62MAS Reissued ONCE AGAIN!

This year marks the 55th anniversary for Seiko’s involvement with divers watch, and of course there should be no surprises that Seiko’s first diver, the 62MAS, has been revived once again to commemorate their success in the watch industry. With the reference as the grandfather of all Seiko’s divers watch, the influence it had for Seiko watch models to comes in terms of design, measurements, and even the specifications are bound to somewhat similar to its ancestor. The latest 62MAS reissued makeover are available in four different versions:

Seiko Prospex SPB143, SPB145, SPB147, And SPB149 (62MAS) Photo taken from Hodinkee

・SPB143J1 – grey dial, white bezel scale, stainless steel bracelet

・SPB145J1 – green dial, white bezel scale, stainless steel bracelet (not photographed here)

・SPB147J1 – dark brown ‘gilt’ dial, cream bezel scale, black silicone strap

・SPB149J1 – blue dial, white bezel scale, stainless steel bracelet and blue silicone strap included – this version is a limited edition of 5,500 pieces

FKM01A-20A18BIW01 22mm Straight End Black FKM Rubber Quick Release Watch Band, Brushed on the SPB149J1

We were fortunate enough to get our hands on the SPB149J1 limited edition of 5,500 copies, so more details about the specific model will be mentioned. The connection with the new 62MAS to the original Seiko dive watch is obvious, with the blocky case sides, squared-off lugs and prominent crown at 3 o’clock. While the crown was originally placed there, by 1968, Seiko had shifted the crown to the 4 o’clock position that we are used to seeing to this day.

20B20ERG60C2B031 Navy Blue Quick Release Canvas Watch Strap, 20 mm on the SPB149J1

The black 60-minute bezel is also consistent and greatly resembles with the original from 1965. However, in the new Seiko SPB149J1 model, it is much wider which frames the dark blue dial. The dial of the Seiko SPB149J is finished with a sunburst that radially casts light across the surface.

MC201620B003B-AA 20mm Tapered “SHARK” Mesh Band Stainless Steel Watch Bracelet, V-Clasp, Brushed on SPB149J1

Each of the hour markers are thickened and bulked, which resembles greatly to the original 62MAS. One of my personal favorite with the SPB149J1 is definitely the gold color used on the seconds hand, which is the same as the color used on the texts”Diver’s 200m”.

20B18BBU54N9I16 20mm Strong Texture Woven Nylon Military Green Watch Strap, Brushed on the SPB149J1

Another change with the New 62MAS is that the bracelet come in a brushed stainless steel bracelet, instead of the tropic-style rubber strap. However, the SPB149J1 includes both the rubber strap and stainless steel bracelet.

20E16PBU63S6B29 20mm Blue Quick Release Italian Suede Leather Watch Strap, Blue on the SPB149J1

Another obvious difference, though you can’t see it, is the movement. The Seiko SPB149J1 is powered by the caliber 6R35, which boosts up to 70 hours of power reserve.

SS201820BBK058S 20mm Angus-J Louis JUB 316L Stainless Steel Watch Bracelet Straight End, PVD Black, V-Clasp on the SPB149J1

The screw-down crown guarantees 200m of water resistance, another upgrade from the original which was 150m. Of course, not every change is bound to be a crowdpleaser as the SPB149J1 also comes with a higher price slightly higher than usual at $1,350. However, the fact that it comes with both steel bracelet and an additional silicone strap, which adds some value back in. The SPB149J is limited to 5,500 pieces worldwide, the SPB149J1 seems like this is the closest 62MAS-inspired reissue that Seiko enthusiasts have been finally waiting for.

20B18BBU63K1A81 20mm Black Woven Texture Watch Strap, Black Stitching, Brushed on the SPB149J1

Brand: Seiko
Model: Prospex Diver
Reference Number:
  SPB143 (black with bracelet),
  SPB145 (brown/grey dial Boutique Edition),
  SPB147 (brown/gilt),
  SPB149 (blue dial limited edition).
Diameter: 40.5mm
Thickness: 13.2mm
Lug to Lug: 47.6mm
Case Material: Steel (with Seikos “super hard coating”)
Dial Color: Multiple, see “Reference Number” (above)
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Seiko’s LumiBrite Luminous
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Silicone strap or stainless bracelet