Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a rugged Rip Curl OceanTech professional surf wristwatch featuring a textured blue dial, rotating heat bezel, and 200m water resistance. Designed specifically for competitive surfers, it incorporates a countdown heat timer bezel and a high-visibility 'big date' display inside a heavy-duty stainless steel case.
Story
Born in 1969 in Torquay, Australia, Rip Curl engineered watches specifically for cold-water wave riders. This OceanTech model features a 'Heat Bezel' designed to track timed competitive surf heats out in the ocean swell.
Maker / Origin
Rip Curl was founded by Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer in Torquay, Victoria, initially making surfboards and cold-water wetsuits. In the 1980s and 90s, they revolutionized action-sports horology by creating watches that could withstand saltwater immersion, high impact, and tidal fluctuations.
Condition & Value
Shows honest wear from use, including minor scuffs on the stainless steel caseback and light creasing along the leather/rubber hybrid strap. Value assumes the quartz movement is fully functional with a fresh battery.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.