The Seiko Prospex SLA017 is a convincing, collector-focused re-creation of Seiko’s 1965 62MAS diver—but “Seiko’s best dive watch ever” depends on what you value. Its vintage-inspired dial and case details are paired with a modern 200m rating and caliber 8L35. At 39.9mm across and 14.1mm thick, it is also larger and thicker than the original, so it is a faithful design interpretation rather than a dimension-for-dimension replica.
What the SLA017 re-creates—and what it changes
Seiko identifies its 1965 model as its first diver’s watch and Japan’s first diver’s watch. The company says it had 150m water resistance and was used by the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition from 1966 to 1969. Seiko describes reliability and legibility as central aims of the original design. Seiko’s 2017 announcement presents the SLA017 as a modern re-creation of that watch, commonly known as the 62MAS.
The SLA017 carries over the narrow bezel, slim case profile, raised hour markers and luminous marker at 12. Seiko says its case is “virtually identical to the original,” while noting that the diameter increased by 1.9mm. Independent coverage puts the original at about 37mm across; the SLA017 measures 39.9mm. Its box-shaped sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating, super-hard case coating and 200m diver’s water resistance are modern updates, not original-period features.
That balance is the watch’s central appeal: the design reads as a 62MAS, but the wearing dimensions and technical specification belong to a modern Prospex.
#1 Best Overall
- STAINLESS STEEL CASE built to endure with style, making this watch your perfect daily companion
- AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT for seamless precision in every tick of this watch
- SCRATCH-RESISTANT CRYSTAL to maintain a pristine look even with daily wear and tear on your watch
- LUMINESCENT HANDS for effortless readability in low-light conditions, ensuring you never miss a moment with this watch
- WATER RESISTANT DESIGN ensuring your watch is ready for any adventure, rain or shine
Seiko SLA017 specifications
| Specification | Seiko Prospex SLA017 |
|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic caliber 8L35; 26 jewels |
| Frequency and reserve | 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second); 50-hour power reserve |
| Case size | 39.9mm diameter; 14.1mm thickness |
| Water resistance | 200m diver’s water resistance |
| Other resistance | 4,800 A/m magnetic resistance |
| Case and crystal | Stainless steel case with super-hard coating; box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating |
| Case construction | Screw-down crown and screw case back |
| Included accessories | Silicone strap and stainless steel bracelet |
| Edition and launch price | 2,000 pieces; approximate European recommended retail price of €3,800 at its 2017 announcement |
These specifications are from Seiko’s March 2017 release. Seiko says caliber 8L35 was designed for diving and made at its Shizuku-ishi Watch Studio in Morioka; the re-creation’s redesign was entrusted to Nobuhiro Kosugi.
How it wears and where the design is less faithful
Hands-on reviewers generally responded positively to the watch’s construction and vintage cues, but those impressions are personal rather than universal. Brice Goulard of Monochrome described the raised indices and dial as faithful, and the watch as pleasant and solid on the wrist; he also found the silicone strap supple and comfortable. His 2017 hands-on review notes that the steel bracelet was included.
Rank #2
- STAINLESS STEEL CASE built to endure with style, making this watch your perfect daily companion
- AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT for seamless precision in every tick of this watch
- SCRATCH-RESISTANT CRYSTAL to maintain a pristine look even with daily wear and tear on your watch
- LUMINESCENT HANDS for effortless readability in low-light conditions, ensuring you never miss a moment with this watch
- WATER RESISTANT DESIGN ensuring your watch is ready for any adventure, rain or shine
Cameron Wong of Time+Tide likewise praised the vintage design and dial, while identifying the printed Seiko logo as a shortcoming compared with the applied logo on the original. Wong’s review also characterizes the SLA017 as a collector-oriented watch. Robert-Jan Broer’s Fratello hands-on report highlights the familiar dial tone and case design alongside the larger dimensions and modern 200m marking.
The 39.9mm diameter and 14.1mm thickness are worth considering if your priority is the compact feel of a vintage diver. The larger case is not a defect; it is a deliberate modernization that makes the SLA017 less exact in size than the original.
Rank #3
- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable 43.8mm stainless steel watch case and bracelet.
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's automatic watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
How the SLA017 compares with the later SJE093
Seiko’s 2023 SJE093 is another official re-creation of the 1965 diver, and a useful comparison for buyers weighing vintage proportions against the SLA017’s larger modern case. Seiko’s published specifications and launch details are:
| SLA017 (2017) | SJE093 (2023) | |
|---|---|---|
| Case diameter × thickness | 39.9mm × 14.1mm | 38.0mm × 12.5mm |
| Movement | 8L35 automatic | 6L37 automatic |
| Power reserve | 50 hours | 45 hours |
| Frequency and jewels | 28,800 vibrations per hour; 26 jewels | 28,800 vibrations per hour; 26 jewels |
| Water resistance | 200m diver’s water resistance | 200m diver’s water resistance |
| Edition size | 2,000 pieces | 1,965 pieces |
| Announced regional price | Approx. €3,800 European recommended retail price in 2017 | US recommended retail price of $3,500 in 2023 |
The figures come from Seiko’s 2017 SLA017 announcement and 2023 SJE093 announcement. The prices are launch recommendations for different regions and years, not a like-for-like current price comparison. The SJE093 has the smaller, thinner published dimensions; that alone does not establish which model is more faithful in every design detail or the better buy today.
Rank #4
- SEIKO WATCH – Seiko SRPL13 Prospex wristwatch.
- COLLECTION – Prospex design.
- CASE DESIGN – Prospex Mare model format.
- MODEL REFERENCE – SRPL13 identifies the specific model.
- WATCH DIAMETER – 41.7 mm.
Is the SLA017 Seiko’s best dive watch ever?
There is no objective answer without defining “best.” The SLA017 makes a strong claim if the criteria are historical design, modern dive capability and a limited-run collector proposition. It combines the 62MAS’s recognizable visual language with a 200m rating, sapphire crystal and the 8L35 movement, while including both a silicone strap and steel bracelet.
It is less compelling for someone who wants the closest possible match to the original’s compact dimensions: the roughly 37mm vintage case is smaller than the SLA017’s 39.9mm diameter. The 2023 SJE093’s 38.0mm diameter and 12.5mm thickness offer a closer size reference, though its movement, edition and launch price differ.
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- SEIKO WATCH – Seiko SRPL15 Prospex wristwatch.
- COLLECTION – Prospex design.
- CASE DESIGN – Prospex Mare model format.
- MODEL REFERENCE – SRPL15 identifies the specific model.
- WATCH DIAMETER – 41.7 mm.
The SLA017’s 2,000-piece production run and €3,800 European recommended retail price are historical launch facts, not evidence of present-day value. Current availability, resale pricing, regional supply and any particular listing’s authenticity or condition need to be checked at the time of purchase; the cited information does not establish whether the watch is currently available or what it should cost now.
What to check before buying a pre-owned SLA017
Because current listings and service options are not established here, assess the individual watch rather than assuming its limited-edition status guarantees condition or value.
Quick Recap
- Confirm the exact reference and provenance. Fratello reports that SBDX019 was used for the Japan domestic model while SLA017 was used elsewhere. Ask for clear reference and serial details, original documentation where available, and a seller’s explanation of the watch’s history.
- Inspect condition and completeness. Check the case and coating, crystal, crown, bracelet, silicone strap and included accessories against the seller’s description. Confirm what is actually included; do not assume every listing has both original straps or packaging.
- Ask about service history and water resistance. A 200m rating is the manufacturer’s specification, not proof that a particular pre-owned example remains water-resistant. Request service records and a recent pressure-test result if you intend to use it in water.
- Compare the asking price with current evidence. The 2017 European launch recommendation does not establish today’s market value. Check recent, credible offers and completed sales for the same reference, region and condition before judging a price.
- Separate vintage-original risks from SLA017 ownership. Fratello notes that sourcing parts for vintage 62MAS originals can be difficult. That observation applies to the original vintage watch and should not be assumed to describe the SLA017.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
