Introducing the SJE093: A Modern Re-edition of Seiko’s First-ever Diver’s Watch

When Seiko revealed the 62MAS (Ref. 6217-8000/1) in 1965, it was the brand’s (and Japan’s) first-ever diver’s watch. Used by members of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition from 1966 to 1969, the timepiece, with its automatic movement and 150-metre water resistance, proved its mettle and soon earned itself a solid fan base among the world’s adventurers. 

Over the years, the brand has produced a wide range of diver’s watches, inspired by the 62MAS. But the just-launched Seiko Prospex 1965 Divers Re-creation 62MAS Limited Edition SJE093 — with design details and dimensions that are almost identical to the original — is the closest ever recreation of the 62MAS. 

The latest addition to the Prospex collection, the Seiko Prospex 1965 Divers Re-creation 62MAS Limited Edition SJE093 is powered by the brand new Caliber 6L37, the first movement from the slimline 6L family, made expressly for diver’s watches. It offers a power reserve of 45 hours and beats at a frequency of 4Hz. Armed with the same accuracy and power reserve as the 6L35 movement, coupled with modern upgrades in terms of construction, material, durability, and shock resistance, the 38 mm watch meets all the strict standards of a Seiko Prospex diver’s watch. The movement’s slim construction allows it to be thinner than the original version, 0.5 mm thinner to be exact. The angular stainless steel case is also similar to the original one as are the integrated lugs and the 3 o’clock crown.

The Seiko Prospex 1965 Divers Re-creation 62MAS Limited Edition SJE093 has a box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, and 200 metres of water resistance for greater reliability. While the strap is a tribute to the original, it’s reproduced in high-strength silicone for improved durability and comfort. The dial — with the sunray-brushed dark grey base and the fonts — also remains faithful to the original. The hands and all 12 markers, including the marker by the date window and the pip on the unidirectional bezel, are filled with Lumibrite to facilitate legibility in low-light conditions. The caseback also harks back to the past; it sports the same dolphin emblem as the 1965 watch. The special box that houses the watch echoes the retro feel of the Seiko diver’s watches from the 1960s. The Seiko SJE093 will be available at Seiko Boutiques and select retail stores worldwide as a limited edition of 1,965 from August 2023.

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