Seiko of the day: 62MAS re-issue CHOCOLATE

In 1965 Seiko introduced the 62MAS: the original professional divers watch. The nickname "62MAS" comes from the first two digits of the reference number - 62 - and MAS from "auto[MA]tic [S]elfdater," or what we would call today 'an automatic movement with date'. Over the years, 62MAS has been recreated a number of times. The latest incarnation released in 2021 is the Seiko SPB239J.  Surely, you can find dozens of reviews of this watch online, but none of them are written by watch dealers or watchmakers. For a simple reason: dealers are simply too busy focusing on Rolex's and Patek's while watchmakers hardly speak of anything watch related at all. Yet right now, this chocolate beauty is probably the most important watch on the Australian market, equally attractive to collectors who 'have them all' as well as novice enthusiasts, looking for a first decent watch.   Let me share my thoughts. 1. This is a really well made watch. Or, as I would like to call it, a 'mature, well defined' timepiece. It simply speaks quality. Dial, hands, sapphire crystal and chocolate bezel - all perfectly integrated and colour coordinated - down to the NATO strap. As someone who handles watches in the $5,000- $10,000 price range daily, I can honestly testify that the quality of this Seiko does not come short of any divers watches priced significantly more. 2. This is a fully waterproof professional divers watch, not a toy. Exactly what you would expect from a Japanese made high precision instrument. When you hold it in your hand, you can feel why Seiko is so proud of their achievement.  3. It is a versatile piece. Meaning: you can dress it up or down; re-fit it on a rubber, silicone or leather strap - and the watch would effortlessly 'follow' your personal style. Straight case lugs would accept almost any 20mm leather strap, and drilled holes would allow for effortless quick change. You simply don't get this with many other 'professional' watches. 4. Today, I have tested three SPB239J for timekeeping, beat error and amplitude. All three watches performed much better than promised by Seiko's publicly advertised rates. And what is even more exciting: all three could be adjusted for even better performance, close to Swiss COSC certificate. Yes, the 6R35 mechanism is Toyota of horology, but this mechanism is easy to service and easy to repair by almost any semi-decent watchmaker, anywhere in the world, today, and in 20 years from now. SPB239J is a watch not just worth buying; it is a watch worth keeping and repairing.  5. The price is right: listed at $1,895 it is not a bargain, yet this is more than a FAIR PRICE for a very decent watch.  Why you should buy one today? Two reasons: the time to give Seiko a chance is now. Countless watch collectors around the world have already recognized the obvious: in 2021 Seiko is entering the under $2K market segment intentionally vacated by Swiss brands. The second reason is for piece of mind: if you buy SPB239J from me, I will make sure that your watch is fully functional in years to come. You support me, I will support you by investing in spare parts, and will continue to employ and train young Australian watchmakers. Swiss said no and slammed the door in my face; Seiko said yes, and opened the door wide. Welcome in.