The foundation of watch culture is one of firsts. It’s a timeline bursting at the seams with milestones, and just as important, the names etched into them; the first water proof watch, the first automatic chronograph, the first watch on the moon. The history of every brand is a bullet pointed list of achievements and firsts, and often determines their perceived position within a hierarchy of importance to the industry and collectors. Firsts are also important to enthusiasts. We remember our first watch purchase, our first rare collectible, and of course, the acquisition of our first “grail.” 

Seiko may have too many firsts to count. They are a brand that has thrived on innovation and a determination to gain recognition on a playing field where the referees skew favor to the Swiss. Built on an island nation, it shouldn’t be any surprise that a large section of Seiko heritage is their contribution to the history of diver’s watches. The 6159-7010 was the first diver’s watch to be housed in a titanium case, and more than 20 patents were granted for its laundry list of other firsts. Seiko also created the worlds first quartz saturation diver, and the first computerized diver’s watch. Earlier Seiko divers like the 6309 “Turtle” and the 6105 “Capt. Willard” are icons of design, and are often the first pieces new converts are attempting to acquire. 

The story of Seiko diving breakthroughs can be traced back to one watch. After dipping their toes in the water with the 50m SilverWave in 1961, Seiko began development of its first true diver, and in July of 1965 released the 150m 6217-8000, or 62MAS. The name is a shorthand abbreviation for the 62 base calibre, followed by its AutoMAtic Selfdater designation. The early 8000 had a very short production run that was almost immediately replaced by the 8001, which featured a larger crown and heavier embossing of the case back markings. The case architecture is familiar for divers watches of the era. Crisp corners and sloping short lugs bring the dial and bezel into focus. Drilled lugs make for quick strap changes, and a tight concentric circular brush finish helps to dampen bright reflections from the top of the mid-case. It’s topped with a thin, but well balanced “coin edge” bezel with a glossy black “count up” insert and luminous pip at zero. It offers bi-directional rotation through a friction ring design. The dial is a rich charcoal sunburst with a lacquer finish and large rectangular applied markers. Each marker is a polished frame with a well of bright green luminous, and a framed date window is positioned at three o’clock. The hands are long, broad batons with ample luminous, and the sweep is thin and reaching with a luminous window near the tip. The crown is easy to maneuver, and the case back is a proper screw down style. Like the 8000, the earlier 8001’s featured Seiko’s dolphin motif to denote water resistance, but during the 1967 production year, was replaced with the horseshoe style markings. Housed inside is Seiko’s 6217A. A 17j, 18000 bph workhorse that was also used in the first World Time model in ‘64, and would go on to provide the foundation for the 62GS.

Another first worth mentioning is that this marks our first opportunity to present an 8000 (small crown) variant. Acquiring any example required an enormous measure of patience. This is a reference that was only in production for three months in all of history; April, June, and July of 1965. Discovering the serial number (“54”) put this one among the April lot was exciting enough. Seeing the next digits (“00760”) likely puts this in the very first run of 62MAS ever produced is the kind of detail our community lives for. Coupling the bonafides and the condition of this piece makes for a truly extraordinary find. The original luminous material is almost completely free of degradation, and among the best preserved we’ve ever seen. The hands and markers bear only light oxidation and have mostly retained their original mirror finish. The charcoal sunburst dial finish is perfect, without a single blemish. The bezel shows only light wear and has an incredible gradient blue fade. The original pip is even intact, and has developed a perfect tawny patina. The case is unpolished and the factory finishes are crisp. The case back markings have softened a great deal, but can still be viewed with proper lighting. It’s completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and post service is keeping near perfect time. We’ve paired it with a supple “Tropic” from Uncle Seiko for a comfortable finish that’s very close the original. If an earlier example still exists, we haven’t seen it, and few of either variant are as well preserved. This is a once in a lifetime piece, and a true “grail” by any measure.

Uncle Seiko “Tropic” Black Composite Rubber

Serviced 12/8/22

Diameter- 38mm

Lugs- 19mm