Every collection has a starting point, and mine begins here. Watches have been on my mind for years, but it wasn’t until a few trips ago that I realized I wanted to make them a more tangible part of my life.

From day one, I knew I didn’t want to chase after the most obvious or “internet-famous” models. I wanted something more personal—pieces that would remind me of places, moments, and choices I made along the way.

Like many people, I wanted my first piece to be a Seiko. Picking one up in Japan felt like the perfect way to mark my first trip there with a memory I could wear every day. At first, I had my eye on the “Captain Willard” (SPB237J1). I loved the case design, but when I tried it on in Tokyo, I realized my wrist just wasn’t big enough to pull off that kind of watch.

That’s how I ended up with this one—the Seiko 62MAS reissue, reference SPB239J1. It’s an automatic (caliber 6R35 with a 70-hour power reserve) and carries clear vintage cues. What really won me over were the details: the creamy patina on the markers and the dial, which is surprisingly complex. At first glance it can look black, but under different lighting it shifts into this moody grey-brown with a textured surface that feels alive.

For a bit of context, the original 62MAS, released in 1965, was Seiko’s very first professional dive watch. It marked the beginning of a lineage that would eventually lead to icons like the SKX, the Turtle, and even today’s Prospex line.

Owning a modern reinterpretation of such a milestone feels like having a small piece of that history on the wrist… and I can enjoy it safely on dry land, because let’s be honest, I’ve never gone diving—and I never will. I’m a city creature.

The watch comes with two NATO straps using a traditional Japanese braiding technique called Seichu. The quality is fantastic, but the thickness makes them a bit too bulky for my taste. I’ve always had a soft spot for jubilee-style bracelets anyway—they’re so comfortable—so I picked up an aftermarket one that pairs beautifully with the case.

Many people compare this Seiko to the Tudor Black Bay 58, and the resemblance in vintage styling is hard to ignore. Of course, the Tudor is several times more expensive. But—and maybe this sounds like self-justification—I honestly think I prefer the Seiko aesthetically. The fact that such a comparison can even be made says a lot about the value Seiko is offering here.