SLA017J (SBDX019) The 62MAS Re-Issue: A Pictorial

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by MSchu

I'm not embarresed... neither is Seiko. If price is your qualifier, get a 9f movement and be happy with 1 , sure. second a month for LESS THAN any cookie cutter tudor.

You know that 9F is a computer, right?

[Rolex Essex]

Originally Posted by Travelller

Today's choice...

that is possibly the most stunning dive watch out there.
I’ll take that over a SS Sub any day.

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by Rolex Essex

that is possibly the most stunning dive watch out there.
I’ll take that over a SS Sub any day.

Looks-wise, you can argue this is every bit as good-looking as the Sub. Movement-wise, the Sub is way beyond the Seiko.

[Travelller]

There are times when we've ALL been forced to say "I should have bought one when I had the chance... " :
...then there are times when you can say "glad I pulled the trigger 2 seconds after it was introduced... "

[Hipster Doofus]

Well, it seems like a statement of the obvious around here but you know it's a good piece got it right when they're making fakes/homages/imitations...

[Travelller]

[Travelller]

From a few days back...

[Travelller]

Half a dozen versions later, it's still the one (...for me)

[Travelller]

It's been a while since I posted a wristshot of the SLA017, but rest assured, it gets it's share of wrist time

[mongrelnomoad]

I really, really, really want one of these. I've been wearing my vintage GS and KSs more and more recently, and there's something about the 62MAS reissue that just nails the intersection between beauty, practicality and horological significance.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by mongrelnomoad

...there's something about the 62MAS reissue that just nails the intersection between beauty, practicality and horological significance.

Perfectly summarized

[epicurus]

My favorite Seiko diver. 100%

[Travelller]

So a "preview" of my eventual pictorial of this latest 62MAS tribute, the 2023 SJE093 (SBEN003)







Some notes to go with the above pics:

The SLA017 (LE, 2000) was presented in 2017 as the first of a series of "tributes" to Seiko's venerable 1960s divers. Unlike the 1965 37mm original (6217-8000 "62MAS"), the SLA017 was roughly 3mm larger as well as approx. 1.5mm thicker. Seiko released other 62MAS-LEs, same as the SLA017 except with a blue dial (SLA037) as well as a blue dial & seconds hand (SLA043).

Many fans of the original 62MAS praised the releases but with several gripes, one that Seiko didn't adhere to the original measurements (given the "big-watch era" in full swing). Another gripe was the "laser-etched" vs. the original's "embossed" caseback. Last but not least, the printed vs. applied "SEIKO" logo.

So here we are in 2023 and Seiko surprised us with another 62MAS tribute, the SJE093, but this time in a size much closer to the 37mm original (@ 38x12.5mm) as well as a (mostly) embossed caseback. Alas, still no applied logo.

In order to manage the 12.5mm thickness, Seiko had to swap out the 8L35 with a new mvmt (6L37) based on their 6L35. The 6L3X is usually associated with less expensive Seikos, however it has the SAME "guaranteed" accuracy (-10 <> +15) as their 8L3X mvmts. My 6L37 runs between +1 <> +6 which is very good, despite Seiko's broader guaranteed range... .

Otherwise, Seiko uses the same "boxed" sapphire crystal, same high-quality markers and hands, same quality finish of the case and caseback as well as the "glossy" aluminum bezel.

Both come with an extra-long silicone strap designed to fit around a wetsuit. The SLA017 was also delivered with a steel bracelet, but IMHO, nothing to write home about and I've never used mine, opting for a shorter aftermarket "Tropical" rubber strap.

Seiko also made the following changes; they used thicker (or higher?) print for the logo, which I assume was "a nod" to the original 62MAS's applied logo (the difference may be more apparent in real-time viewing compared to a 2D photo). The crown is proportionally smaller. They "adjusted" the seconds markers due to the loss in dial surface-area. They elected to go with a larger lumed bezel-pip. Last but not least, they added a "drop" of lume at the 3 o'clock marker, despite the fact that the original 62MAS had none... .

I'm also assuming that Seiko has dropped the bad habit of "coating" their cases as I didn't see any indication in their specifications for the SJE093... .

So ...I think I've covered everything ...

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Travelller

... they added a "drop" of lume at the 3 o'clock marker, despite the fact that the original 62MAS had none...

So a fellow WIS reminded me that the purpose of the additional lume dot at 3 was so that the reference would conform to ISO/DIS 17514 "Time-measuring instruments — Photoluminescent deposits" which requires the reading of time with an accuracy of +/-2.5mins

[1William]

I prefer the SLA017.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by 1William

I prefer the SLA017.

The SLA017 is a most awesome reference and lest we forget, the very first of Seiko's 62MAS "tributes"

But I'd like to better understand your reason(s) - I will guess that you more than likely prefer larger watches for starters...

[1William]

Originally Posted by Travelller

The SLA017 is a most awesome reference and lest we forget, the very first of Seiko's 62MAS "tributes"

But I'd like to better understand your reason(s) - I will guess that you more than likely prefer larger watches for starters...

I prefer the slight size difference and the movement. The looks of the SLA017 also look different in a good way to me. I just bought a SLA017 and am waiting on it to arrive. The second time will be a charm, I hope. I did the same thing with the SLA033. Ownership, sell and miss it and return it to the collection and wear it a lot. We will see.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by 1William

...I just bought a SLA017 and am waiting on it to arrive...

All good with your new-to-you SLA017, I hope

I couldn't decide today... ...

[Galaga167]

[1William]

Looks great.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Galaga167

...

Nice combo!

[Galaga167]

Originally Posted by Travelller

Nice combo!

Thanks brother. I bought it last week and is in great condition. I'm not joking when I say this, I wouldn't swap it for a Submariner. I absolutely adore this watch.

[Galaga167]

[Galaga167]

Originally Posted by 1William

Looks great.

Thanks mate.

[Galaga167]