Seiko Diver 62MAS (Ref. 6217-8000) "Small Crown", 1965

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Founded in 1881, Seiko has established itself as one of Japan’s most influential watchmakers, with a rich history of innovation and an extensive catalog spanning everything from rugged mechanical tool watches to groundbreaking quartz technology. Throughout its history, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking, producing some of the industry's most recognizable and historically significant timepieces. Introduced in 1965, the Seiko 62MAS marked a pivotal moment in the brand’s history as both Seiko’s and Japan’s first purpose-built dive watch. Featuring an automatic movement and 150 meters of water resistance, the 62MAS established the foundation for a lineage of Seiko dive watches that continues to this day. Its straightforward, utilitarian design, characterized by a broad, angular case without crown guards, oversized luminous hour markers, and a rotating timing bezel, embodies everything we love about early dive watches. The 62MAS remains one of the most important models in Seiko’s history, representing the brand’s first venture into the world of professional diving instruments. The example offered here is the original ref. 6217-8000, affectionately known among collectors as the “Small Crown,” representing the earliest and most elusive iteration of the 62MAS. Produced for only a brief period in the spring of 1965, this initial execution was quickly superseded by the ref. 6217-8001, which introduced the larger crown that would earn it the “Big Crown” nickname. With its remarkably short production run and historical significance as the very first execution of Seiko’s inaugural dive watch, the 6217-8000 occupies a particularly special place in the brand’s history, making it an exceptionally compelling example for collectors of early Japanese tool watches. SPECS Stock # SKO62MAS-5 Brand Seiko Style Diver 62MAS Model 6217-8000 Serial 54XXXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Grey Millimeters 37 Bracelet 2pc Rubber Tropic Strap CASE & BRACELET The stainless steel case remains in excellent vintage condition, retaining strong, squared-off geometry and crisp, well-defined edges throughout, with honest signs of use and only nominal evidence of prior polishing. The original bezel insert exhibits gentle wear and subtle fading consistent with its age, while the luminous pearl remains fully intact and no significant damage is present. Importantly, the case retains its distinctive “Small Crown,” a defining characteristic of the earliest 6217-8000 examples, produced for only a few months before Seiko transitioned to the more commonly encountered “Big Crown” variation. The caseback retains its original factory engravings and distinctive dolphin motif, which, although softened by age and wear, remain discernible, a notable detail given how frequently these markings are heavily worn or completely absent on surviving examples. Completing the watch is a black Tropic-style rubber strap fitted with a stainless steel pin buckle. DIAL & HANDS The original metallic grey dial remains in exceptionally well-preserved, virtually flawless vintage condition, exhibiting no notable damage or signs of age throughout. The original luminous hour markers and matching handset have retained a beautiful, pale green coloration characteristic of early Seiko dive watches, creating an attractively cohesive overall aesthetic. Under UV light inspection, the luminous material on both the dial and hands exhibits no evidence of degradation or prior repairs. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is functioning and keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.