This was a big step up and earned the watch the Professional moniker. In 1968 Seiko released the 6159, a variation on the 6215 with the same hi-beat caliber used in the Grand Seiko of the time. the hands are thicker and contain more luminous material over its predecessor and the dial used a combination of square and round markers. The design of the watch changed to move the crown to 4 o’clock the markers and hands are also different on this model as well. Here Seiko doubled the water resistance of the watch and used a monobloc case as part of that process along with a screw down crown. Seiko’s designers were not done, however satisfied with their first effort they were, and two years later released a 300M diver, the 6215. To this end Seiko knew their watches had to be waterproof, shockproof and easily legible. Seiko wanted to make sure their watch was truly best-in-class which is an important factor given in the 1960’s divers truly relied on their watches to ensure their dive was safe. As a company Seiko shared in this pride and put those efforts into their competition with the Swiss. The country had felt it was entering a new era after its defeat in the second World War. There was also a large sense of pride in Japan in the mid 1960’s following the Tokyo Olympics. At that time the company felt it was vital for them to develop a wristwatch that could withstand the pressures of the deep to help them compete with the Swiss brands and attempt to beat them in terms of quality and performance. The development of Seiko’s diver line of watches began in the 1960’s.

Here is a brief look at the first dozen years of Seiko diver development.

There is another name, one that has a cult-like following in regards to these older divers, and it’s not Swiss but rather Japanese: Seiko. Rolex, Panerai, Omega, to name just a few of the common Swiss brands in regards to these vintage watches. When you are talking about vintage divers there are certain names that regularly come up.

Vintage seiko watch finder