Seiko Prospex Diver 62MAS Interpretation SPB213J1 Fingers-On, Value

The 62MAS, also called the reference 6217-8000 or, to place it merely, Seiko’s first true dive watch, is just not solely an especially vital and fascinating watch, nevertheless it has additionally been a terrific supply of inspiration for the model. Whether or not it’s interpreted in high-end, devoted reproductions or way more accessible and fashionable items, we’ve seen this emblematic design seem in numerous types of late. Nevertheless, apart from their apparent resemblance, most of those watches had one factor in frequent: dark-toned dials. And if these darkish dials make sense when it comes to practicality and distinction, it’s additionally nice to have a dive watch with an opposing look. Welcome the cool-looking Seiko Prospex Diver 62MAS Interpretation SPB213J1. 

62MAS and SPBxxx background

Behind this watch is a well known story, that of the 62MAS or the model’s entry to the world of dive watches. Not solely was this watch Japan’s first try and make a reputation within the class, however the affect of this reference 6217-8000 was immense and helped form the very definition of a contemporary dive watch. It’s additionally the watch behind a bunch of different dive watches, consolidating the popularity Seiko enjoys right this moment. The grandfather of all Seiko dive watches, it nonetheless leaves its mark on the model’s assortment, not solely on the subject of classic re-editions however merely as a blueprint for the whole design of the vary.

Launched in 1965, the watch was a strong 37mm piece of metal, with a pointy case and strong shoulders. The case has a typical mid-Sixties look and a curved profile, in addition to the Seiko contact, with a circular-brushed floor. The watch was rated for 150m water-resistance (pretty good again then), had a screwed caseback, however the crown wasn’t screwed-down but. In the identical vein, the bezel, already that includes the basic diver’s 60-minute scale, was bidirectional.

Quick ahead to 2017, when Seiko launched the SLA017, an especially devoted and high-end re-edition of the watch. Seeing the nice potential of this watch and its historic design, the model additionally launched modernized and extra accessible editions, often called the SPB051 and SPB053. Pretty giant, at 42.6mm in diameter, the watch additionally took some liberties concerning design. And though there was nothing inherently mistaken with these fashions, there was room for enchancment. This got here in 2020, with the launch of the Prospex SPB143, SPB145, SPB147 and SPB149. Extra compact, higher outfitted, extra devoted with but a specific up to date contact, we’ve been fairly happy by this assortment of Prospex Diver 62MAS Interpretations.

And since 2021 marked the One hundred and fortieth anniversary of the inspiration of Seiko, the model has determined to deal with us to a number of restricted version fashions, together with the current watch.

The Polar 62MAS Interpretation…

To make issues clear, apart from the brand new color scheme, there may be nothing new about this Seiko Prospex Diver 62MAS Interpretation SPB213J1. It’s primarily based on the Prospex SPB143, SPB145, SPB147, and SPB149 launched in 2020 and, as such, shares equivalent proportions and specs. Nevertheless, the color is certainly a departure from the same old darkish dial discovered on this assortment and on most dive watches available on the market. Truthful sufficient, because the launch of the very first aquatic timing devices, and this additionally goes for Seiko, there’s a sure conference to make a watch with a black dial and white luminous indexes. The reason being removed from design-oriented and dominated primarily by the necessity for distinction underwater in low-light situations. However, since 99% of the house owners of recent dive watches gained’t go down past the two metres depth of a swimming pool or the occasional leap within the sea throughout summer season, why not take a number of liberties and make a watch that stands out?

I do know that {that a} white or light-toned dial on a dive watch is pretty much less environment friendly than the basic black or darkish gray dial, nevertheless it additionally ends in a distinct type on dry land, the place you’ll admittedly be more often than not. And the proposition of Seiko, with its sunray-brushed silvery-white dial and its darkish blue (however ever-changing) bezel, actually makes an impression. The enjoyable factor about this watch, not less than when it was launched, was to view it as an ideal summer season version. With its nautical theme and its lighter look that makes it brilliant and enjoyable, it ticks all of the fun-in-the-sun containers, nevertheless it is also a wonderful look ahead to the winter and happening icy slopes. All in all, it actually breaks the norm but additionally feels contemporary and funky. And in spite of everything, isn’t that each one you need in such a watch?

Again to fundamentals, and the watch itself. The Seiko Prospex Diver 62MAS Interpretation SPB213J1 is comparatively near the unique idea of the 62MAS when it comes to design, with its formed case that’s influenced (however doesn’t copy fully) the look of the 1965 mannequin – typical skin-diver with out safety across the crown. Fabricated from stainless-steel with super-hard coating, it shows a mixture of brushed surfaces with good polished edges and is, on the entire, a comparatively compact mannequin. Certainly, Seiko has not too long ago began to downsize a few of its historic-inspired watches, and this SPB213J1 follows the rule with a 40.5mm diameter, a peak of 13.2mm and a comparatively respectable lug-to-lug measurement beneath 48mm.

Although it’s a mid-range mannequin, this watch could be very nicely outfitted, with 200m water-resistance, a screw-down crown, a screwed caseback with engravings, a unidirectional bezel and a sapphire crystal over the dial. The crystal is barely domed and protrudes from the case to boost the classic look of the watch. The bezel, with 120 clicks, is provided with a blue metallic insert with a shiny floor – as a substitute of the brushed insert of the basic variations. Not solely is the look totally different, however as you may see in our photographs, the color can vary from darkish blue to a really brilliant and saturated color. Fairly cool, isn’t it?

The dial is the primary attraction right here, with its silvery-white color and sunray-brushed sample. Admittedly, the distinction between the bottom and the utilized markers and the fingers is much less environment friendly than the black or darkish gray fashions. Nonetheless, since they’re all framed by metallic parts, there’s a great distinction and clear legibility. All the main points, if not fully devoted to the 62MAS, are paying homage to this classic mannequin but enlarged. To match the bezel, each the minute monitor and the seconds hand, with its good rectangular luminous tip, have been colored in blue. A date window is positioned at 3 o’clock and is discreet sufficient to be forgiven.

Below the closed, screwed caseback is the well-known motion, the calibre 6R35 – Seiko’s mid-range computerized calibre, present in Prospex and Presage watches. This motion, an evolution of the 6R15, has an extended energy reserve of 70 hours. It beats at 3Hz and contains a stop-seconds operate.

This One hundred and fortieth Anniversary SPB213J1 is worn on a stainless-steel bracelet with super-hard coating and closed by a folding clasp with a diving extension. A superb match with the remainder of the watch, I can simply see this versatile mannequin worn on vibrant NATO straps or a blue rubber strap.

Availability & Value

The Seiko Prospex Diver 62MAS Interpretation One hundred and fortieth Anniversary SPB213J1 is a restricted version of 6,000 items and is now out there from boutiques and retailers. It’s priced at EUR 1,250.

For extra particulars, please go to www.seikowatches.com.