Prospex 62MAS "Save the Ocean Special Edition" Glacier Dial Ref. SBDC165

First introduced in 2020, the Seiko 62MAS Reissues have garnered widespread recognition as one of the best Seiko divers available for relatively little money. Fitted with a new movement, a sapphire crystal, and the high ISO standards of their Prospex models, it is not hard to see why. 

Seiko Prospex 62MAS "Save the Ocean Special Edition" Glacier Dial Ref. SBDC165 / SPB297

The 62MAS (ref. 6217-8001) was first introduced in 1965, and it had quite the significance, too, being the first Japanese dive watch. Seiko’s first professional series dive watch was the “OG,” as some like to say. Many of Seiko’s famed dive watches so popular today owe at least some of their design cues to the original 62MAS. Things like bezel font, dial colour, and even the indices bear a familiar resemblance to the watches of today. While revolutionary, the timepiece only had basic specifications - a non-hacking and non-hand-winding movement and 150m of water resistance with no screwed-down crown, just to name a few.

The latest 62MAS release from Seiko is part of their Save the Ocean (STO) Series. First started in 2018, the STO series is part of Seiko’s mission to help protect the world’s oceans now and for future generations and secure this legacy for divers everywhere. Seiko donates a portion of all STO proceeds to organisations that study and preserve the seas - you’d directly contribute to saving the oceans (literally) by purchasing any Seiko STO timepiece.

New Seiko Calibre 6R35 with 70 hours power reserve

The 62MAS Ref. SBDC165 is made of high-quality 316L stainless steel and has finely-brushed finishing on the top of the lugs and case, with high-polished finishing at the sides. Coming in at 40.5mm in diameter and a lug-to-lug of 47.6mm, the watch is 13.2mm thick. This set of dimensions will suit almost all wrist sizes, which is why many deem the modern 62MAS the perfect everyday watch from the esteemed Japanese brand. 

The SBDC165 features a black, 120-click unidirectional dive time bezel with a lume pip at 12. Seiko fans are known for giving their watches cool nicknames like the Turtle, Samurai, and Monster watches that we all love. They have aptly coined the name “Glacier Dial” for this year’s STO series, and it is obvious why. The dial is a beautiful shade of blue with textures that remind one of the Arctic glaciers. The textures on the dial also help to give it an added dimension, helping it avoid becoming too flat and muted. Applied baton indices are used here, with a double baton at 12 for easy orientation. A date wheel can be found at 3, a useful daily complication that does not mess up the dial's proportions as it blends in like a regular index. Affixed atop the dial is a piece of curved sapphire crystal offering great protection against scratches and great legibility thanks to its anti-reflective coating on the underside. 

Seiko's Zaratsu polished line

As part of Seiko’s Prospex collection, this is an ISO 6425 certified dive watch. The screw-down crown and caseback combine to give the watch a solid 200m water resistance. The hands and indices are generously coated with Seiko’s proprietary Lumibrite. This ensures a near-perfect glow in the dark. 

Underneath the Seiko Tsunami engraved caseback lies the in-house Seiko 6R35 movement. It has 24 jewels, beats at 21,600 BPH, and a 70-hour power reserve. It is an upgrade from the old 6R15 movement and is reliable and robust - ensuring that it will stand the test of time. The improved power reserve is certainly welcomed. You can put this watch down on a Friday evening and still find it diligently ticking away on Monday.

Seiko's LumiBrite luminous

The watch comes on a 20mm oyster-style stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet tapers to a signed buckle with a diver’s extension, allowing you to wear the timepiece over a wetsuit if needed. It is a no-frills bracelet that offers great comfort and durability. 

The 62MAS STO Special Edition Glacier Dial Ref. SBDC165 is part of a brilliant 2022 STO series from Seiko. The textured blue dial is a joy to look at, setting the watch apart from other dive watches that could get a tad boring after a while. Also, purchasing this timepiece contributes to the endeavors of scientists trying to preserve the oceans for generations to come. This way, you’ll be doing something good for our planet while simultaneously getting a hell of a watch - what’s not to love? 

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