New: Seiko 62MAS modern interpretation Seiko SLA065

Today, Seiko introduces a new re-interpretation of this celebrated 1965 diver’s watch with a dial whose design evokes centuries-old synergy of technology and seafaring. The watch is limited to 1300 pieces and is priced at €3,000.

Press Release information with commentary in italics.

New: Seiko 62MAS modern interpretation Seiko SLA065

Commentary

Seiko diver watches are probably the most collected category among Seiko fans, thanks to their value-for-money proposition across varying price ranges. The Seiko 62MAS (autoMAtic Selfdater) was first ever diver’s watch from Seiko, and was introduced in 1965. It was designed for reliability and legibility under harsh conditions and was used by the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition from 1966 to 1969. The watch’s significance is far from just meeting the stringent standards set by the Expedition, but it was hugely popular in the leisure diving community and even with a wider public and set Seiko on the path of being the supremo in diving watches.

The SLA065 is comfortable on the wrist and fits well despite its relatively tall 13.1mm thickness. It is now issued in a larger 41mm case instead of the 39mm case in the SLA017 reissue. The watch is water resistant to 200 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear. Overall, the Seiko Prospex SLA065 is a great choice for anyone looking for a fun daily beater. The combination of high-quality case finish and craftsmanship, along with the mechanical movement, make the new 62MAS reissue a standout choice. The watch is limited to 1300 pieces.

Release Details

As part of Prospex’s mission to contribute to the greater understanding and preservation of the world’s oceans, Seiko delivers financial and other support to chosen marine charities. One of these is an underwater archaeology project whose aim is to explore historical sites to protect their cultural heritage for future generations. Among these sites is one close to the Greek island of Fournoi where lie many ships that sank in the 4th century CE. Researchers are surveying and excavating them to learn more about the marine trading system in the Mediterranean at that time.

The dial pattern of new diver’s watch is inspired by the astrolabe, the ancient navigational tool that seafarers, perhaps including some of those who braved the rocky coastlines of Fournoi, used to determine the latitude and time of their location based on the position of the stars and the sun, and so assist their navigation.

While the watch’s design reflects its heritage, every aspect of this new creation is fully up to date in specification and execution. The watch is powered by Caliber 8L35, developed especially for diver’s watches and hand-assembled by Seiko’s most skilled craftsmen and women. The movement’s rigidity and accuracy ensure the highest possible levels of performance in the most demanding environments, both on land and under water.

The bevel between the upper case and case side, as well as the surface around the bezel display, are Zaratsu polished to a distortion-free mirror finish to achieve a modern sharpness. All twelve-hour markers have a generous coating of Lumibrite, as do the hands, and the crystal is a dual-curved sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface to ensure high legibility from every angle. The strap is produced in silicone for greater strength and comfort.

This watch joins the Save the Ocean series and will be available as a limited edition of 1,300 from February 2023 at the Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.

Caliber 8L35
Driving system: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second) 
Power reserve: 50 hours
Number of jewels: 26

Specifications:
Stainless steel case with super-hard coating
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
Screw case back. Screw-down crown.
LumiBrite on hands and indexes
Water resistance: 200m diver’s
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 41.3mm, Thickness: 13.1mm
Silicone strap
Recommended retail price in Europe: €3,000
Limited edition of 1,300