1966 Seiko Divers "62MAS" Big Crown 6217-8001
Ref: 6217-8001
Specification
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Seiko box or Seiko papers. The watch comes paired with a very nice 19mm vintage-style leather strap with a steel buckle. The watch is from Circa. 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 comes fresh from full service. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jTEaPVfpSkO85ST8AtV6T0FIgBNh2oy3?usp=sharing
4K YouTube video, skip to 23:16 - https://youtu.be/OWen3FoSmZg
The Watch
We have here a 1966 Seiko Divers "62MAS" Big Crown 6217-8001, 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 fantastic condition is rare. Its 38mm stainless steel case, large for its time, has a curved profile making it very comfortable on the wrist, and a lug-to-lug length of 46mm and a case thickness of 13mm give the watch an impressive wrist presence. The edges of this example are razor-sharp and untouched, on the right side is a large original signed “Big” crown. The ridged bezel has a black insert with 60-minute markings and a lume pip at 12 o’clock. A heavily domed acrylic crystal is fitted above the black dial, which has turned a shade of grey in certain lights. Large applied baton markers with lume-infilled centres 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 centre seconds hand with a lume tip. At 12 o’clock we have the applied Seiko motif "Automatic" underneath and at 6 o’clock "Water 150 Proof Diashock 17 Jewels" completes this incredible vintage dive tool watch. On the reverse, is a screw-down case back with the Seiko Dolphin in the centre, inside we have the automatic Seiko 6217, 17 jewels beating at a leisurely 18,000 beats per hour with a quick set date. The watch comes fitted on a 19mm vintage-style leather strap with a pin buckle.
Personal Note
I always keep an eye out for vintage Seiko "62MAS" but they rarely come up and when they do the condition usually leaves something to be desired, but not this reference 6217-8001 we have here! The case is incredibly sharp, the dial and hands are lovely and it just creams perfection, fresh from service and priced to fly, so jump on it before you regret missing out on one because who knows how long it will be until I get another great one in!
The Brand
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 mono-pusher. 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.