The Seiko 62MAS and Its Revolutionary Legacy

In 1965, Seiko introduced its very first diver’s watch, the 62MAS (Ref. 6217-8000/1). At the time, the professional diving world was still in its infancy, and the need for reliable underwater timekeeping was vital. The 62MAS quickly became a benchmark: a tool watch that was rugged, functional, and refined enough for everyday wear. The original 62MAS had a straightforward case shape, luminous hands, and 150m water resistance, making it a trusted companion for divers and adventurers alike, so much so that it was the watch used by members of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition from 1966 to 1969

Almost 60 years later, the Seiko Prospex 62MAS line continues to inspire a new generation of dive watches. Seiko has faithfully carried forward the DNA of this legendary timepiece, blending its timeless aesthetic with modern craftsmanship, advanced materials, and updated movements. The result is a collection that bridges past and present, appealing to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers who value heritage and precision.

The Modern Face of the 62MAS

Modern Seiko 62MAS interpretations fall into two distinct lines: faithful re-creations that preserve the exact proportions of the 1965 original, and modern reinterpretations that enhance wearability with contemporary design enhancements. Both contemporary incarnations of the 62MAS continue the spirit of the original, but now also include modern updates in design, precision, and reliability that still hold to the unique facet of the 62MAS heritage.

SJE117J1: A Refined and Worthy Tribute

The Seiko Prospex 62MAS SJE117J1 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch is a premium re-creation of the 1965 original and is part of the Marinemaster line of watches. The watch features a cool grey dial with subtle green hues and horizontal stripe patterns. Its 39.5mm stainless steel case is Zaratsu polished and captures the clean lines and structured aesthetic of the first 62MAS. The SJE117 now has a box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inside for better clarity and 200m of water resistance.

This premium timepiece is powered by the Caliber 6L37, a slim automatic movement from Seiko’s slimline 6L movements chosen and engineered for the modern 62MAS to keep its thin profile. This high-precision movement has a frequency of 28,800 bph (4Hz), approximately 45 hours of power reserve, and better shock resistance to the strict standards of a Seiko Prospex diver’s watch. 

From the slim profile and vintage-inspired aesthetic to the updated movement and watch features, the SJE117J1 offers a refined wearing experience, combining heritage design with contemporary engineering. This timepiece can be regarded as one of the best spiritual successors of the original 62MAS that honors Seiko’s dive watch legacy.

SJE119J1: A Dive Watch Workhorse that Glimmers

If the SJE117J1 embodies restraint, the SJE119J1 Marinemaster highlights Seiko’s artistry with its “Glimmer Dial” design. Inspired by the play of light on water, the dial of the SJE119 shifts subtly in appearance under changing angles. The stark blue dial and horizontal patterns create strong visual interest, letting you see the watch differently from any angle. The bold dial color choice, coupled with the steel case with contemporary proportions, lets you dress up or down the SJE119, making it appropriate for dives, travels, and formal occasions.

The SJE119J1 also uses the Caliber 6L37 and features the same 39.5mm stainless steel case and box-shaped sapphire construction. The movement boasts a 45-hour power reserve, along with 200 meters of water resistance, lumed hands and indices, and a unidirectional bezel. Given the boldness of the dial, the watch still holds the spirit of the original 62MAS and wears and feels timeless and contemporary. It exemplifies the prospex glimmer dial concept, showing how Seiko infuses traditional diver’s watch engineering and architecture with a touch of artistry.

SPB451J1: A Cool Contemporary Take on a Classic

The SPB451J1 is part of the modern reinterpretation of the 62MAS but introduces a distinct dial execution, often in cooler tones that reflect Seiko’s tradition of drawing inspiration from nature. The SPB451 pushes the familiar 62MAS silhouette with its blue sunburst dial, yet still maintains the classic applied and lumed hands and indices for better visual dynamics and legibility.

The SPB451 houses the Caliber 6R55, a 24-jewel workhorse movement with a respectable 72-hour power reserve and a rugged, high-performance construction. The watch also has a rugged 40mm diameter stainless steel case and 300m of water resistance.

 This timepiece is a true Seiko diver’s watch, reliable for travel and daily wear while carrying a more subtle and refined character. The SPB451 is perfect for those who prefer a more elegant take on the original 62MAS while still having the precision and practicality of contemporary automatic dive watches.

SPB453J1: A More Subdued Modern Reinterpretation

The Seiko Prospex 62MAS SPB453J1 is similar to the SPB451J1, both belonging to the modern reinterpretation family that reimagines the original 62MAS for contemporary tastes. The SPB453 still has the familiar wide lugs, luminous hands and indices, and rotating bezel. It has the familiar 40mm steel case of classic Seiko dive watches, yet it has the cleaner look of modern watches.

The robust stainless steel case, curved sapphire crystal, and 200m water resistance let the SPB453J1 offer the same reliability and versatility the line is known for. It also runs on the same Caliber 6R55 movement that offers a 72-hour power reserve. It is a well-balanced everyday watch that embraces the 62MAS modern design, providing a dependable watch for work and leisure.

The Seiko Prospex 62MAS Continues Its Legacy in Modernity

The Prospex 62MAS 2025 collection is both a nod to the rich heritage of the original 62MAS and a statement to Seiko’s dedication towards innovation while respecting tradition. The SJE line or Prospex Marinemaster watches are for those looking to have a contemporary version of the original 62MAS, while the SPB line is for those looking for a more adventurous take on a classic. Both of these lines of watches are versatile as they are refreshing, capturing both the spirit of exploration, the purpose of the original 62MAS, and the ever-changing tastes and needs of contemporary life.

For those seeking a timepiece that reflects heritage, functionality, and timeless design, the Seiko Prospex 62MAS remains one of the finest examples of Japanese horological excellence. Whether you are stepping into a boardroom or diving into the open sea, it offers a pleasant glimmer of reliability and style that endures across generations.