More evidence the 1960’s and 1970’s were a golden era for Seiko is evident in its long-running 70XX line – like this 1977 Seiko 7025-8099 "Poor Man's 62MAS" automatic sport diver here, with it's original stainless-steel Seiko bracelet.
This Seiko 7025 diver here gets it's nickname from its strong resemblance - in particular its dial and handset - to Seiko's iconic first dive watch, the Seiko 6217-8001.
But this late 1970s Seiko diver is no “Poor Man’s” anything – it stands on its own. The design on the 7025 is a great blend of tool and refinement that easily competes with any diver available today. Featuring a cushion case and tapered lugs that flow nicely into the diver’s original “H-link” bracelet, the watch is a great 39mm that makes the wearer forget its even there (unlike most contemporary divers).
The coin edge bezel on this dive case rotates smoothly in either direction, with black insert in strong condition and featuring only light wear. The 7025 dial is a great matte black color with polished rectangular hour indices and date window (akin to the 62MAS it draws its moniker from). Polished baton hands – with clear design cues from not only the 62MAS but also the more famous Seiko 6105 “Captain Willard” diver – offer ease of reference on an otherwise sparse dial.
In short, everything a dive watch should be.
Seiko debuted the 70XX line in 1969 and produced it until the 1990’s, when it was replaced by Seiko’s famed 7S26 line. The 7005 line features Seiko’s Magic Lever winding system, allowing the automatic rotor to gather energy in a bi-directional fashion.
The 70XX line came in several sub-variants, which included the 7025 here, as well as the famed (and much "Feiko'ed") 7002, 7006, and 7009 - all of which are almost identical and share numerous parts in common (which also makes watch servicing easier and inexpensive). The 7025 here is date only, with the 7009 as a day/date and 7002A date only (and with a different auto winding weight).
This Seiko Poor Man's 62MAS comes on it's original stainless-steel Seiko bracelet, and comes with nylon strap, spring bar tool, and rugged travel case.
1977 Seiko 7025-8099 "Poor Man's 62MAS" Automatic Diver
DIAL: Unblemished black Seiko-signed dial, with applied applied hour markers strongly reminiscent of Seiko's famous 62MAS, no dial blemishes. Date function works as designed.
CASE: Stainless-steel case measures 39mm x 44mm, with matching caseback; case lines remain sharp.
BEZEL: Friction coin-edge bezel rotates as deigned; black bezel insert remains in quite solid condition, with limited wear.
CRYSTAL: Acrylic domed crystal is free of deep scratches and cracks.
BAND: This Seiko 7025 diver comes on it's original Seiko-signed stainless-steel "H-link" bracelet, which will fit up to an approx. 7.50 inch wrist; it also comes with a black nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko 17-jewel 7025A, 17 jewel automatic movement, manufactured in July 1977. We have performed a full service on this Poor Man's 62MAS diver.
CROWN: Unsigned stainless-steel crown, almost entirely recessed.