As has been the case in recent years, for 2020 Seiko continues to remake it’s most popular diver’s watches from the past, which started with the 62MAS-010 in 1965. This watch not only represents Seiko’s first dive watch — it’s also the first Japanese dive watch.
On this occasion Seiko’s launching not one but four remakes, although only two are based on the 62MAS 6217 design. The other two are based on the Hi-Beat 6215 and the Tuna 6159.
For the three most expensive of the new models (pictured top), Seiko used a new stainless steel alloy called Ever-Brillant steel. Like Rolex which uses 904L stainless steel, and Chopard which uses a new alloy called Lucent Steel A223 (on their Alpine Eagle collection) — is more corrosion resistant than the 316L stainless steel used on most steel watches.
The unique alloy is also supposed to have a slightly more silvery appearance than standard 316L as well as what Seiko says is a pitting resistance that’s 1.7 times better than 316L steel. Whether any of the alloys are more effective at curtailing corrosion in real-life use than 316L is debatable (because watches do not sit in the water the same amount of time as say a boat which might utilize marine-grade steel that has a high resistance to pitting). Nevertheless, the three Ever-Brillant steel dive watches carry a significant premium over the fourth diver’s watch that was part of this launch.
The 1965 Diver’s “62MAS” remake (Ref. SLA037) comes in Ever-Brillant steel, measures 39.9 mm x 14.7 mm, has a metallic blue-gray dial, and is powered by 5Hz high beat automatic caliber 8L55 with a 55-hour power reserve. Retail is $6,300.
The 1968 Professional Diver’s 300M remake (Ref. SLA039) is based on the Ref. 6215-7000 diver from 1968, comes in Ever-Brillant steel, measures 44.8 mm x 15.7 mm, has a metallic blue-gray dial, and is powered by 5Hz high beat automatic caliber 8L55 with a 55-hour power reserve. Retail is $6,800.
The 1975 Professional Diver’s remake (Ref. SLA041) is based on the Ref. 6159-7010 “Tuna” from 1975, comes with an Ever-Brillant steel bezel, titanium inner case, and ceramic shroud. The case measures 52.4 mm x 17.2 mm and the watch is powered by 4Hz automatic caliber 8L35 with a 50-hour power reserve. Water-resistance is rated to 1,000 meters. The dial is made of pure iron, giving the watch enhanced magnetism of 40,000 A/m, noted by the red lettering on the dial. Retail is $4,500.
Each of the three aforementioned Seiko diver remakes comes in a limited edition of 1,100 watches, is equipped with dark-blue silicone straps with pin buckles, and the first 100 of each model will be sold together in a three-piece set.
Last of the Seiko diver’s remakes, but not least, is the 1965 Diver’s Modern 62MAS remake (Ref. SPB149) which does not come in an Ever-Brillant stainless steel case, nor is it driven by a high-beat 5Hz movement. But it does come in a well-sized 40.5 mm x 13.2 mm case, is water-resistant to 200 meters, and is powered by 3Hz automatic caliber 6R35 that’s good for 70-hours of power reserve. With the premium steel or higher grade mechanical movement, the price is much more accessible than the other three at $1,350. Yet you still get the same blue-gray 55th-anniversary dial blue-gray and both a silicone strap and a steel bracelet to boot. This model is limited to 5,500 pieces.
