Seiko 62MAS 6217-8001

Introduced in 1965 and produced for only 3 years, the 62MAS was Seiko's original dive watch, and is an absolute icon of the dive-watch world. MAS stands for ‘autoMAtic Selfdater', and it was the first Seiko watch with more than 50m of water resistance, being rated to 150m. It came in two distinct references, the first being the 8000 with it's small crown configuration, and the later pieces known as the 8001 with the larger crown. This is one of those latter pieces.

The case measures in at 37mm, though does tend to wear larger than that with it's strong lug design. Inside sits a beautiful sunray grey dial with lumed applied markers, and a magnificent bevelled date window at 3. Powering it is the automatic 6217 (where the 62 in 62MAS comes from) movement with quick set date, and features a  non-screw down crown.

This particular 6217-8001 dates from circa-1966, and is in amazing and very original vintage condition. The case lines are sharp, and does not show signs of over polishing. Has small dings, dents and scratching commensurate with its age. All numbers are very crisply stamped on the case back.

The dial is original and in very nice condition. Shows an even patina across it, with small scratches and light marks under close inspection. Lume on the hands is full, and there's some wear present on the steel of the hands, and scratches on the markers from services across the years. 

The bi-directional bezel is in fantastic condition, with some slightly heavier wear near the 40 marker under close inspection. Hardlex crystal shows light scratching.

Please see images for full condition details.

Service history is unknown. These can’t be manually wound so timing is difficult to ascertain but appears to be keeping time at around +9 seconds a day, or close to, at low 200's amplitude when measured dial-up on a timegrapher. 

Currently mounted on a Tropical-style rubber strap with aftermarket buckle, and comes with a period correct box, Watch Vault Travel Pod, and Watch Vault cleaning cloth.

An amazingly well preserved example of an iconic dive watch.

Brand: Seiko

Reference: 6217-8001

Circa: 1966

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case details: 37mm

Bracelet: Tropical Rubber

Movement: Seiko 6217 Automatic

Dial: Grey

Hands: Lumed

Paraphernalia: Period correct box, Watch Vault Travel Pod, Watch Vault cleaning cloth.

Grading: Excellent vintage condition

Watch Vault utilises the TZ grading system. Please see below for details.