Seiko - 5 Sports Speed-Timer Chronograph - No reserve price - 6138-0010 - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko 6138 chronograph series represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, combining robust automatic chronograph functionality with bold, distinctive 1970s design. Known affectionately by collectors as the "UFO" or "Yachtsman" due to its striking lugless cushion case, this 6138-0010 stands as a testament to Seiko's innovative spirit. Featuring a striking dual-register layout with contrasting subdials, this piece offers an unmistakable wrist presence and historical significance for the vintage chronograph enthusiast, presented here in an honest and highly original configuration. Brand: Seiko Model: 5 Sports Speed-Timer Reference Number: 6138-0010 Serial Number: 026225 Movement: Automatic Chronograph, Caliber 6138B, 21 Jewels Dial: Matte black dial with grey and blue subdials, showing visible degradation to the luminous plots and minor surface wear Case Size: 42 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and age-consistent patina Dial and Hands The dial features a matte black base that serves as a high-contrast backdrop for the applied Seiko and 5 Sports logos, alongside the vibrantly printed orange "Speed-Timer" script. The dual-register layout is defined by a grey upper 12-hour subdial and a striking blue lower 30-minute subdial, both retaining excellent color saturation. A close visual inspection reveals clear signs of aging on the luminous material of the baton indices, which show noticeable darkening, degradation, and spotting consistent with their vintage age. The hands feature white luminous inserts that exhibit matching creamy aging, paired beautifully with a vibrant orange central chronograph seconds hand. A day and date aperture sits cleanly at three o'clock, framed by a silver border. The dial surface shows minor dust and subtle age-related marks upon close inspection, maintaining a highly authentic vintage character without compromising legibility. Case and Crystal The oversized 42mm stainless steel cushion case is a hallmark of this reference, featuring a lugless, saucer-like profile. The top surfaces display a brushed finish that transitions into polished flanks. The case shows honest signs of wear, including surface scratches, scuffs, and minor dings along the edges, indicative of its functional history. The original factory lines remain visible, though the transitions have softened slightly from regular use over the decades. The pump pushers and knurled crown are well-proportioned and sit flush with the case silhouette. The flat crystal sits slightly raised above the bezel and displays scattered surface scratches and minor edge wear visible under direct lighting. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference 6138-0010, the serial number 026225, and the highly desirable "Waterproof" designation. Movement Inside beats the Seiko Caliber 6138B, a robust automatic chronograph movement featuring 21 jewels. The movement is visibly clean in the provided images, with the rotor and bridges clearly stamped with Seiko branding, jewel count, and caliber markings. The column-wheel mechanism and intricate levers are fully visible and intact. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher result is -1 to -3 s/d. Strap The watch is fitted with an original stainless steel bracelet featuring folded links. The clasp is proudly stamped with the Seiko 5 Sports branding and logo. The endlinks are clearly marked with the code XAA 501, ensuring a proper fit to the unique case shape. The bracelet exhibits stretch and surface scratches consistent with the wear on the case, comfortably accommodating a wrist size up to 18 cm. Condition The timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. It presents an authentic, unpolished appearance with moderate wear throughout the case and bracelet, including typical scuffs and scratches. The dial shows clear aging, specifically spotting and degradation on the luminous indices, while the subdial colors remain vibrant and attractive. The movement appears visually well-preserved and is running exceptionally well based on the provided metrics. Dimensions Case Size: 42 mm Wrist Size: 18 cm Remarks A highly collectible early execution of the Seiko 6138-0010, boasting the desirable "Waterproof" caseback and the colorful 5 Sports Speed-Timer dial variant. The combination of the bold case geometry and the vibrant subdial layout makes this an iconic representation of 1970s sports chronographs, perfect for collectors seeking an honest and capable vintage piece. History Introduced in 1970, the Seiko 6138 was the brand's second automatic chronograph caliber, following the legendary 6139. Adding a 12-hour register and hand-winding capability, the 6138 powered some of Seiko's most memorable and oversized designs of the decade. The 6138-0010, with its distinctive saucer-like shape, earned the "UFO" moniker from collectors and was marketed for sporting activities, cementing its legacy as a formidable and visually striking tool watch of its era. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSS-0002