1967 Seiko ‘62MAS’ Reference 6217-8001

In 1965, Seiko introduced the reference 6217-8001, marking the debut of the iconic "62MAS," which stands as Seiko's inaugural professional diver's watch. This watch set the stage for numerous Seiko divers that followed, carrying forward many of its distinctive features. The moniker "62MAS" is derived from the first two digits of its reference number, '62,' while 'MAS' stands for "auto[MA]tic [S]elfdater," signifying its automatic movement with a date function.

What sets this vintage timepiece apart is its crown placement at three o'clock, a deviation from the usual four o'clock position seen in most Seiko divers. Seiko opted for a generously sized crown on this model to facilitate easy time adjustment, and it proudly bears the "SEIKO" inscription—a subtle yet noteworthy touch.

The dial of the "62MAS" is equally intriguing. It has a rich charcoal sunburst with a lacquer finish which exhibits varying shades under different lighting conditions. The "Seiko" logo is not merely printed but applied to the dial, adding a touch of refinement. Large rectangular lume markers were incorporated for enhanced legibility in low-light conditions, and the chrome borders surrounding these markers lend depth to the dial's design.

Notably, this model introduced a quick-set date feature, a remarkable innovation for the 1960s when such functionality was not yet standard. Given that Seiko designed these dive watches to endure rugged use, finding one in excellent condition with an intact dial, minimal case wear, and fully functional lume can be a challenging task. The example presented here, however, possesses great appeal, making it an ideal choice for vintage dive watch enthusiasts.

Condition:

The dial finish is perfect, without a single blemish. The bezel has only a few slight wear marks, with the original pip still mostly intact. The case is unpolished and the factory finishes are crisp; only slight surface scratches are visible.  The case back markings are strong and well defined, featuring Seiko’s dolphin motif to denote water resistance  We’ve paired it with a quality tropic style strap from Uncle in the same style as was originally offered by Seiko. The plexi was replaced with a correct NOS vintage one and the movement checked by our watchmaker. 

Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 13mm thickness

Crystal: Plexiglass

Lume: Yes, tritium

Caliber: Seiko self-winding caliber 6217A

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR BUYERS:
1. For shipping purpose: we will mark lower values at the Buyer’s request. We ship with discrete packaging.
2. We use DHL Express for international shipping. Shipping to most destinations is normally 2-3 days.
3. Preferred payment method is via bank transfer/wire.