The year is 1965. The Vietnam War is raging, the Beatles are captivating the world with their music, and amidst the cultural maelstrom,
Seiko unveils a game-changer in the world of horology: the 62MAS, their first ever diver’s watch. This innovative timepiece set the bar for future dive watches with its exceptional water resistance, high legibility, and robust construction.
Fast forward to 2024, and Seiko celebrates the 60th anniversary of the 62MAS with the introduction of the Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Special Edition. This modern reinterpretation of the iconic diver’s watch stays true to its heritage while incorporating contemporary features and design elements.
Courtesy of Seiko
Seiko's story began in 1881, when Kintaro Hattori, a visionary entrepreneur, opened a small watch shop in Ginza, Tokyo. Driven by a passion for watchmaking and a keen eye for detail, Hattori set out to establish a domestic watchmaking industry in Japan. Over the decades, Seiko has grown into a global giant, renowned for its technical prowess and commitment to quality.
Seiko's dive watches have been at the forefront of underwater exploration since the 1960s. The 62MAS, the inspiration for the Prospex 1965, was the brainchild of a team led by engineer and watchmaker, Nobuhiro Ishida. Ishida envisioned a watch that could withstand the harsh conditions of professional diving, and the 62MAS exceeded expectations, becoming the official watch of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.
Following the success of the 62MAS, Seiko continued to push the boundaries of dive watch technology. In 1968, they introduced the Seiko 6159, the world's first automatic diving chronograph. This groundbreaking watch was worn by explorer Naomi Uemura during his historic solo trek to the North Pole in 1986, a testament to its durability and reliability.
The Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Special Edition pays homage to the legacy of the 62MAS while offering modern upgrades for today's watch enthusiasts. From a horological standpoint, the most significant change lies in the movement. The Prospex 1965 is powered by Seiko's in-house Calibre 6R55 automatic movement, boasting a 72-hour power reserve, a significant improvement over the 62MAS's 50 hours.
Courtesy of Seiko
The watch also features a stainless steel case with a super-hard coating, enhancing its scratch resistance. The case measures 40mm in diameter, making it a perfect fit for most wrists. The watch's water resistance has been increased to 300 meters, exceeding the 62MAS's 150 meters and making it suitable for recreational diving.
One of the most striking visual changes is the repositioned date window. In the original 62MAS, the date window was located at the 3 o'clock position. In the Prospex 1965, it has been moved to 4:30, creating a more symmetrical dial and offering improved legibility.
The watch comes with two strap options: a three-link stainless steel bracelet and a unique black textile NATO strap made from recycled plastic bottles. The NATO strap is a nod to the popularity of these straps among divers due to their comfort and durability.
The Prospex 1965 Heritage walks a fine line between modern functionality and the nostalgic charm of its iconic ancestor. Seiko has clearly worked hard to stay faithful to the 62MAS aesthetic while subtly incorporating contemporary elements. Take a moment to look closely at the image. The dial's applied hour markers and hands are instantly reminiscent of the vintage model but with enhanced luminosity thanks to the generous use of LumiBrite.
Courtesy of Seiko
The new date window at 4:30 isn't just an aesthetic shift; it also enhances practicality. The horizontal date display adds visual balance and improves visibility, even in those dim underwater environments. The updated bezel, while visually nodding to the 62MAS, likely utilizes a more durable and scratch-resistant ceramic insert, ensuring its appearance will stand the test of time.
The overall case design retains the gentle curves and flowing lines of its predecessor, but with a noticeable refinement. The case size, a comfortable 40mm, makes the Prospex 1965 remarkably wearable compared to some of the chunky divers dominating the market. The compact lug-to-lug length and slightly downward-curving lugs promise a secure and comfortable fit for a wide range of wrists.
The beating heart of the Prospex 1965 is the in-house Seiko Caliber 6R55. This automatic movement is a significant upgrade from the vintage 62MAS. With a 72-hour power reserve, you won't have to fret about winding it nearly as often. For those of us who rotate our watches frequently, this is a genuine advantage.
The movement also boasts a balance frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), ensuring smooth and consistent timekeeping. While the Prospex 1965 doesn't have a display caseback, Seiko's in-house movements are known for their reliability and durability, giving you peace of mind for even your most adventurous expeditions.
Courtesy of Seiko
Seiko has always placed great emphasis on using high-quality materials and meticulous construction techniques. The Prospex 1965 Heritage Edition is no exception. The stainless steel case is treated with a super-hard coating that significantly enhances its scratch resistance. This ensures that even with regular wear, your watch will retain its pristine appearance for years to come.
The sapphire crystal guarding the dial is renowned for its exceptional clarity and scratch resistance, far superior to mineral crystals used in some vintage watches. The anti-reflective coating on the crystal's underside minimizes glare, ensuring optimal legibility in various lighting conditions.
The redesigned bracelet appears solid, with well-defined links and minimal gaps, promising a refined look and feel on the wrist. The inclusion of a diver's extension clasp adds flexibility – a thoughtful detail for accommodating wrist expansion during dives or warmer temperatures.
2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the first Seiko-branded wristwatches, and Seiko has released a celebratory special edition of the Prospex 1965 to mark the occasion. This limited-edition variant features a striking charcoal-grey dial with gold-colored accents that pay homage to Seiko's watchmaking legacy. It's the subtle details here – the warm glow of the markers against the textured-looking dial, the hints of gold on the hands and bezel – that make it a real treat for collectors.
Courtesy of Seiko
The most unique aspect of the special edition is its additional textile strap made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. This innovative strap is crafted using a traditional Japanese braiding technique called Seichu, which Seiko claims gives it a tensile strength four times that of a standard fabric strap. It speaks to Seiko's commitment to both quality and sustainability.
With the Prospex 1965 Heritage Special Edition, Seiko has masterfully blended history, craftsmanship, and contemporary refinements. It's a true testament to the enduring spirit of the 62MAS. Whether you're a seasoned dive watch enthusiast or a collector with a penchant for vintage-inspired designs, the Prospex 1965 is well worth your attention.