1967 Seiko '62MAS' 6217-8001
The 62MAS first appears in an official Seiko publication in the July 1965 issue of Seiko newsletter, where it is called “Seikomatic Calendar Diver’s Watch 62MAS”. It is then written that there is enough luminous agent on the indexes to allows good visibility even in deep water, where there is little light, and that the watch is equipped with a rotating bezel. The first version of the 62MAS, with the small crown and reference 6217-8000, was produced for a very short period, which is assumed to be only three months: April, May and June of 1965. The improved version, with the larger crown and reference 6217-8001, was produced for a longer period and in greater quantities, so it is easier to find.
Information:
Reference: 6217-8001
Serial: 7,30X,XXX
Year: 1967
Bezel: Aluminum bezel - turned blue haze color - marks and missing pip
Dial: Grey sunburst dial - re-lumed in the past
Bracelet: Black tropical rubber strap
Case Size: 37mm x 13mm Thickness - Stainless Steel
Lug Width: 19mm
Movement: 6217A - Serviced 2024 - Automatic
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
Accessories: Watch Only
Crystal: Plexiglass
Bracelet size: 7.5”
Condition:
Case is in great shape with no gashes and only showing light normal wear. Strap is in great overall shape. Bezel has become a blue hue with marks on it and missing the pip. The dial is in great shape with remnants of being relumed in the past. Hands have matching lume with some loss in minute hand. Watch was recently serviced and runs great but when your turn the crown the dial moves slightly(perfectly normal).
History of Seiko Watches
Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.
The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition.
The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.
