The Seiko 62MAS (Model Automatic Scuba) is a dive watch that was first introduced by Seiko in 1965. It is considered to be one of the most important and influential dive watches ever made, and it set the standard for many of the dive watches that followed it.

The Seiko 62MAS featured a number of innovations that made it ideal for diving, including a uni-directional rotating bezel for measuring elapsed time, a screw-down crown to ensure water resistance, and a durable stainless steel case that could withstand the pressure of deep dives. It was also equipped with a reliable automatic movement and luminescent markers for improved legibility in low light conditions.

Today, the Seiko 62MAS is highly sought after by collectors and watch enthusiasts, and it remains a classic example of the dive watch genre.

Seiko 62MAS strengths

The Seiko 62MAS is considered to be a groundbreaking timepiece for several reasons:

1. It was Seiko's first dive watch: The Seiko 62MAS was the first dive watch produced by Seiko, which later became a major player in the dive watch industry. The watch set the standard for other dive watches to come and demonstrated Seiko's commitment to producing reliable and high-quality dive watches.

2. It was water-resistant to greater depths: The Seiko 62MAS was water-resistant to a depth of 150 meters (or approximately 500 feet), which was considered a significant achievement for a watch at that time.

3. It had a uni-directional rotating bezel: The Seiko 62MAS was one of the first watches to feature a uni-directional rotating bezel. This bezel was specifically designed for divers to keep track of elapsed time underwater, and it helped to prevent accidental changes to the dive time.

4. It had a durable construction: The Seiko 62MAS was built to withstand the harsh conditions of diving. Its stainless steel case was strong and durable, and its crystal was made of a highly scratch-resistant material.

5. It had a reliable automatic movement: The Seiko 62MAS was powered by a reliable automatic movement that required no battery and was self-winding, making it ideal for use in a variety of environments, including underwater.

All of these features made the Seiko 62MAS a groundbreaking dive watch, and it remains a highly coveted timepiece among collectors and enthusiasts today.

62MAS versions

The Seiko 62MAS (Model Automatic Scuba) was produced in two different versions (case numbers):

1. 6217-8000: This was the first version of the Seiko 62MAS, which was introduced in 1965. It had a black dial with large markers and a wide, tapered hour hand. The bezel was bi-directional, and it had a small triangle at the 12 o'clock position. The case was made of stainless steel, and the watch was powered by the Seiko 6217A automatic movement.

2. 6217-8001: This was the second version of the Seiko 62MAS, which was introduced in 1967. It was very similar to the 6217-8000, but it had a few small differences. The bezel was uni-directional, and the small triangle at the 12 o'clock position was larger. The hour hand was also slightly narrower. Like the previous version, the 6217-8001 had a stainless steel case and was powered by the Seiko 6217A automatic movement.

Both versions of the Seiko 62MAS are highly sought after by collectors, and they are considered to be some of the most important dive watches ever produced.

62MAS Discontinued

Seiko discontinued production of the 62MAS in 1968, after producing it for only a few years. There are a few reasons why Seiko may have decided to discontinue the model:

1. Changing market demand: By the late 1960s, the market for dive watches was changing. Other watch brands had introduced their own dive watches, and the demand for the 62MAS may have decreased as a result.

2. Cost considerations: The Seiko 62MAS was a high-quality timepiece, and it was expensive to produce. Seiko may have decided to discontinue the model due to cost considerations.

3. Introduction of new models: Seiko was constantly introducing new watch models and improving upon its existing models. The discontinuation of the 62MAS may have been a result of Seiko's desire to focus on new designs and features.

Regardless of the reasons for its discontinuation, the Seiko 62MAS remains a highly sought-after watch among collectors and enthusiasts today. Its rarity and historical significance have made it a valuable and iconic timepiece.

Seiko 62MAS Reissue / Re-Edition

The Seiko 62MAS Reissue is another name for the Seiko 62MAS Re-edition, which is a modern interpretation of the classic Seiko 62MAS dive watch that was first introduced in 1965. The watch was reissued in 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of the original 62MAS, and it is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

The Seiko 62MAS Reissue features designs that is faithful to the original 62MAS, with its large markers and broad, tapered hands. The bezel is uni-directional and features a black and silver color scheme, and the crown is located at the 4 o'clock position for improved comfort on the wrist. However, the watches also includes some modern updates and improvements, such as a larger case size and a higher-end automatic movement.

The Seiko 62MAS Reissue collection is highly regarded for its historical significance and its ability to pay homage to the original 62MAS while incorporating modern technology and functionality. It is considered to be one of Seiko's most iconic and desirable watches, and it has become a must-have for many watch collectors and enthusiasts.

Seiko 62MAS Reissue pros

The Seiko 62MAS Reissue is a special watch collection for several reasons:

1. Historical significance: The original Seiko 62MAS was an important watch in the history of dive watches, and it is highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts. The Seiko 62MAS Reissue pays homage to the original watch by incorporating many of the same design elements and features.

2. Design: The Seiko 62MAS Reissue features a design that is faithful to the original 62MAS, with its large markers and broad, tapered hands. The uni-directional bezel and crown placement at 4 o'clock are also similar to the original watch. The 62MAS Reissue watches are also updated with modern features such as a larger case size and sapphire crystal.

3. Movement: The Seiko 62MAS Reissue is powered by the Seiko 8L35, 6R15 or the 6R35 automatic movement, which are higher-end movements than the original 6217A movement used in the original 62MAS. The 8L35, 6R35 & 6R15 movements have a higher frequency and a longer power reserve, making it a more accurate and reliable movement.

4. Limited availability: The Seiko 62MAS Reissue was produced in limited quantities, making it a rare and highly sought-after watch among collectors and enthusiasts. This limited availability also adds to the watch's special status.

Overall, the Seiko 62MAS Reissue is a special watch collection that combines historical significance with modern updates and improvements, making it a highly desirable timepiece for watch collectors and enthusiasts.

Differences between original 62MAS and 62MAS Reissue

While the Seiko 62MAS Reissue pays homage to the original 62MAS, there are some notable differences between the two watches. Here are some of the key differences:

1. Case size: The original 62MAS had a case size of 37mm, while the 62MAS Reissue has larger case sizes

2. Crystal: The original 62MAS had a Hardlex mineral crystal, while the 62MAS Reissue features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

3. Movement: The original 62MAS was powered by the Seiko 6217A movement, while the 62MAS Reissue is powered by the higher-end Seiko 8L35, 6R35 & 6R15 movements.

4. Water resistance: The original 62MAS had a water resistance rating of 150 meters, while the 62MAS Reissue is water-resistant up to 200 meters.

5. Lume: While both watches have lume on the markers and hands, the lume on the 62MAS Reissue is brighter and longer-lasting than that of the original 62MAS.

6. Bezel: The bezel on the 62MAS Reissue has a slightly different shape and design than the original 62MAS, although it still features the same black and silver color scheme.

Despite these differences, the Seiko 62MAS Reissue remains a faithful tribute to the original 62MAS, with its similar design elements and overall aesthetic. The 62MAS Reissue has become a highly sought-after watch among collectors and enthusiasts, due in part to its limited availability and historical significance.

Seiko 62MAS model numbers

The Seiko 62MAS Reissue has a few different model numbers depending on the region of release. Here are the model numbers for the Seiko 62MAS Reissue: (Click on the model number to see the related parts)

• SPB051J1 (JDM version, released in Japan) / SPB051J9 / SBDC051 
• SPB053J1 (JDM version, released in Japan) / SPB053J9 / SBDC053 
• SPB077J1
• SPB079J1 (JDM version, released in Japan) 
• SPB081J1
• SPB083J1
• SPB087J1
• SPB097J1
• SLA017 / SBDX019 (International version)
• SLA037 / SBEX009
• SLA043 / SBDX039
• SBDX041
• SPB071 / SBDC055
• SBDC059
• SBDC077
• SBDC085
• SBDC101 / SPB143J1
• SBDC103 / SPB145J1
• SBDC105 / SPB147J1
• SBDC107  SPB149J1
• SBDC139 / SPB213J1
• SBDC141 / SPB239J1
• SBDC153 / SPB253J1
• SBDC163
• SBDC165 / SPB297J1

These model numbers may also be followed by additional letters or numbers that indicate variations in the watch's design or specifications. For example, the J1 designation often indicates a model with a metal bracelet, while the K1 designation indicates a model with a rubber strap.