1969 Seiko Hi-Beat Professional Diver 300M | Ref. 6159-7001

The Seiko 6159-7001 is a 1969 professional dive watch and the final version of Seiko’s short-lived Hi-Beat Professional line. The 6159 series was only produced for 2 years in 1968 and 1969. The current dive watch followed the 6159-7000 with subtle revisions to the case, crystal, and seals, while retaining the same bold monocoque design and 300 meter water resistance rating.

This is a late 6159 model with the inscribed ring on the case back. This Seiko diver's defining feature is the caliber 6159A, a 36,000 vph “Hi-Beat” automatic movement that can also be hand-wound and includes hacking and quickset date functions. The watch has a 44 mm stainless steel front loading case, 50 mm lug-to-lug length, 19 mm lug width, and a 14 mm profile. It reads large on paper, but known for wearing well and feeling exceptionally solid.

The 6159-7001 is a major collector’s watch: rare outside Japan, historically important to Seiko’s diver lineage, and often expensive, with clean examples frequently reaching five figures. The present example comes with a pair of orange rubber strap and is recently fully serviced by a professional watch maker. 

Key Features of 1960s Seiko Diver 6159-7001 Automatic Hi-Beat 36000

• 44 mm case diameter, 50 mm lug-to-lug, 19 mm lug width
• Screwed down crown and front loading monocoque case
• 1969 late 6159 model with an inscribed case-back ring
  
• Water "Proof" dial
• Caliber 6159 Hi-Beat automatic, running at 36,000 vph
• Hardlex mineral crystal and updated luminous markers