Seiko - 5 Sports Speedtimer Chronograph - 6139-7020 - Men - 1971

Available now on auction by Second Vintage The Seiko 6139 series stands as a monumental achievement in the history of horology, renowned as one of the world's first automatic chronograph movements introduced in 1969. The Speed-Timer variants, specifically produced for the Japanese Domestic Market, hold a special place in collector circles for their bold aesthetics and motorsport-inspired design language. This particular reference 6139-7020 perfectly encapsulates the adventurous spirit of 1970s watchmaking, combining robust mechanical innovation with a striking, highly legible layout. It is a quintessential vintage sports watch that offers both significant historical pedigree and exceptional daily wearability. Very highly sought after by collectors. Brand: Seiko Model: 5 Sports Speedtimer Chronograph Reference Number: 6139-7020 Serial Number: 147208 Movement: Automatic Chronograph, Caliber 6139B, 21 Jewels Dial: Matte black dial with orange accents, two-tone blue and black sub-dial, exceptionally clean condition with even creamy lume patina Case Size: 41 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a remarkably well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Speed-Timer is a masterclass in 1970s sports design, featuring a deep matte black base accented by vibrant pops of color. The applied silver-tone baton hour markers are topped with luminous plots that have aged to a highly attractive, uniform creamy patina. The signature element is the striking two-tone blue and black 30-minute chronograph register positioned at six o'clock, which provides exceptional visual contrast. The iconic cursive "Speed-Timer" text is printed in a sharp, vibrant orange, matching the outer minute track detailing. The original baton hour and minute hands retain their matching creamy luminous material, while the central chronograph seconds hand and the sub-dial hand are painted in a vivid, high-visibility yellow. A close inspection reveals the dial is exceptionally clean, completely free from spots, moisture stains, surface damage, or print loss, representing an outstanding level of preservation for its era. The day-date aperture at three o'clock features a highly desirable English and Kanji day wheel. An inner rotating indicator ring frames the dial, adding functional depth to the layout. Case and Crystal The tonneau-shaped stainless steel case measures a substantial 41 millimeters, offering a prominent and comfortable wrist presence characteristic of the era. The case architecture features a distinct transition between the circularly brushed upper surfaces and the smoothly polished sides. The watch displays honest, age-consistent signs of wear, including superficial scratches and minor handling marks along the flanks and bezel edge, but it remains structurally sound with well-defined lines. The recessed crown sits flush at the three o'clock position, flanked by the classic pump pushers at two and four o'clock, which operate the chronograph functions. The flat crystal is well-preserved and clear, providing an unobstructed view of the pristine dial beneath. The screw-down caseback clearly displays the factory engravings, including the reference number, serial number, and the Seiko Water Resistant markings. Movement Powering this timepiece is the legendary Seiko Caliber 6139B, a 21-jewel automatic chronograph movement featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch architecture. The movement components, visible in the provided caseback-off images, present cleanly, with the signed Seiko rotor and bridges showing appropriate vintage condition. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results reflect a daily deviation of -31 to -35 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct stainless steel folded-link bracelet that complements the robust, sporty nature of the tonneau case. The bracelet shows moderate wear and stretch consistent with its age, maintaining a comfortable drape on the wrist. It is sized to accommodate a wrist up to 18 centimeters. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The primary value driver, the dial, is exceptionally clean and beautifully preserved, showing no signs of degradation. The stainless steel case and bracelet display normal, honest vintage wear with superficial scratches and handling marks that do not detract from the overall striking appearance of the watch. Dimensions The case measures 41 millimeters in diameter, excluding the crown. The included stainless steel bracelet will accommodate a wrist size of up to 18 centimeters. Remarks This reference 6139-7020 is a superb example of Seiko's golden era of sports chronographs. The inclusion of the Kanji day wheel confirms its origins as a Japanese Domestic Market release, adding an extra layer of collectibility. The vibrant yellow hands against the matte black dial and the iconic blue and black sub-dial make this an instantly recognizable and highly sought-after configuration. History Introduced in 1969, the Seiko Caliber 6139 was a groundbreaking achievement, fiercely competing to be the very first automatic chronograph movement brought to market. The Speed-Timer sub-brand was launched specifically for the Japanese market to capitalize on the era's booming interest in motorsports and professional timing. These watches were built to withstand rigorous use while providing precise, instantly readable timing capabilities. Today, the Seiko 6139 Speed-Timers are celebrated by collectors worldwide for their robust engineering, historical importance, and unapologetically bold 1970s aesthetic. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSS-0003