Seiko's 62MAS: Much more than just a dive watch.
Seiko's 62MAS: Much more than just a dive watch.
The Seiko 62MAS holds a special place in horological history. Not only was it Seiko’s first dive watch, it was also Japan’s first commercially produced dive watch. Introduced in 1965, the 62MAS was rated to 150 meters of water resistance and featured a sunburst grey dial, straightforward design, and the understated elegance that has come to define many of Seiko’s most enduring watches.
More than half a century later, the 62MAS remains remarkably easy to appreciate. Its simple proportions, distinctive dial, and unmistakable dive-watch character have allowed it to age gracefully. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Seiko has returned to the design numerous times, creating modern interpretations inspired by the original 62MAS.
The birth of Seiko's first Dive Watch
Following the growth of recreational and professional diving after the end of World War II, dive watches became an increasingly important category within the Swiss watch industry. Seiko wanted to develop a dive watch of its own, continuing the company’s broader ambition of establishing Japan as a country capable of producing watches to compete with the best in the world.
That ambition can be traced back to Seiko founder Kintaro Hattori, whose vision helped establish the foundation for what would become one of Japan’s most important watchmaking companies.
The original 62MAS was produced in two closely related references: 6217-8000, commonly identified as the small-crown version, and 6217-8001, the later large-crown version.
The “62” in 62MAS is generally associated with the 6217 series and its 6217A automatic movement, while “MAS” refers to Seikomatic Selfdater. The name “62MAS” was subsequently coined by collectors and has become the universally recognized name for the watch.
The small-crown version came first and is considerably scarcer than the large-crown version, which was produced in greater numbers. As a result, the small-crown 62MAS is generally the more desirable of the two among collectors.
The Spec Sheet:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1965 |
| References | 6217-8000 / 6217-8001 |
| Movement | Seiko 6217A automatic |
| Water Resistance | 150 m |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Crystal | Acrylic |
| Diameter | Approximately 38 mm |
| Jewels | 17 |
| Beat Rate | 18,000 vph |
| Date | Yes |
| Winding | Automatic |
| Crown | Non-screw-down |
| Bezel | External rotating bezel |
The Design of 62MAS
The 62MAS has a compact 38 mm stainless-steel case, a grey sunburst dial, large luminous hour markers and hands, and a date window positioned at 3 o’clock. It also features a rotating external bezel and an acrylic crystal, giving the watch the unmistakable appearance of a vintage dive watch.
The 6217A automatic movement was relatively simple by modern standards. It did not offer seconds hacking or manual winding, features that have become commonplace on modern mechanical watches.
One of the watch’s particularly interesting details is its original Tropic-style strap. This differs from the waffle-style straps that later became strongly associated with Seiko dive watches.
Waffle style strap on the left compared to the Tropic style on the right.
The case back features Seiko’s distinctive dolphin emblem. On some earlier examples, the dolphin was engraved quite thinly and can be difficult to see today. Later examples featured a more clearly defined engraving, making the emblem much easier to appreciate.
150 Meters Was Serious Business
Today, 150 meters of water resistance may not sound particularly impressive when compared with modern dive watches. In 1965, however, it represented serious capability for Seiko’s first dive watch.
The 62MAS established that Seiko could produce a purpose-built dive watch capable of competing in an increasingly important category. More importantly, it provided the foundation for what would become one of the most extensive and influential dive-watch lineages in the industry.
The Antarctic Story
One of the most fascinating chapters in the 62MAS story came shortly after its introduction.
The watch was issued to members of the 8th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-8) in 1966 and subsequently accompanied Japanese Antarctic expeditions through 1969. According to Seiko, the watch was used on four expedition missions, where it demonstrated its reliability in exceptionally harsh environments.
For a watch introduced only a year earlier, its use in Antarctica was a remarkable real-world test. The story also adds an important dimension to the 62MAS: it wasn't simply designed to look like a dive watch—it was put to work in some of the most demanding environments on Earth.
The 62MAS Legacy
The influence of the original 62MAS can still be seen throughout Seiko’s modern dive-watch collection.
Among the modern reinterpretations is the SPB143, a watch I proudly own myself. The more recent SPB453 also draws heavily from the design language established by the original.
However, the modern model that perhaps comes closest to the original 62MAS in both aesthetic character and case proportions is the SJE093. Of the modern interpretations, it offers one of the most faithful connections to the proportions and visual identity of the 1965 original.
A Watch That Started a Legacy
The Seiko 62MAS was more than simply Seiko’s first dive watch. It was the beginning of a dive-watch legacy that continues to this day.
Its compact proportions, distinctive grey dial, simple design, and genuine history have allowed the 62MAS to remain relevant more than 60 years after its introduction. From the waters surrounding Japan to the harsh Antarctic environment, the watch established an important chapter in Seiko’s history—and laid the foundation for generations of dive watches that followed.
For collectors, the 62MAS represents something particularly special: the moment Seiko entered the world of professional dive watches and began a journey that continues to define the brand today.