Why This Watch Matters There will never be another first Seiko dive watch. The Full Story As the first professional dive watch from the Japanese company, Seiko introduced the 62MAS in 1965. The nickname "62MAS" comes from the first two digits of the reference number – 62 – and MAS from "auto[MA]tic [S]elfdater," AKA an automatic movement with date. Many design elements of the 62MAS are seen in other Seiko dive watches through the years. The dial on this model is interesting; the color is a grey-green that can change looks in different lights. The dial has "Seiko" applied rather than printed, which is also a nice detail. Seiko used large rectangular lume plots for maximum readability in the dark, and the applied chrome borders around the lume plots give the dial an added layer of dimension. This model also features a quick-set date, making setting that much easier. In the 1960s, a quick-set was not the standard yet, so this was quite remarkable in itself. Remember that these Seiko dive watches were meant to be used and abused, so finding one with a clean dial, a case that doesn't show much wear, and with nice lume is difficult. The example we have here is super attractive and overall very nice; it's perfect for someone who loves vintage dive watches. These are quickly becoming one of the most talked about watches around the HODINKEE office. It seems like every time we have one come across our desks, someone comes over to look at what the vintage team is working on and remarks about the 62MAS. These watches are stunning in the metal and really unlike anything else due to their great case shape and grey-silver dial that pops in the light. This is a great chance to add Seiko's original professional dive watch to your collection and enjoy its stunning details all summer long. We paired this watch with our Sedona strap in green to play off of the lume color and lean into the tool watch history of the 62MAS. The Fine Print Maker: SeikoModel: 62MASReference: 6217-8001Year: 1967Case No: 7300502Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 37mm diameter; 13mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Seiko, self-winding, caliber 6217ABracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Sedona Strap in Sonoran DesertLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Gorgeous dial color- Quick-set date- Deep black bezel color Things To Know: - Scratches on case This 62MAS is in nice, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches and light nicks throughout. There are some scratches and marks behind both sets of lugs. The caseback engraving is fully visible complete with the serial number. There is a personal engraving from a previous owner on the caseback. The dial is in good condition and has developed patina and fine spotting throughout. The Seiko logo and the windows around the lume and date have all developed patina, which is not uncommon for these watches. The lume on the hands and on the dial has developed patina and darkened around the edges. This is, again, common for these watches. The bezel is in good condition with scratches and shows some wear around the edges. The dial, case, crown, and movement are all signed by Seiko. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
