1966 Seiko Divers "62MAS" Big Crown Automatic 38mm 6217-8001

We have here a lovely, honest 1966 Seiko Divers "62MAS" Big Crown 6217-8001. 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. 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 surprisingly sharp for its age and use; on the right side is a large original signed “Big” crown. The ridged bezel has a black insert which has gone grey with 60-minute markings and a missing lume pip at 12 o’clock. A heavily domed acrylic crystal is fitted above the black dial, which has turned a shade of grey. 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 by 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, there is a screw-down case back with the Seiko Dolphin in the centre. Inside, we have the automatic Seiko 6217A, 17 jewels, beating at a leisurely 18,000 beats per hour, with a quick-set date. The watch comes paired with a well-suited 19mm leather strap with a pin buckle.

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Seiko box or Seiko papers. The watch comes paired with a well-suited 19mm leather strap with a steel buckle. The watch is from Circa. March 1966, and is in worn, vintage original condition, as you can see from the photos. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

Some watches look better when they have some age and wear, and a vintage Seiko 62MAS is one of those watches. This is an honest 1966 Seiko Divers "62MAS" Big Crown, reference 6217-8001, which comes in an impressive 38mm case and wears perfectly on the wrist. The grey tone of the dial and the way the bezel has turned a similar colour is amazing. This example has clearly lived a life, and if only it could tell us some of those stories, who knows where this watch has been and on whose wrist. Snap this incredible watch up today and add it to your collection!

Reference : 6217-8001
Movement : Automatic Seiko Cal. 6217A
Age : Circa. March 1966
Year : 1966
Case Size : 38mm
Case Thickness : 13mm
Lug to Lug : 46.5mm
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

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 Calibre 6217, which was later 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.