Seiko Prospex Diver Limited Edition

Any proper watch collection must include at least one Seiko diver.

And if we were the type to make bets on which version has the most significance, our money would be on Seiko’s very first — the 62MAS.

Numerically known as the Reference 6217-8000, the 62MAS was designed to be a workhorse - an archetype for the category. At 37mm, the stainless steel case featured a set of sloping lugs and a low-profile ‘skin diver’ silhouette. Paired with bold dial elements that defined the design language that are still present in Seiko's offerings to this day, the 62MAS was and still is an absolute banger of a watch.

Clean, honest examples of the Reference 6217 don’t surface all too often. So when Seiko announced the Reference SLA017, a faithful modern recreation of their iconic icon, it was no surprise that most enthusiasts fell head over heels for it.

This example is one of the 2000 numbered pieces that were released in 2017 and features a sloightly-upscaled 39mm stainless steel case, a graduated 60-minute timing bezel, a sapphire crystal and a signed screw-down crown offering 200 meters of water resistance. Showcasing all the original hallmark design cues that we adore, its sunburst grey dial features applied luminous baton indices, a matching handset and a framed date window at 3 o’clock.

Powered by an upgraded high-grade Calibre 8L35 self-winding movement, this piece is packed with 60 hours of power reserve. Factoring in the modern movement, uprated water resistance and hardened case coating with a 4,800Am magnetic resistance rating, we'd say this diver is well-equipped for any submarine adventure — or daily desk diving duty.

In excellent condition, this example comes fitted to a signed rubber dive strap with ‘waffle’ texturing, and is accompanied by all of its factory collateral including its box set, books, hangtags, and a stainless steel bracelet.

Can it get any better than a modern 62MAS?

Probably not.

For over 140 years, Seiko has been cranking out innovative and impeccably engineered watches at every price point, from entry-level Seiko 5s to world-class haute horlogerie pieces under the Grand Seiko brand. Underpinning the company’s efforts has been the mass production of reliable and accurate movements paired with a wide array of case and dial configurations.

Founded in 1881 by clockmaker and businessman Kintarō Hattori in Tokyo, Japan as “K. Hattori,” Seiko began importing Western timepieces and selling them in the local market. In 1892, Hattori changed the name of the firm to Seikosha (“house of exquisite workmanship”), which was further altered to “Seiko” in 1924. Following the Second World War, during which Seiko produced watches for the Japanese military, the company began its streak of innovations based upon affordable, in-house movements and Japanese savoir faire. These included myriad dive watches such as the famed 6105 and the fan-favorite 6139 chronograph.

Later, in 1969, Seiko would go on to produce the Astron, the world’s first quartz watch. This technological innovation was followed by the Seiko Kinetic in the 1980s, which married quartz accuracy with automatic, self-powering functionality. Today, Seiko’s product offerings are vast, including dress watches, dive watches, chronographs and much more, all of which are powered by in-house movements comprising different types of technology.

Despite a move toward luxury positioning and pricing in the brand’s modern offerings, vintage Seiko classics can still be had at incredibly reasonable prices today, making them a favorite entry point into the vintage watch world for myriad collectors. From their availability in post exchanges on military bases around the world to their fame from films such as Apocalypse Now to their presence at six Olympic Games, Seiko watches are deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the contemporary collector.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.