Earlier this month, Seiko unveiled a new recreation of the brand’s first-ever diver’s watch, now with a modern slimline movement.
The year 1965 was when Japan saw their first diver’s timepiece being created, by none other than Seiko. This 1965 diver’s watch came packed with a reliable and robust automatic movement, as well as the case being able to withstand a water resistance of 150m. The watch wasn’t just reliable on “paper”, as it proved useful when the members of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition used the timepiece from 1966 to 1969.
Seiko’s 1965 divers timepiece would serve as inspiration for a range of diver’s watches created by the brand in the years that followed. Much like the Japanese Antarctic team, the newer diver’s watches created by Seiko were favoured by professional divers and adventurers alike. This all-new faithful recreation of Seiko’s original diver’s watch will be no different.
The re-creation of the 1965’s divers timepiece will be released into the brand’s Prospex collection and will have the codename 62MAS. The external characteristics of this re-creation such as the dimensions, and visual design will be virtually identical to the 1965 model, while the internal characteristics will be modern and up-to-date with Seiko’s latest technology and movements.
The 62MAS is identical in design to the original 1965 model. The modern timepiece includes large rectangular hour indices, with the 12 o’clock being almost double in size. Like the original, the 62MAS has been filled with SuperLumi-Nova as well, with the modern re-interpretation using Lumibrite to enhance legibility in low-light conditions. Other similarities include the 3 o’clock date design, the pip on the uni-directional bezel, the minute track details to the 60-minute counter layout on the bezel itself. The stainless steel case construction has, however, now been upgraded to have a 200m water resistance rather than the 150m that was on the original.
Inside the new 62MAS timepiece is Seiko’s new Calibre 6L37 movement. This movement is Seiko’s first from the 6L slimline family to be made specifically for diver’s watches. Seiko has taken the accuracy and power reserve from the 6L35 movement from the 6L slimline family and given it modifications by using new materials and different movement construction. The durability and shock resistance are now up to the standard of a Seiko Prospex diver’s watch. The calibre 6L37 movement operates at a high frequency of 28, 800 VpH and gives out a power reserve of approximately 45 hours.
The 62MAS comes with a high-strength silicone strap that pays homage to the original, while this modern version is designed for greater durability and comfort. This faithful re-interpretation brings back an icon into the world of modern watches. What was Japan’s first diver’s timepiece is now back in Seiko’s lineup with one of the brand’s best diving movements. The Seiko Prospex The 1965 Diver’s re-creation is a limited edition timepiece with only 1965 models being produced, to reference to iconic birth year of Japan’s first diver’s watch.
References: SJE093
Specification:
- Case: 38.00 mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Grey sunburst effect
- Crystal: Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
- Case Back: Screwed-down, stainless steel with dolphin emblem
- Water resistance: 200 meters
- Movement: Calibre 6L37 movement
- Power reserve: 45 Hours
- Bracelet: High-strength silicone strap.
