Seiko Prospex Diver 1965 62MAS Reissue 55th Anniversary ref. SLA037J1 – Blue, High Beat movement

Few people would argue that Seiko is one of the brands that produce truly phenomenal dive watches. Regardless of the price point, Seiko always seems to deliver high quality and excellent performance. Many of the company’s designs are now considered emblematic and many of its watches – such as the absurdly popular SKX – have become icons in their own right. It’s worth remembering, however, that all of it started with a single watch – the legendary 62MAS. First released in 1965, it helped shape our modern notion of what a dive watch should be. The watch on offer here, the SLA037J1, is a retelling of its legend. It’s also a fitting celebration of the 55th anniversary of Seiko’s Prospex collection, which has become something of a benchmark in deep-water horology. Design-wise, the SLA037J1 is mostly true to the original. The case has the same boxy shape, making for a delightful vintage look that the rectangular hands and applied indices nicely complement. Whereas the original was made from 316L steel, this one is made from Seiko’s special ever-brilliant steel – a brighter, more corrosion-resistant alloy. Unsurprisingly, the crown remains just as substantial and palpable as in the original, making handling it underwater very easy and intuitive. However, while the design has been kept the same, the dimensions of the watch have been inflated. Whereas the original was by no means small, coming in at 37mm, this reissue measure 39mm by 48mm, thus making it much more comfortable while still leaving its retro aesthetic undisturbed. The edges are crisp, the angles are sharp, and the finishing is superb. In fact, when it comes to the case and dial, the SLA037J1 is easily in Grand Seiko territory. The top of the case is finely brushed in a circular pattern and the sides are polished using Grand Seiko’s Zaratsu technique resulting in a mirror finish. The dial is a slightly-brushed mix of blue and grey and the bezel is, in accordance to modern ISO standards, unidirectional.
In conclusion, the SLA0371J1 is a beautifully-executed professional instrument. It’s powered by Seiko’s hi-beat cal. 8L55 – an excellent piece of Japanese engineering, which is used as a base for Grand Seiko’s caliber 9S85. Our offering is brand new, in full set, with started warranty on 07.2020.

Covered by Seiko’s international warranty.