Is this Seiko’s most faithful re-interpretation of their first-ever dive watch, the legendary reference 62MAS? We get hands-on with the new Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver’s Re-Creation SJE093J1 watch to find out…
There’s a multitude of re-edition watches out there at the moment. Some are executed well, remaining faithful to their historic predecessors, while others are just barely reflections of their former selves. One brand that has no shortage of modernised re-creations is Seiko, all of them seen within their Prospex family. Many of which are a tribute to Seiko’s and Japan’s very first dive watch from 1965, otherwise known as the Seiko 62MAS. In the past, these re-editions have been largely modernised with larger case sizes and subtle differences to the overall design. It’s been a few years of waiting, but we can now announce Seiko has finally launched their most faithful recreation of the 62MAS to date with the release of the Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver’s Re-Creation SJE093J1 watch.
To accurately judge whether the Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver’s Re-Creation SJE093J1 watch truly is an accurate re-edition, we should first discuss the details of the original Seiko 62MAS. As mentioned, this model was both Seiko’s and Japan’s first ever diving watch launched in 1965. It had an automatic winding movement – the calibre 6217A to be exact-, a 150-metre water resistant rating, and a 38mm stainless steel case. The overall case shape was almost barrel-like with large lugs and a bi-directional rotating bezel with a black aluminium insert to match the dark grey dial. We’re pleased to say the new Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver’s Re-Creation SJE093J1 watch offers the same dimensions, dial and bezel with just a few small tweaks to the water resistance, glass and movement for better wearability.
Starting with the case, Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver’s Re-Creation SJE093J1 watch is an exact replica to the original in its shape and size. It has the same angular profile, long, integrated lugs and a 3 o’clock crown. Dimensions also lie at exactly 38mm wide and 12.5mm tall. There are a couple of small enhancements, but they are ones you can definitely forgive since it is 2023. One change includes the addition of sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating to replace plexiglass, but cleverly the stronger glass is box-shaped to mimic the shape of the former. The bezel is also now unidirectional but still retains a fully-graduated 60 minute scale on a black metallic insert. The water resistance has also improved, something you certainly can’t be mad at, jumping from 150 metres to 200 metres thanks to an advanced screw in crown and case back. The latter features an engraving of the same dolphin emblem seen on the Seiko 62MAS.
The dial of the Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver’s Re-Creation SJE093J1 watch is as equally faithful, presenting a dark grey, sunray-brushed backdrop set with the same block-shaped markers, facetted hands and a box-shaped date window at 3 o’clock. The hands and markers are even filled with beige-toned Lumibrite to mimic the colour of the lume used on its historic precursor. The only real difference on the dial is the lettering at 6 o’clock which outlines some of the improvements made to the water resistance and movement.
Speaking of the movement, the Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver’s Re-Creation SJE093J1 watch houses the Calibre 6L37. This is a new calibre from the Japanese watchmaker and the first of the slim 6L Calibre series to be engineered for the Prospex collection. It delivers a power reserve 45 hours, a total of 26 jewels and a frequency of 28,800vph. Completing the watch is a high-strength black silicon strap which secures to the wrist by a traditional stainless steel pin buckle.
The Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver’s Re-Creation SJE093J1 watch is a limited edition of 1,965 pieces – a number chosen to honour the year the Seiko 62MAS was first launched – and retails at £3,200. If you’d like to learn more about the design and secure one of the limited edition pieces for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 38mm x 12.25mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Unidirectional with black metallic insert, 60 minute scale
- Glass: Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Screwed
- Water Resistance: 200 metres
- Movement: Calibre 6L37 automatic winding, in-house
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 45 hours
- Jewels: 26
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Dark grey, sunray-brushed with Lumibrite hands and markers
- Strap: Black rubber
- Buckle: Pin
- Reference: SJE093J1
- Limited: 1,965 pieces
- RRP: £3,200
