ReviewA Diving Legend, Resurfaced: Seiko’s Prospex 1965 Diver’s Re-Creation Limited Edition
Seiko's latest offering, the Prospex SJE093, is a faithful re-edition of their iconic 62MAS diver's watch, expertly blending vintage appeal with modern refinement
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It’s fair to say that the trend of reissuing vintage watches has exploded, sometimes frustratingly so, especially when these remakes barely resemble their original inspiration. Seiko, known for their array of recreations, have been actively revisiting their first-ever dive watch from 1965, primarily due to the skyrocketing value of the original models. Since 2017, we’ve seen this timepiece reincarnated in several forms, from limited editions to contemporary redesigns. However, all these reimagined models have been slightly different from the initial design. All that changes now with Seiko deciding to produce what is, arguably, their most authentic 62MAS reissue—a spitting image of the Prospex 1965 legend.
The Original 62MAS Legacy
Born at a time when Swiss watchmakers dominated the dive watch scene, the 62MAS didn’t just mark Seiko’s foray into professional dive watches, it also signalled a significant leap forward for Japan. Over the years, this ground-breaking watch has etched a permanent spot in Seiko’s history and its allure has only grown stronger. Now, this iconic timepiece has been reborn as the SJE093, echoing the magic of the original rather strikingly.
Traversing Time: The Prospex 1965 SJE093
However, let’s pause for a moment and rewind the clock to understand why this re-edition is so special. The 62MAS was distinguished by its automatic movement, impressive 150m water resistance, robust 38mm monobloc case, and a bold, legible dial. It was such a hit that it played a crucial role in establishing the ISO 6425 standard for dive watches.
Fast forward to today, the SJE093 maintains the original 38mm diameter and even features the same Tropic-style silicone strap from the 1960s. The aesthetic elements are nearly identical to the original, from the bezel design to the font on the dial. Yet, Seiko haven’t merely produced a carbon copy of the past; they’ve tactfully enhanced the original with some striking modern upgrades.
Modern Touches, Vintage Soul Of The Prospex 1965
The watch features an angular case, integrated lugs, and a traditional crown at three o’clock. It also maintains the vintage charm with a glossy 60-minute dive-timer bezel and box-shaped sapphire crystal that nostalgically mirrors the old-school charm of Plexiglas.
The dial of the SJE093 carries the spirit of the original with a sunray-brushed dark grey base, oversized blocky markers filled with light beige-toned LumiBrite, and large, faceted hands. While the dial’s reflectivity may reduce legibility to some extent, it doesn’t detract from the overall charm of the watch. The fonts and inscriptions pay homage to the past, but are updated to align with the watch’s modern specifications.
An Important Movement
One of the standout features of the new Seiko SJE093 is the automatic calibre 6L37. This innovative movement is the first of the slimline 6L family developed specifically for diver’s watches, and represents a thin, yet robust evolution of the 6L35 calibre. While maintaining the same base architecture, power reserve, and accuracy as its predecessor (-10/+15 seconds/day), the 6L37 has been significantly enhanced to meet the durability and shock resistance standards of the Prospex line, achieved through adjustments in construction and material use. As a result of its slimmer design, the 6L37 allows the SJE093 to faithfully mimic the original 62MAS’s 38mm diameter and thinner 12.5mm case, making it even more wearable, with an overall better fit. Seiko haven’t compromised on the dive watch capabilities either. In fact, thanks to a modern screw-down crown and caseback with improved gaskets, the SJE093 can withstand up to 200m of water pressure. The back of the watch faithfully replicates the 62MAS with a solid steel case and the same nostalgic dolphin emblem.
The SJE093 is completed by a high-strength, black silicone strap with a tropic-like pattern and a steel pin buckle—ensuring both durability and comfort.
Final Thoughts On This Prospex 1965
As the appreciation for the original 62MAS models has grown over the years, so has their value. Seiko’s foray into reviving these classics comes as no surprise. But, even in a crowd of vintage re-creations, the SJE093 stands as a beacon, embodying the spirit and aesthetics of the original.
Echoing the year of its initial model, the Seiko Prospex 1965 Divers Re-creation 62MAS Limited Edition SJE093 is to be released as a limited series of 1,965 pieces. Each piece, beautifully encapsulated in a retro-inspired box reminiscent of the 1960s packaging, reflects the timeless charm this timepiece brings.
