2024 Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver's Re-creation LE

In the early 1960s, Seiko began work on the development of a robust tool watch that could withstand the harshest underwater environments. By 1965, the company was ready to unveil its first professional dive watch—the reference 6217-8001, affectionately known to collectors as the "62MAS" (autoMAtic Selfdater). Equipped with an automatic caliber, a skin-diver case, and a highly legible dial, the watch accompanied members of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition from 1966 to 1969, successfully laying the foundation for Seiko’s legendary dive watch heritage.

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To celebrate this milestone in 2023, Seiko introduced the Prospex SJE093 as a limited edition of 1,965 pieces that paid tribute to that highly coveted vintage model. While not the first modern watch inspired by the 62MAS, this edition is the most faithful reinterpretation to date, maintaining the vintage-correct 38mm case that collectors had been clamoring for. Seiko even replicated the classic grey sunray dial, the prominent blocky indices, and the textured tropic strap. All-in-all the watch remains remarkably clean and focused, capturing the distinct aesthetic and utilitarian charm of the mid-century skin diver.

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Where this modern reissue differs from the 1965 original is in its upgraded materials and engineering. The new watch foregoes the old acrylic crystal for a box-shaped sapphire crystal, and its water resistance has been pushed from 150 meters up to a modern, ISO-compliant 200 meters. In addition, Seiko employed its slimline automatic Caliber 6L37, allowing the watch to maintain a remarkably svelte 12.5mm profile on the wrist. Already an excellent proposition as a modern daily wearer, the example here is sweetened by the fact that it was purchased in 2024 and never worn, offering the next collector an opportunity to own an SJE093 from as-new condition.