Seiko Introduces the Diver’s Watch 55th Anniversary Trilogy
62MAS, Hi-Beat, and Tuna remakes.
Seiko has been on a hot streak with its remakes of vintage dive watches, including the Hi-Beat 6159 of 2018 and last year’s “Turtle” 6105.
With 2020 being the 55th anniversary of its first dive watch, Seiko is reissuing three of its most well-liked vintage dive watches, the Hi-Beat 6215, the 62MAS 6217, and the “Tuna” 6159. All three remakes features notable upgrades, including the use of a new alloy named Ever-Brilliant Steel that is notably corrosion resistant.
(And for those on a less-ambitious budget, the line-up also includes an affordable 62MAS remake – see this at the bottom of the story.)
The vintage originals (from left): Hi-Beat 6215, the 62MAS 6217, and the “Tuna” 6159
Used for the first time in watchmaking according to Seiko, Ever-Brilliant Steel has a more silvery appearance than the steel alloy most commonly used in watchmaking – 316L or “surgical steel” – but more crucially, the alloy has better corrosion resistant.
Specifically, Seiko says Ever-Brilliant Steel has a pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) of 1.7 times 316L steel. With 316L steel having a PREN of around 25, Ever-Brilliant Steel should surpass 40 – usually the benchmark for materials uses for marine applications.
The Ever-Brilliant Steel case of the SLA037
The 1965 Diver’s Re-creation “62MAS” (ref. SLA037 or SBEX009) is a remake of Seiko’s first ever dive watch. Measuring 39.9 mm by 14.7 mm, the case is larger than the original, and of course made from Ever-Brilliant Steel. And the dial is a metallic blue-grey that’s unique to the 55th anniversary line-up.
More notable, it is powered by the 8L55, a high-frequency movement operating at 36,000 beats per hour. It’s the highest-end mechanical movement used in Prospex dive watches, which also explains the retail price of a bit over US$6,000.
Based on the ref. 6215-7000 diver of 1968, the 1968 Professional Diver’s 300m Re-creation (ref. SLA039 or SBEX011) is a large, chunky watch with a one-piece case, just like the original, but now in Seiko’s new steel alloy.
Like the 62MAS remake, the dial is the same metallic blue-grey, and it is also equipped with the high-beat 8L55 movement.
And the last of the trio is the 1975 Professional Diver’s 600m Re-creation (ref. SLA041 or SBDX035), which is modelled on the ref. 6159-7010 “Tuna”.
Like the original, it has an inner titanium case surround by a black ceramic shroud, but it boasts several notable improvements. First, the bezel is Ever-Brilliant Steel, and the depth rating is 1000 m, as compared to 600 m on the original.
And the dial is made of pure iron, giving the watch enhanced magnetism of 40,000 A/m – hence the additional red lettering on the dial.
Because the “Tuna” remake is powered by the 8L35, a more ordinary calibre running at 28,800 beats per hour, it also costs less than the other two high-frequency divers.
Though each is a limited edition of 1,100 watches, the first 100 of each model will be sold together in a three-piece set packaged in a large box.
The 55th anniversary range also includes the 1965 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation (ref. SPB149 or SBDC107), a modern take on the 62MAS with a slightly larger case and entry-level movement.
Limited to 5,500 watches and priced at US$1,350, this remake has the blue-grey anniversary dial, but the case is in standard 316L steel. It is equipped with the 6R35 automatic movement.
Key facts
Seiko Diver’s Watch 55th Anniversary 1965 Diver’s Re-creation “62MAS”
Ref. SLA037 (SBEX009 in Japan)
Diameter: 39.9 mm
Height: 14.7 mm
Material: Steel
Water resistance: 200 m
Movement: 8L55
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 55 hours
Strap: Silicone with pin buckle
Limited edition: 1,100 watches
Availability: From July 2020 at Seiko boutiques and retailers
Price: US$6,300, or ¥650,000 (prices exclude tax)
Seiko Diver’s Watch 55th Anniversary 1968 Professional Diver’s 300m Re-creation “Hi-Beat”
Ref. SLA039 (SBEX011 in Japan)
Diameter: 44.8 mm
Height: 15.7 mm
Material: Steel
Water resistance: 300 m
Movement: 8L55
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 55 hours
Strap: Silicone with pin buckle
Limited edition: 1,100 watches
Availability: From August 2020 at Seiko boutiques and retailers
Price: US$6,800, or ¥700,000 (prices exclude tax)
Seiko Diver’s Watch 55th Anniversary 1975 Professional Diver’s 600m Re-creation “Tuna”
Ref. SLA041 (SBDX035 in Japan)
Diameter: 52.4 mm
Height: 17.2 mm
Material: Titanium inner case with steel bezel and ceramic shroud
Water resistance: 1000 m
Movement: 8L35
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours
Strap: Silicone with pin buckle
Limited edition: 1,100 watches
Availability: From September 2020 at Seiko boutiques and retailers
Price: US$4,500, or ¥450,000 (prices exclude tax)
Seiko Diver’s Watch 55th Anniversary 1965 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation “62MAS”
Ref. SPB149 (SBDC107 in Japan)
Diameter: 40.5 mm
Height: 13.2 mm
Material: Steel
Water resistance: 200 m
Movement: 6R35
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 70 hours
Strap: Steel bracelet, and additional silicon strap
Limited edition: 5,500 watches
Availability: From June 2020 at Seiko boutiques and retailers
Price: US$1,350, or ¥140,000 (prices exclude tax)
For more, visit Seikowatches.com.
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