In 1965, Seiko introduced its (and Japan’s) first-ever diver’s watch. With an automatic movement and water resistance to 150 meters, the watch proved its reliability when it was used by members of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, from 1966 to 1969. In the years that followed, Seiko created many other diver’s watches that, thanks to their high quality and reliability, found favor with professional divers and adventurers alike.

Today, Seiko introduces a re-creation of the 1965 watch into the Prospex collection, known to fans as the 62MAS. The new timepiece’s design and dimensions are virtually identical to the original, while its specifications are thoroughly up to date.

Powered by the new Caliber 6L37, the first movement from the slimline 6L family made expressly for diver’s watches, the timepeice features the same accuracy and power reserve as the trusted 6L35 movement that is the mainstay of the 6L family; however, thanks to modifications in construction and material, its durability and shock resistance now meet the strict standards of a Seiko Prospex diver’s watch.

Thanks to the slim construction of the movement, the watch is now 0.5mm thinner. Although faithful to the original, the new watch naturally features the modern enhancements of contemporary Seiko watchmaking. It has a box-shaped sapphire crystal and 200 meters of water resistance for greater reliability. The strap pays homage to the original but is reproduced in high-strength silicone for greater durability and comfort. 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 enhance legibility in low-light conditions. Also, the case back features the same dolphin emblem as the 1965 watch.

The watch is presented in a special box that echoes the retro feel of those used expressly for Seiko diver’s watches throughout the 1960s. The 1965 re-creation will be available at the Seiko Boutiques and select retail stores worldwide as a limited edition of 1,965 from August 2023.