Now available at auction from Second Vintage
This exceptional Seiko 5 Sports Speed-Timer is a masterful representation of Japanese horological innovation from the early 1970s. Designed for the Japanese Domestic Market, this specific reference stands out with its highly desirable pulsimeter scale, originally intended for medical professionals and athletes to measure heart rates. Combining a robust tonneau case with the mechanical sophistication of a flyback chronograph, this timepiece captures the golden era of Seiko’s automatic sports watches. The striking contrast of vibrant orange accents against the deep matte black dial gives this watch an undeniable wrist presence, making it a highly compelling acquisition for the dedicated vintage chronograph collector.
Brand: Seiko
Model: 5 Sports Speed-Timer
Reference Number: 7017-8000
Serial Number: 1D3248
Movement: Automatic Caliber 7017A, 21 Jewels
Dial: Matte black pulsimeter dial with applied indices, presenting in wonderfully clean and exceptionally preserved condition
Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1971
Condition: Excellent vintage condition, showcasing a pristine dial and sharp, honest case geometry. The movement has been professionally serviced and presents in healthy and strong condition.
Dial and Hands
The matte black dial is exceptionally well-preserved, exhibiting a deep, even finish without any visible moisture damage, spotting, or surface degradation. It features a highly desirable orange pulsimeter scale calibrated to a base of 15, positioned cleanly along the outer track. The applied silver-tone baton indices are crisp, featuring clean white central inserts that perfectly match the sharp, unblemished hour and minute hands. A vibrant orange central chronograph sweep hand provides a striking visual contrast against the dark background, tying in seamlessly with the classic orange Speed-Timer typography. The applied Seiko 5 Sports logo sits proudly below the twelve o'clock position, and the factory printing, including the Suwa logo and Japan 7017 dial code at the bottom, remains incredibly sharp and fully intact.
Case and Crystal
The 40 mm stainless steel tonneau case is in excellent vintage condition, retaining strong, well-defined lug profiles and clear transitions between the brushed upper surfaces and polished flanks. Honest signs of wear, including light superficial hairlines consistent with normal handling, are present but do not detract from the watch's robust and highly attractive aesthetic. The integrated pushers at two and four o'clock sit cleanly against the case, and the recessed crown is perfectly positioned flush at four o'clock. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that offers excellent clarity, presenting only faint micro-scratches visible under harsh lighting. The screw-down caseback is sharply engraved with the reference 7017-8000, the serial number 1D3248, and the Water Resistant designation.
Movement
Inside beats the revered Seiko Caliber 7017A, a 21-jewel automatic flyback chronograph movement. The close-up images reveal clean plates and a well-maintained rotor, with the Seiko 21 J and 7017A engravings clearly visible on the winding bridge. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results reflect a deviation of -15-20s/day. The movement has been professionally serviced and presents in healthy and strong condition.
Strap
The watch is presented on a period correct stainless steel folded-link bracelet. The brushed links show moderate, honest wear consistent with the age of the timepiece, providing a secure and comfortable fit for a wrist size up to 17.5 cm.
Condition
Graded in excellent vintage condition. This timepiece has been carefully preserved, boasting a remarkably clean dial free of noticeable flaws and a case that has maintained its factory lines with only honest surface wear. The movement is visually clean and robust, making the overall aesthetic highly appealing for discerning vintage enthusiasts.
Dimensions
Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown)
Wrist Size: 17.5 cm
History
Introduced in the early 1970s, the Seiko 7017 caliber was an engineering marvel, holding the record for one of the thinnest automatic chronograph movements of its time. Designed specifically for the Japanese Domestic Market, the 5 Sports Speed-Timer line combined robust sports watch durability with sophisticated chronograph functions, including a flyback mechanism that allowed for instant resetting of the sweep hand without stopping it first. The pulsimeter variants were originally intended for medical professionals and athletes, adding a functional tool-watch element that has since become highly prized among vintage Seiko enthusiasts.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: SEI-SSD-0007















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Seiko - 5 Sports Speed-Timer Chronograph - No reserve price - 7017-8000 - Men - 1971
Seiko • 1971
Sold for
€340
Sold on Jun 28, 2026
24 bids89 watching
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