Seiko’s first diver’s watch, launched in 1965, shows that a successful design can literally make waves. Water-resistant to what was then a very respectable 150 meters and focused entirely on functionality, the 62MAS also went down in history as Japan’s first diver’s watch. Since then, its large dial with prominent rectangular markers and grooved bezel have served as the model for some of Seiko’s new editions of divers’ watches.
These include the Prospex Marinemaster 1965 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation, launched in 2023, which is being released in two new color variants at the height of summer. The SJE117J1 model has a light turquoise dial framed by a high-gloss black bezel, while the SJE119J1 comes with a navy blue dial. The color of the aluminum bezel is reminiscent of a highly polished dark lapis lazuli. Both combinations give the dials a velvety sheen and beautifully accentuate their horizontal structure, reminiscent of the movement of waves. Unlike the 62MAS, the date window is no longer located at three o’clock, but discreetly between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Thanks to the automatic caliber 6L37, the Prospex Marinemaster 1965 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation is Seiko’s thinnest diver’s watch. With a diameter of 39mm and a height of 12.3mm, it is water-resistant to 200 meters. The polished and brushed stainless steel case, which is antimagnetic up to 4,800 A/m, has a transparent case back and is mounted on a multi-link metal bracelet with safety clasp and diver’s extension.
The Seiko SJE117J1 and SJE119J1 divers will be available from July 2024 and retail for $2,800.
To learn more, visit Seiko, here.
