Seiko - 5 Sports Speed-Timer - No reserve price - 6139-7020 - Men - 1971

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko 6139 is a legendary pillar of automatic chronograph history, and the Japanese Domestic Market 5 Sports Speed-Timer variants hold a special place in collector circles for their vibrant, motorsport-inspired designs. This specific reference from 1971 showcases the quintessential 1970s cushion case architecture, paired with a striking black and orange dial configuration that captures the daring aesthetic of its era. Brand: Seiko Model: 5 Sports Speed-Timer Reference Number: 6139-7020 Serial Number: 170520 Movement: Automatic Caliber 6139B, 21 Jewels Dial: Matte black with silver subdial, showing heavy lume patina and missing central chronograph hand Case Size: 41 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Fair vintage condition with strong case lines and notable dial wear Dial and Hands The matte black dial features applied baton indices with heavily darkened and aged luminous material. A silver 30-minute chronograph register sits at the six o'clock position, accented by a black and orange track. The dial text, including the orange cursive "Speed-Timer" signature and applied Seiko 5 Sports logo, remains crisp and legible. The day-date aperture at three o'clock displays Kanji and English days within a noticeably oxidized metallic frame. The primary hour and minute hands exhibit significant oxidation, surface spotting, and darkened lume. Crucially, the central chronograph seconds hand is missing, leaving the center pinion exposed. The yellow painted subdial hand shows moderate aging. Case and Crystal The 41mm stainless steel cushion case retains strong factory lines, with distinct vertical brushing on the upper surfaces and polished flanks. Honest signs of vintage wear, including surface scratches and minor nicks, are present throughout the case profile and the fixed black outer bezel ring. The flat crystal exhibits visible scratches, edge wear, and minor chips consistent with regular use, partially obscuring the inner rotating 60-minute ring. The traditional Seiko recessed crown and pump pushers remain intact. Movement Inside beats the historic Seiko Caliber 6139B automatic chronograph movement, clearly marked with 21 jewels on the main bridge. The movement presents cleanly in the provided macro images, showing the standard mechanical architecture and finishing of the era. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. (-19 to -22 s/d) Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct stainless steel block-link bracelet, complementing the robust 1970s aesthetic of the case and providing a comfortable, articulating fit on the wrist. Condition Fair vintage condition. The case remains well-defined but shows expected surface wear and handling marks. The dial surface is relatively preserved, though the luminous material, hands, and day-date frame show heavy, dark patina and oxidation. The most significant condition note is the absence of the central chronograph seconds hand. The crystal displays noticeable scratches and wear that reflect its age and active history. Dimensions Case Size: 41 mm Wrist Size: 18.5 cm Remarks A historically significant early automatic chronograph with strong project potential or for those who appreciate heavy, honest vintage character. The missing seconds hand is an important factor to consider for future restoration, though the watch remains a highly charismatic piece of Seiko's legendary mechanical catalog. History Introduced in 1969, the Seiko caliber 6139 was one of the world's first automatic chronograph movements. The 5 Sports Speed-Timer line was marketed heavily toward the dynamic, sport-oriented youth of the 1970s, featuring robust cases, vibrant colors, and innovative features like the vertical clutch and column wheel. These models remain highly collectible artifacts of Seiko's golden era of mechanical innovation, representing a time when the brand was pushing the absolute boundaries of watchmaking technology. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SST-0002