In July 1965, the first Japanese diving watch, the Seiko 62MAS, was introduced to the market.
Seiko’s interest in water-resistant watches actually began several years earlier, with a number of models that are commonly referred to as pre-divers.
The 62MAS, however, is the first true Seiko diver’s watch, capable of guaranteeing water resistance up to 150 meters deep.
Introduction
The 62MAS first appears in an official Seiko publication in the July 1965 issue of Seiko newsletter, where it is called “Seikomatic Calendar Diver’s Watch 62MAS”.
The 62MAS name is said to be derived from “SeikoMAtic Selfdater”, and from the 6217A movement, belonging to the 62 caliber family, found in a large selection of models called Seikomatic.
The launch on the market in July 1965 is also testified by this article, published in the August 1965 issue of a Japanese magazine, in which some newly released watches are presented.
Here the 62MAS is simply referred to as “Seiko Automatic”, and is described as a diving watch with a water resistance of 150 meters, for diving professionals.
It is then written that there is enough luminous agent on the indexes to allows good visibility even in deep water, where there is little light, and that the watch is equipped with a rotating bezel.
Finally, the movement is described as being the same as the Seikomatic Self Dater. List price 13,000 yen.
The Antarctic Research Expedition
Taro Tanaka, who designed the watch with Tatsuro Akabane, in the book “Seiko Diver’s Watch – The Birth of Seiko Professional Diver’s Watch” reveals to author Ryugo Sadao that the 62MAS was a product developed quickly, to meet the timing request from Seiko: the watch was to be provided as professional equipment to researchers of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE).
Although it was built in a very short time, with the first units already in production in April 1965 and introduced on the market only three months later, the 62MAS was not included in the equipment of the JARE-7 mission, which started on November 20, 1965.
The reasons are not entirely clear, but there seems to be a connection with the fact that the first version of the 62MAS, with the 6217-8000 case-movement reference, only remained in production for a few months.
These early examples featured a smaller crown than the later produced version, which features the updated case-movement reference 6217-8001. The size of the crown was increased to make the watch easier to operate in all conditions, even with gloves.
The following year, the improved version of the 62MAS became part of the equipment of the JARE-8 mission.
Technical features of the 62MAS
The first version of the 62MAS, with the small crown and reference 6217-8000, was produced for a very short period, which is assumed to be only three months: April, May and June of 1965.
The improved version, with the larger crown and reference 6217-8001, was produced for a longer period and in greater quantities, so it is easier to find.
The two versions have some differences in the case, but house the same movement, the 6217A with 17 jewels and 18,000 bph.
| Catalog reference | 62MAS (62MAS 010): Japan 65134: Export |
| Movement-case | 6217-8000: first version, small crown 6217-8001: second version, big crown |
| Year | 1965 |
| Water resistance | 150 meters |
| Caliber | 6217A |
| Jewels | 17 |
| Bph | 18,000 |
| Type | Automatic |
| Branch | Suwa Seikosha |
| Materials | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Acrylic |
| Dimensions | Diameter: 38,2 mm Lug width: 19 mm |
| Complications | Date |
| Screw-down crown | No |
| Hacking | No |
| Manual winding | No |
| Dial code | JAPAN 6217-8000T |
Daini Seikosha 62MAS
Although the two branches of Suwa and Daini Seikosha are often described as in constant competition, the reality is that they frequently helped each other: a completely normal behavior considering that they served the interests of the same parent company.
In the case of the 62MAS, which is a model originally developed and produced by Suwa, we find some specimens with the word Daini Seikosha inside the caseback and on the movement rotor.
Based on their provenance, it seems that the 62MAS produced by Daini were intended for export.
The Daini version for the international market has some differences compared to the Suwa 62MAS: not only the engravings inside the case and on the rotor, which bear the inscription Daini Seikosha, but also some relevant details, such as a different luminescent substance used for the indexes.
62MAS strap
The 62MAS was originally fitted with an imported Tropic strap, as can be seen from the images published in the catalogs of the time.
There is a widespread opinion among collectors that Seiko subsequently supplied the “Waffle” strap with reference ZLM01 as a replacement, the first strap for diving watches designed and produced directly by Seiko.
The nickname “Waffle” is due to its motif that recalls a waffle iron, and some of the modern reinterpretations of the 62MAS feature this same type of strap, such as the SBDX019/SLA017.
62MAS in Seiko’s catalogs of the time
In 1966 Seiko began publishing a unified watch catalog, containing key information on most of the models available in Japan.
The information in these catalogs allows us to reconstruct the history and evolution of Seiko watches.
Seikomatic Calendar Diver’s Watch
A water resistant case up to 150 meters, a dial with a dynamic design, and an established movement of Seikomatic watches. A watch recommended for sportsmen and men who want to have a manly look.
In the 1967 catalog the same image of the 62MAS of the previous year is still used, accompanied by the same description, but “010” is added to the reference 62MAS.
In the first volume of 1968 the image of the 62MAS is finally updated with the improved large crown (6217-8001) version, which had already been the one on the market for a while. It should be noted that the Tropic strap is still shown.
In the second volume of 1968 the 62MAS no longer appears, as it was replaced by its successor 61MC 010.
62MAS recreations and reinterpretations
In March 2017 Seiko announces the return of the 62MAS with three new models, available on the market since November 2017.
The reference SBDX019/SLA017 is presented as a recreation of the 62MAS, made with modern materials and technologies but faithful to the original 1965 design.
The SBDC051/SPB051 and SBDC053/SPB053 references are instead presented as modern reinterpretations, which are inspired by the 62MAS but introduce various stylistic innovations.
Given the success on the market, Seiko continued to offer new references inspired by the 62MAS.
SBDX019 / SLA017
Ref: 8L35-00N0
Caliber: Automatic 8L35
Limited Edition of 2000 pieces.
39.9 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 26 jewels, 50 hours of power reserve, 28.800 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC051 / SPB051
Ref: 6R15-03W0
Caliber: Automatic 6R15
42.6 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 23 jewels, 50 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC053 / SPB053
Ref: 6R15-03W0
Caliber: Automatic 6R15
42.6 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 23 jewels, 50 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC055 / SPB071
Ref: 6R15-04B0
Caliber: Automatic 6R15
42.6 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 23 jewels, 50 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC059
Ref: 6R15-04D0
Caliber: Automatic 6R15
Limited Edition of 1000 pieces.
42.6 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 23 jewels, 50 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC077
Ref: 6R15-03W0
Caliber: Automatic 6R15
42.6 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 23 jewels, 50 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC085
Ref: 6R15-05C0
Caliber: Automatic 6R15
42.6 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 23 jewels, 50 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBEX009 / SLA037
Ref: 8L55-00E0
Caliber: Automatic 8L55
Limited Edition of 1100 pieces.
39.9 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 37 jewels, 55 hours of power reserve, 36,000 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDX039 / SLA043
Ref: 8L35-01C0
Caliber: Automatic 8L35
Limited Edition of 1700 pieces.
39.9 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 26 jewels, 50 hours of power reserve, 28.800 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDX041
Ref: 8L35-01D0
Caliber: Automatic 8L35
Limited Edition of 300 pieces.
39.9 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 26 jewels, 50 hours of power reserve, 28.800 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC101 / SPB143
Ref: 6R35-00P0
Caliber: Automatic 6R35
40.5 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 24 jewels, 70 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC103 / SPB145
Ref: 6R35-00X0
Caliber: Automatic 6R35
40.5 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 24 jewels, 70 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC105 / SPB147
Ref: 6R35-00P0
Caliber: Automatic 6R35
40.5 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 24 jewels, 70 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC107 / SPB149
Ref: 6R35-00W0
Caliber: Automatic 6R35
Limited Edition of 5500 pieces.
40.5 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 24 jewels, 70 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC139 / SPB213
Ref: 6R35-01R0
Caliber: Automatic 6R35
Limited Edition of 6000 pieces.
40.5 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 24 jewels, 70 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC141 / SPB239
Ref: 6R35-00P0
Caliber: Automatic 6R35
40.5 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 24 jewels, 70 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC153 / SPB253
Ref: 6R35-01T0
Caliber: Automatic 6R35
Edizione limitata a 5500 pezzi.
40.5 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 24 jewels, 70 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC163
Ref: 6R35-00P0
Caliber: Automatic 6R35
40.5 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 24 jewels, 70 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
SBDC165 / SPB297
Ref: 6R35-01V0
Caliber: Automatic 6R35
40.5 mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 24 jewels, 70 hours of power reserve, 21.600 bph, manual winding, hacking function.
Summary of the models
Original 62MAS
| Nickname | Ref. | Other Ref. | Ref. MC | Caliber | Limited |
| 62MAS Small Crown | 62MAS (Japan) 65134 (Export) | 62MAS-010 | 6217-8000 | 6217 | No |
| 62MAS Big Crown | 62MAS (Japan) 65134 (Export) | 62MAS-010 | 6217-8001 | 6217 | No |
SLA/SBDX/SBEX Series
| Nickname | Ref. | Other Ref. | Ref. MC | Caliber | Limited |
| 62MAS | SBDX019 (Japan) SLA017 (Export) | SLA017J1, SLA017J | 8L35-00N0 | 8L35 | 2000 |
| 62MAS | SBEX009 (Japan) SLA037 (Export) | SLA037J1, SLA037J | 8L55-00E0 | 8L55 | 1100 |
| 62MAS | SBDX039 (Japan) SLA043 (Export) | SLA043J1, SLA043J | 8L35-01C0 | 8L35 | 1700 |
| 62MAS BEAMS | SBDX041 | SBDX041J1, SBDX041J | 8L35-01D0 | 8L35 | 300 |
SPB/SBDC Series
| Nickname | Ref. | Other Ref. | Ref. MC | Caliber | Limited |
| 62MAS | SBDC051 (Japan) SPB051 (Export) | SBDC051J1, SBDC051J, SPB051J1, SPB051J | 6R15-03W0 | 6R15 | No |
| 62MAS | SBDC053 (Japan) SPB053 (Export) | SBDC053J1, SBDC053J, SPB053J1, SPB053J | 6R15-03W0 | 6R15 | No |
| 62MAS PADI | SBDC055 (Japan) SPB071 (Export) | SBDC055J1, SBDC055J, SPB071J1, SPB071J | 6R15-04B0 | 6R15 | No |
| 62MAS | SBDC059 (Japan) | SBDC059J1, SBDC059J | 6R15-04D0 | 6R15 | 1000 |
| 62MAS | SBDC077 (Japan) | SBDC077J1, SBDC077J | 6R15-03W0 | 6R15 | No |
| Darth 62MAS | SBDC085 (Japan) | SBDC085J1, SBDC085J | 6R15-05C0 | 6R15 | No |
| 62MAS | SBDC101 (Japan) SPB143 (Export) | SBDC101J1, SBDC101J, SPB143J1, SPB143J | 6R35-00P0 | 6R35 | No |
| 62MAS | SBDC103 (Japan) SPB145 (Export) | SBDC103J1, SBDC103J, SPB145J1, SPB145J | 6R35-00X0 | 6R35 | No |
| 62MAS | SBDC105 (Japan) SPB147 (Export) | SBDC105J1, SBDC105J, SPB147J1, SPB147J | 6R35-00P0 | 6R35 | No |
| 62MAS | SBDC107 (Japan) SPB149 (Export) | SBDC107J1, SBDC107J, SPB149J1, SPB149J | 6R35-00W0 | 6R35 | 5500 |
| 62MAS | SBDC139 (Japan) SPB213 (Export) | SBDC139J1, SBDC139J, SPB213J1, SPB213J | 6R35-01R0 | 6R35 | 6000 |
| 62MAS | SBDC141 (Japan) SPB239 (Export) | SBDC141J1, SBDC141J, SPB239J1, SPB239J | 6R35-00P0 | 6R35 | No |
| 62MAS | SBDC153 (Japan) SPB253 (Export) | SBDC153J1, SBDC153J, SPB253J1, SPB253J | 6R35-01T0 | 6R35 | 5500 |
| 62MAS | SBDC163 (Japan) | SBDC163J1, SBDC163J | 6R35-00P0 | 6R35 | No |
| 62MAS Save The Ocean | SBDC165 (Japan) SPB297 (Export) | SBDC165J1, SBDC165J, SPB297J1, SPB297J | 6R35-01V0 | 6R35 | No |
Movements
Caliber 6217
| Type | Automatic |
| Bph | 18,000 |
| Jewels | 17 |
| Manual winding | No |
| Hacking function | No |
Caliber 8L35
| Type | Automatic |
| Riserva di carica | 50 hours |
| Bph | 28.800 |
| Jewels | 26 |
| Lift Angle | 53° |
| Manual winding | Yes |
| Hacking function | Yes |
Caliber 8L55
| Type | Automatic (Hi-Beat) |
| Riserva di carica | 55 hours |
| Bph | 36,000 |
| Jewels | 37 |
| Lift Angle | 53° |
| Manual winding | Yes |
| Hacking function | Yes |
Caliber 6R15
| Type | Automatic |
| Riserva di carica | 50 hours |
| Bph | 21.600 |
| Jewels | 23 |
| Lift Angle | 53° |
| Manual winding | Yes |
| Hacking function | Yes |
Caliber 6R35
| Type | Automatic |
| Riserva di carica | 70 hours |
| Bph | 21.600 |
| Jewels | 24 |
| Lift Angle | 53° |
| Manual winding | Yes |
| Hacking function | Yes |