm

Very cool! Love the history of the watch. Reaching out to the family would definitely be what I’d do.


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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by hobbit712 » Sun Dec 06, 2020 3:23 am

Very cool story all around. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by gwells » Sun Dec 06, 2020 10:40 am

Great backstory. I have no idea what the backstory is for mine (eBay purchase), but seeing yours inspired me to pull mine out today. It’s been a while since I’ve worn it.

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demer03
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by demer03 » Sun Dec 06, 2020 12:19 pm

gwells wrote:
Sun Dec 06, 2020 10:40 am
Great backstory. I have no idea what the backstory is for mine (eBay purchase), but seeing yours inspired me to pull mine out today. It’s been a while since I’ve worn it.

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Sweet!
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by unsub073 » Mon Dec 07, 2020 10:06 am

That's a really cool story about the history of it.

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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by CGSshorty » Mon Dec 07, 2020 10:21 pm

That’s amazing.
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toxicavenger
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by toxicavenger » Tue Dec 08, 2020 8:22 am

super cool story

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gr8sw
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by gr8sw » Tue Dec 08, 2020 10:02 am

great story Mike... I love old watches with engravings :thumbsup: :cheers:
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Zidane
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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by Zidane » Tue Dec 08, 2020 1:38 pm

VERY cool

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Re: 1966 Zodiac Seawolf and a surprise

Post by River Rat » Mon Dec 21, 2020 11:01 am

Nice watch. Cool you were able to track history on the watch and it's first owner.

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