2017 Seiko Prospex Diver Limited Edition '62MAS' 40mm SLA017

The 2017 Seiko Prospex Diver Limited Edition "62MAS" SLA017 is a faithful modern reinterpretation of their very first professional dive watch, the Seiko 6217-8000/1, nicknamed the 62MAS. Released at BaselWorld 2017, it is limited to 2,000 pieces and is made at their Shizuku-ishi Watch Studio in Morioka, overseen by chief designer Nobuhiro Kosugi. Featuring a 40mm stainless steel case with curves in all the right places, leading to drilled lugs that have a lug-to-lug length of 47.5mm and a thickness of 14mm, giving the watch an impressive wrist presence. The watch is coated with DiaShield, a proprietary material developed by Seiko, which provides resistance to scratches and scuffs. Satin-brushed and Zaratsu-polished lines transitioned with crisp edges. On the right side is a screw-down crown. The unidirectional bezel has a striking 60-minute black insert coated in a hardened material. A box-shaped, sapphire-crystal, AR-coated piece resembling the vintage Plexiglass used on the original sits above the sunburst grey dial. An outer minute track with lume plots surrounds applied 3D embossed batons filled with LumiBrite marks that indicate the hours. At 3 o’clock, a framed date window. Broad Arrow and sword hands with LumiBrite infill are complemented by a steel sweeping second hand. At 12 o’clock, the Seiko motif “Automatic” is printed underneath, and “Divers 200m Diashock 26 Jewels” completes this faithful modern reinterpretation. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with details surrounding a dolphin, similar to the original, is centred, inside an automatic Seiko Cal. 8L35, 26 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour, the movement features hand-winding and hacking functionality for your convenience. Based on the Grand Seiko calibre 9S55, it is hand-assembled at the Shizuku-Ishi Watch Studio in Morioka. It comes paired with its Seiko 19mm silicone strap with the same pyramid texture as the original 62MAS, plus a Seiko 19mm rubber strap in the box. The set also comes with its Seiko presentation box, swing tags, and papers.

This watch is sold with its original Seiko box, swing tags and paperwork. It comes paired with its Seiko 19mm silicone strap with the same pyramid texture as the original 62MAS, plus a Seiko 19mm rubber strap in the box. The watch is from July 2017 and is sold in worn and enjoyed condition, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.

This Limited Edition Seiko SLA017 is a faithful homage to the original Seiko Diver "62MAS" but beefed up to modern proportions for those who enjoy a larger watch, though don't be fooled, it still wears incredibly well on the wrist and looks fantastic, especially paired with the vintage-style Tropic, which only emphasises the "tool watch" feel of this model. I would not hesitate to book an appointment and see this one in the metal today!

Reference : SLA017 (8L35-00N0)
Movement : Automatic Seiko Cal. 8L35
Age : July 2017
Year : 2017
Case Size : 40mm
Case Thickness : 14mm
Lug to Lug : 47.5mm
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Seiko's 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. The Seiko Lord Marvel, introduced in 1958, was Seiko's first luxury watch, predating the well-known Grand Seiko. It was designed to rival Swiss brands with a refined design and higher specifications. In 1967, Seiko launched the calibre 5740C watch movement, a significant upgrade over the earlier calibre 5740A, which beat at 18,000, and the 5740B, which beat at 19800. This movement was special because it allowed the watch to run at a high speed of 36,000 beats per hour, making it Japan's first high-frequency watch. In fact, it was only the second watch movement of its kind in the world, following one released by a Swiss brand just a few months earlier. 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 Calibre 6217, which was later given the nickname “62MAS” by collectors. King Seiko and Grand Seiko emerged as prominent lines within the Seiko brand, with King Seiko making its debut in 1961 as a distinguished luxury watch collection. Grand Seiko, on the other hand, has consistently set the standard for exceptional craftsmanship and precision engineering. In 1965, Seiko introduced a groundbreaking manual-wind movement featuring 25 jewels and hacking seconds, coinciding with the launch of the second-generation KSK series, which boasted sharp, angular cases and robust, flat-ended lugs. The King Seiko KCM was introduced in 1969, featuring a chronometer-certified movement that operates at an impressive 36,000 beats per hour, along with a sleek C-shaped stainless steel case. In 1975, the King and Grand Quartz brands were introduced, built at the Suwa Seikosha and Daini Seikosha factories. In 1977, a high-end Twin Quartz Cal. 92 was produced until 1979, when the 97KQ and 99KQ were introduced. The final 1981 King Quartz Cal. 94KQ movement remained in production until Seiko ended the King Seiko line in 1985. Despite the challenges during the Quartz crisis of the 1970s that led to the gradual shutdown of King Seiko production, Seiko made a comeback in 2022 by reintroducing the classic King Seiko collection. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches.