Seiko Prospex Diver Limited Edition, 2000

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Any proper watch collection must include at least one Seiko diver. And if we were the type to make bets on which version has the most significance, our money would be on Seiko’s very first — the 62MAS. Numerically known as the Reference 6217-8000, the 62MAS was designed to be a workhorse - an archetype for the category. At 37mm, the stainless steel case featured a set of sloping lugs and a low-profile ‘skin diver’ silhouette. Paired with bold dial elements that defined the design language that are still present in Seiko's offerings to this day, the 62MAS was and still is an absolute banger of a watch. Clean, honest examples of the Reference 6217 don’t surface all too often. So when Seiko announced the Reference SLA017, a faithful modern recreation of their iconic icon, it was no surprise that most enthusiasts fell head over heels for it. This example is one of the 2000 numbered pieces that were released in 2017 and features a sloightly-upscaled 39mm stainless steel case, a graduated 60-minute timing bezel, a sapphire crystal and a signed screw-down crown offering 200 meters of water resistance. Showcasing all the original hallmark design cues that we adore, its sunburst grey dial features applied luminous baton indices, a matching handset and a framed date window at 3 o’clock. Powered by an upgraded high-grade Calibre 8L35 self-winding movement, this piece is packed with 60 hours of power reserve. Factoring in the modern movement, uprated water resistance and hardened case coating with a 4,800Am magnetic resistance rating, we'd say this diver is well-equipped for any submarine adventure - or daily desk diving duty. In pristine, near-mint condition with its factory caseback sticker still intact, this example comes fitted to a signed rubber dive strap with ‘waffle’ texturing, and is accompanied by all of its factory collateral including its box set, books, hangtags, and a virtually unworn stainless steel bracelet. Can it get any better than a modern 62MAS? Probably not.