1966 Seiko Automatic "62MAS" Diver 6217-8001 Rare
Ref: 6217-8001

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Seiko box or Seiko papers. Included is a receipt for the full service it received this year and the old crystal in a NOS packet that was used for the watch. The watch comes paired on a very nice Tropic rubber strap with a steel buckle. The watch is from January 1966 and is in worn, vintage condition as you can see from the photos. Overall, however, the watch is in very good condition for its age and the dial is completely original and never touched. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

Seikos history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892 Seikosha was established to make wall clocks. 1895 saw the production of their first pocket watch. 1913 saw the launch of their first wristwatch, the Laurel. In 1924 the first Seiko was manufactured. Daini Seikosha (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) was established in 1937. Seiko was listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory became independent and formed Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959). In 1956 Seiko launched Marvel as their first true in-house-made watch; they continued to make this watch until 1959. Japan’s first chronograph watch was introduced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; it was called the Seiko Crown Chronograph monopusher. Not stopping there Seiko launched Japan's first true divers watch the Seiko Diver’s 150M fitted with the automatic Caliber 6217 which later was given the nickname “62MAS” by collectors. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches and many more.

We have here a 1966 Seiko “62MAS'' probably one of the best examples you’ll have seen in a while. The letters MAS come from seikoMAtic Selfdater, the cal. 62 was fitted to the Seikomatic 8000 range. First released in 1965. Seiko saw an opportunity to capture the recreational and professional dive market, such as saturation divers and welders. At 150m water resistance it was a true tool watch of its day, therefore finding examples in such original untouched condition is so rare. Its 38mm stainless steel case, large for its time, has a curved profile making it very comfortable on the wrist. Its polished sides are met by brushed lugs. The edges on this example are razor-sharp and untouched. On the right side is a large original signed crown. The ridged bezel has a black insert with 60-minute markings and a lume pip at 12 o’clock which was re-lumed. A heavily domed acrylic crystal is fitted above the black dial. Large applied baton markers with lume-infilled centers sit majestically above the dial, marking the hours. A date window is recessed at 3 o’clock. Broad baton hands with lume complemented with a center seconds hand with a lume tip. On the reverse, is a screw-down case back.  Inside we have the Automatic Seiko 6217, 17 jewels beating at 18,000 beats per hour with a quick set date. The watch comes fitted on a 19mm Tropic rubber strap and included is a receipt for the full service it received this year and the old crystal in a NOS packet that was used for the watch.

Personal Note

We have been fortunate to have sold possibly the best example to hit the market, a new old stock reference with remnants of the original sticker throughout the case. Whilst this one isn't new old stock, it is still beautifully preserved and original and just screams to be worn and enjoyed! This to me is exactly what Seiko is all about, creating some of the best tools for the job and originally at prices that were difficult to beat, they knew exactly what they were doing and they were the tool of choice for so many! Due to this, it is incredibly hard to find examples this clean and this well preserved, hence the rarity and the desirability! So if you've been after one, don't sleep on this one as who knows when we will next get a good one.