Seiko's first diver, grey
By Kenji Watanabe, Osaka ยท
In 1965 Seiko made its first diver's watch, the one collectors call 62MAS. The SPB143 is the most popular of the modern reinterpretations, and I understand why.
40.5 mm by 13.2 mm, steel, sapphire, 200 m, date, grey sunburst dial, 6R35 automatic with 70 hours. It wears well on most wrists, the dial changes from silver to charcoal in different light, and the proportions are much closer to the original than most Seiko divers.
My one real complaint is the bracelet, which feels below the quality of the case. Also, at 1,200 to 1,300 dollars it meets Swiss divers from Tissot and Longines, some with longer reserves or silicon hairsprings. The Seiko has the better story, and for me the story counts.
It is easy to suggest to anyone wanting a classic diver in a sensible size, especially if they like the history. Not for people who need a modern bracelet with micro-adjustment.