6217

Production Info

  • Production: 1965 - 1968
  • Movement: Cal. 6217
  • Description: 150m diver

Technical Manuals

Models

  • 6217-8000
  • 6217-8001
  • also referred to as "62MAS" or by dial number -- 6217-8000T.

Details

The 6217 is Seiko's first diver. It's often referred to as "62MAS" (the 62 stands for the 62 series caliber movement used in the diver). It's rated to 150m.

The cal. 6217A automatic movement is 17J and runs at 18,000 bph. It has a date-only display and was used also in the World Time models. 6217A is a cousin of the 35J 6218A movement, which has an added day wheel and was used in the Seikomatic and Weekdater models of the late 60's.

The original 62MAS diver was supplied with a Tropic strap in a basket-weave pattern (much like the reproduction Tropic straps available today).

62MAS Diver in the Field

Since 1956, Japan has been conducting yearly expeditions for scientific survey and research in the Antarctic. The research began as part of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) and the purpose is "to explore systems and dynamics of the earth and space," through studies of phenomena like the ozone hole, Antarctic meteorites, and the historical effects of climate change through ice-core analyses. In 1966, for the 8th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE8), Seiko donated timekeeping instruments to the research teams, including standardized crystal clocks for scientific observation and 30 units of the 6217-8001 divers with special straps designed to be worn on top of thick winter clothing in conditions where temperature can go as low as -50 Celcius. All the Seiko timekeeping instruments were "tuned to withstand low temperatures with specially developed oils" ("Seiko Diver's Watch," Sadao Ryugo). (The Seiko Professional Diver's Watch, Sadao Ryugo, 2002, pp. 16ff).

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