THE 6217 REISSUE: SEIKO’S FIRST-EVER DIVE WATCH RETURNS (TWICE)

Seiko has just released two new versions of its original dive watch, the reference 6217, which first launched in 1965. While they’re both stunning, they’re two very different takes on the original.

The first watch, the SLA017, is a limited edition that’s a complete re-creation: Design elements like the hands, hour markers and rotating bezel are identical to the original. The case design is the same, but it received a slight bump in size, from 38mm to 39.9mm. The watch is slightly more water resistant, with a 200-meter depth rating (the original is 150 meters). Inside is a thoroughly modern 8L35 automatic movement. Only 2,000 of these will be made, and they will retail for roughly $4,100.

The SPB051 and SPB053, on the other hand, are more like re-imaginations. They’re also water resistant to around 200 meters, and they run on a slightly lower-grade R615 automatic. They’ve also received an even bigger boost in size, with a case diameter of 42.6mm for each. Dial designs have been tweaked to fit in with the rest of the Prospex lineup; the hour hand has a broad arrow point, and the hour markers are larger and pointed. The SPB051 and SPB053 will have a more affordable retail price of around $970.