Seiko - 5 Sports Speedtimer Chronograph - 6139-8002 - Men - 1971

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Seiko 6139 series represents a pivotal chapter in the history of watchmaking, standing proudly as one of the world's very first automatic chronograph calibers. Among the diverse array of designs produced during this golden era of Japanese horology, the 5 Sports Speed-Timer variants are particularly celebrated for their daring use of color and robust, sporty case geometries. This specific example beautifully captures the quintessential 1970s aesthetic, combining a stark matte black dial with vibrant bursts of teal, orange, and yellow, offering collectors a mechanically significant timepiece with tremendous visual presence. Brand: Seiko Model: 5 Sports Speed-Timer Chronograph Reference Number: 6139-8002 Serial Number: 145747 Movement: Automatic Chronograph, Caliber 6139A, 21 Jewels Dial: Matte black dial with vibrant teal subdial, crisp typography, and even creamy lume patina Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and an exceptionally preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Speed-Timer is a masterclass in high-contrast sports design, remaining in remarkably clean condition. The matte black surface provides a deep, flawless backdrop for the applied silver-tone baton indices, which feature prominent luminous centers. The typography is exceptionally crisp, with the white sans-serif "SEIKO 5 SPORTS" logo balanced by the iconic "Speed-Timer" script in a striking orange hue. The defining feature of this reference is the 30-minute chronograph register at six o'clock, which is split into a vibrant teal blue section and a dark black section, swept by a bright yellow counter hand. The central yellow chronograph seconds hand matches perfectly, adding cohesive visual pop. The luminous material on the indices has aged to a highly attractive, even creamy eggshell patina. The baton hour and minute hands share this warm patina, with a minor, age-consistent spot visible on the luminous material of the minute hand under close inspection. The day-date window at three o'clock features a sharp, well-preserved black frame. Case and Crystal The 40 mm tonneau-shaped stainless steel case exhibits the classic, muscular proportions of early 1970s Seiko chronographs. The case retains its factory-intended finishes, displaying pronounced radial brushing across the upper hooded lug surfaces that transitions sharply into the polished case flanks. The integrated crown sits flush at the three o'clock position, flanked by the traditional pump pushers at two and four o'clock. The case shows honest, age-appropriate signs of wear, including light surface scratches and minor handling marks that are entirely consistent with a vintage sports watch. The watch is fitted with a flat crystal that provides a clear view of the dial, though it does exhibit a visible scuff and surface scratch along the outer edge near the four and five o'clock positions. The screw-down caseback remains well-defined, with all factory engravings, including the reference and serial numbers, clearly legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the historically significant Seiko Caliber 6139A, a fully integrated automatic chronograph movement featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch. The movement is proudly stamped with 21 jewels and presents cleanly in the photographs, with the winding rotor and bridges showing well-preserved industrial finishing. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -25 to -30 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct stainless steel block-link bracelet that perfectly complements the robust, architectural case design. The multi-link construction offers a comfortable drape on the wrist while maintaining the integrated, sporty aesthetic characteristic of the era. The bracelet accommodates a wrist size of up to 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as the highlight of the watch with its vibrant colors and clean surface. The case remains thick and unpolished, showing normal, honest wear and retaining its original brushed and polished surfaces. The crystal displays localized edge wear, while the mechanical components remain intact and functional. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 40 mm in width, excluding the recessed crown, providing a substantial and highly wearable footprint that feels remarkably modern on the wrist. Remarks This 6139-8002 Speed-Timer is a highly charismatic example of vintage Japanese watchmaking. It perfectly balances the technical prestige of the legendary 6139 automatic chronograph movement with a dial configuration that is unapologetically bold. The striking combination of the matte black dial, vivid teal subdial, and yellow accents makes this an incredibly fun and historically important piece for any serious chronograph enthusiast. History Introduced in 1969, the Seiko Caliber 6139 was part of the fiercely contested race to bring the first automatic chronograph to market, competing directly with the Swiss Zenith El Primero and the Chronomatic consortium. Seiko's achievement was monumental, delivering a highly efficient vertical clutch and column-wheel design that proved to be incredibly durable. The "Speed-Timer" designation was initially reserved for the Japanese Domestic Market, offering a range of colorful, youth-oriented designs that stood in stark contrast to traditional Swiss chronographs. Today, these early 5 Sports Speed-Timers are celebrated not only for their mechanical innovation but for capturing the adventurous, colorful spirit of 1970s horological design. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSX-0015