I found this piece, a 6217-8000, on eBay in the fall of 2014. It was a minor bidding war but the price ended up being reasonable for a watch that seemed to register well on my patina meter. When I received it, I was not at all disappointed. However, I noticed some dust under the crystal and after wearing it 2-3 times, I noticed that it suddenly starting gaining about 10 minutes an hour! After a great service, the piece now runs perfectly. What happened next was quite surprising, though. I went to the Seiko Citizen Watch Forum and showed the members my newly serviced catch. What I found out is that this is no “ordinary” Seiko 62MAS. A few messages in, knowledge king Duncan (aka Cannop), commented that my 62MAS appeared to be a “small crown” version that was only made during the first 2 months of production. Further posts compared case backs and, sure enough, the piece is an early model with a typically worn, low relief motif case back. Oh, and per the thread, this case back is actually in decent shape! What’s even more amazing is that this piece somehow survived unaltered and made its way to eBay. Other little things are present on this early piece such as a different crown tube and a lower height bezel than subsequent variations. So, in the end, my gamble turned out to be a good one. For the whole story, see the following thread:
http://www.thewatchsite.com/21-japanese-watch-discussion-forum/138746-62mas-returns-home-last.htmlThe Seiko 62MAS wears well, but it’s not a massive piece. In fact, it’s more slender than a Rolex Submariner both in width and height (13.5mm). I’ve paired it with many types of straps, but I think it looks best on a waffle strap, a Tropic, or some type of NATO. Due to the strap pairings and heavy patina, it’s certainly more of a casual watch.
Buying a Seiko 62MAS can be an adventure. They are far prevalent than later models such as the 6159 (in any guise) and 6215 but finding a good one is still challenging. There are loads of aftermarket components on the market, such as dials, bezels, crystals, hands, and even crowns. This makes finding an original 62MAS without any of these aftermarket parts difficult. Then, due to the high chance of lume degradation, there are classic debates about whether to relume or not. For me, it’s a no go, but others find it acceptable. Original hands, though, can be found by harvesting them from other models, which is a bit of a shame if you ask me, but it is an option (see the picture of the 6619 and tell me you’d sacrifice that beautiful piece). Movements are relatively simple to service but certain parts like stems can be difficult. In fact, I am told that issues like a broken quick set are very problematic to fix. Values seem to range in the $1200 – $2500 area depending highly on condition. The market, unlike the Rolex market for example, does not yet seem to differentiate on variations like the small crown piece I own, but it does not care for overly altered pieces. As an example, a skilled relume carries more than use of aftermarket parts. Like most vintage watches, the Seiko 62MAS is rising in value and I’ve even recently seen very rough pieces selling for over $800. The forums, as always, are a great place to vet any potential pieces.
I hope you enjoyed learning a little about Seiko’s first diver. For the Seiko collector or even the general vintage watch connoisseur, the Seiko 62MAS is a significant piece to consider. Sure, it lacks some of the innovations and features of models such as similar period Submariners or Seamasters but there’s something satisfying about owning the first of a now legendary line of watches.
G.K
