Launched in 1976 to replace the three incredible dive watches that Seiko had been producing from 1965 to 1975, the 62MAS, 6105-8000/9, and the 6105-8010/9, the Seiko ScubaPro ref. 6306-7001 immediately had large boots to fill, but it stepped into its role as a functional no-nonsense dive watch with absolute competency. Produced for a short five years until the ref. 6309 replaced it is in 1981, the ref. 6306 proved to be a popular choice with US Military divers and other groups who needed a functional dive watch that could handle the stressful situations it was placed in. Indeed, the ref. 6306 was so competent that Seiko was able to collaborate with the legendary diving equipment company ScubaPro to release a limited edition run of the ref. 6306 of approximately 1000 pieces, of which we have one here. Boasting the ref. 6306’s black dial and orange “Water resist” lettering, the ScubaPro edition of the ref. 6306’s includes the brand’s logo in blue ensuring that it is all the more unique and special. Powered by the cal. 6306A automatic movement and featuring an English date wheel, this example was destined for outside of Japan, as the JDM examples would include Kanji day wheels. A limited edition version of an iconic diver from an iconic brand, the ref. 6306-7001 ScubaPro has everything one might want in a rugged vintage diver with its provenance, aesthetics and reliability.

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case exhibits signs of use and wear but is generally free from any major flaws or defects. Caseback shows minor scratches, with all the engravings and medallion fully visible. The date code on the back of the dial has been verified by a watchmaker, and matches the production year of the watch (1979). Dial is excellent, with a couple small marks visible only around the 4 o'clock luminous dot. The WATER RESIST on the dial has faded to an almost red hue. Bezel insert has light wear as shown in the images. Watch comes with a Seiko DAL1BP rubber strap and signed buckle.

An intensely powerful dive watch that soaked up pressure so well that the US military even opted for it, the 6306 is an iconic reference from Seiko's storied past, and the ScubaPro edition only adds to that iconic allure with its unique dial configuration.