The 62MAS is back (again)! Hold on a minute; is anyone else getting a strong sense of deju vu? Wasn’t a blue 62MAS already re-released once before, and quite recently, too?
It was indeed, but this one, ref. SLA043 / JDM ref. SBDX039 has some subtle aesthetic changes over the Hi-Beat, ref. SLA037J1, as well as one major mechanical change which means it’s a little more affordable. Here’s a side by side for you.
Because Seiko aren’t done celebrating their 55th Anniversary, they have decided to release a duo of blue Prospex divers. Oh, and one additional black 62MAS variant (not really a celebration) but it also came out this week in Japan.
In March of this year, Seiko fans were blessed by the holy TRINITY of Prospex divers; today one of those watches, the 62MAS Re-Creation is back as alternative Diver’s Re-Creation along with ref. SPB183 / JDM ref. SBDC123 AKA a Diver’s Modern Interpretation of the 1970s Turtle.
Seriously, I know it’s my job but F me, Seiko are flooding the living sh!t out of the market with all these watches so called re-edition, recreation LEs. I do hope they’re done with celebrating for the next 5 years.
Here’s the lowdown on the new modern, affordable, 62MAS ref. SLA043. Its 39.9 by 47.9 by 14.1mm Stainless case is water-resistant to 200m and houses a 26 jewel 8L35 auto which has an accuracy of +15 to -10 seconds per day.
Vintage features include: a box-shaped sapphire crystal and rubber waffle strap. Apart from the absence of Hi-Beat on its dial, the 26 instead of 37 jewel text; it also has a blue seconds hand. You can get the same watch in black as ref. SBDX041, but only in Japan so far.
The blue dial is a Limited Edition of 1’700 pieces whereas there are only 300 pieces of the black (a true LE). MSRP for both variants is 528,000 JPY.
These watches also get a vintage whale motif on their case-backs. Hopefully Japanese Seiko fans don't look at that and think yummy?!
Next up is the blue Turtle Diver’s Modern Interpretation ref. SPB183. Its 42.7 by 46.6 by 13.2mm Stainless case with DiaShield coating is water-resistant to 200m and houses a 24 jewel 6R35 auto which has an accuracy of +25 to -15 seconds per day.
It is a Limited Edition of 5’500 pieces and has an MSRP of 165,000 JPY.
Hello , the case back artwork on the Limited Seiko Prospex 55th is of a Dolphin. This relates to the conservation documentary work carried out by the Cousteau family. Seiko have covertly, unintentionally i think paid respect to Jacques Cousteau Snr. The Families relationship with Seiko ended abruptly in the early seventies. Cousteau Snr was a pioneering marine conservationist. please feel free to fact check and let me know if i am incorrect on the Artwork. Cheers John, Brisbane
ReplyDeleteThank you! I don't think a brand from a whale eating nation should be using the legendary JYC's whale / dolphin imagery on their watches unless they are doing something to conserve them. Thanks again for the input!
ReplyDelete