Seiko 62MAS Diver's Watch 'Big Crown'

A Seiko diver is a must in any proper watch collection.  From the rare as hen's teeth Hi Beat 6159 to the film-famous Reference 6105 and 6309 models to the economy workhorse SKX007, Japanese watchmakers perfected incredibly well-made tool watches decades ago — and at prices that make the most diehard Swiss watch fans bristle with jealousy.  The Reference 6217— also known as 62MAS (for autoMAtic Self-dater) — was designed to be a workhorse. This example, a Reference 6217-8001, features a 37mm stainless steel case with sloping lugs and a low-profile ‘skin diver’ silhouette that is equally unobtrusive and undeniably comfortable on the wrist.  Accompanied by fully-graduated friction timing bezel, a domed crystal and a signed 'big crown', this piece features a fetching sunburst grey dial that has developed a charming patina that’s over 60 years in the making. All the Seiko dial hallmarks are present — bold luminous baton indices and a matching handset, as well as a framed date indicator at 3 o’clock. Fresh off a professional service, we’ve treated this Seiko icon with some much needed TLC and have outfitted it on a proper black Tropic rubber strap with matching stainless steel hardware. Modern re-creations of the 62MAS are amazing watches in their own right. But respectfully, there’s nothing like the original. See it in the metal today!