Seiko 62MAS

In 1965, Seiko introduced the 62MAS, its first dive watch. The design of the 62MAS has become a point of reference to other dive watches and has influenced the style of Seiko watches and other brands ever since. The stainless steel case has a diameter of 37.5mm and a thickness of 14mm.

There are 2 main versions of this watch:

The early 6217-8000 was produced in 1965 only for a few months and has a small crown and a dolphin engraved in the case back.
The 6217-8001, which has a bigger crown and a more simple case back, was produced from 1966, earlier versions still have a dolphin on the case back whereas later ones have a Seiko signed "Horseshoe".

Ref: Seiko 62MAS
Diameter: 37.50 mm
Thickness: 14.00 mm
Lug width: 20.00 mm
Caliber: Seiko 6217

Seiko's first diver, the 62MAS had a date complication provided by the Seiko 6217 automatic movement. Available on eBay.

The meaning of 62MAS is the following: 62 relates to the caliber 62, which is an automatic mechanical movement developed by Seiko whereas MAS stands for seikoMAtic Selfdater. The self-winding movement of the 62MAS is the Seiko 6217 which beats at 18,000bph. This movement has a date complication visible at 3 o'clock but does not support hacking and hand winding.

The Seiko 62MAS model is characterized by relatively short lugs and a dial with generous indices that have a rectangular shape. They are very well complemented by the simple yet efficient lumed baton hands. The big crown is very easy to operate and give a very masculine look to the watch.

The Daini 62MAS, produced by Daini Seikosha in spring 1967 (left). Vintage Seiko 62MAS advertising (right).

All those features were meant to achieve 2 things: the 62MAS was designed to be practical and reliable. The water resistance is 150m. At the time, 150m was considered to be very high and this watch was often compared to higher-end timepieces such as the Rolex Submariner. It was even chosen by the team of the Japan Antarctic Research Expedition from 1966 to 1969.

This watch has now become mythical for collectors and can be found at rather hefty prices! It is definitely a horologically significant timepiece. In 2017, the reissue of the 62MAS under the reference SLA017 was received with great success (edition limited to 2000 pieces).

Some homages of the Seiko 62MAS have been produced by brands such as San Martin and Sharkey. You can easily find them on eBay.