Seiko - 5 Sports SpeedTimer Chronograph - No reserve price - 6139-7050 - Men - 1972

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko 6139 stands as a monumental achievement in horological history, widely recognized as one of the first automatic chronographs ever brought to market. Among the myriad variations produced, the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) "Speed-Timer" variants hold a special reverence among collectors for their vibrant styling and historical significance. The reference 6139-7050 offered here is a striking example of 1970s sports watch design, characterized by its robust tonneau-shaped case, vivid color palette, and undeniable wrist presence. Blending technical innovation with a bold, unapologetic aesthetic, this chronograph captures the daring spirit of golden-era Seiko and remains a highly sought-after prize for vintage enthusiasts. Brand: Seiko Model: 5 Sports Speed-Timer Chronograph Reference Number: 6139-7050 Serial Number: 295294 Movement: Automatic Caliber 6139B, 21 Jewels (-50 to -58 s/day) Dial: Two-tone grey sunburst and matte black, exceptionally clean with vibrant orange accents Case Size: 39 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an outstanding, flaw-free dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this 6139-7050 is a masterclass in 1970s graphic design and remains in exceptional, highly preserved condition. It features a striking two-tone layout, with a radiant grey sunburst center section surrounded by a matte black outer track housing the minute markers and tachymeter scale. The typography is crisp and distinct, with a precisely applied silver-tone "SEIKO" logo sitting above the printed white "5 SPORTS" text. At six o'clock, the grey sub-register displays concentric snailing and houses a vibrant orange minute-counter hand. The iconic "Speed-Timer" script is printed in matching bright orange, providing a perfect visual balance against the monochrome background. The primary hour and minute hands are baton-shaped, black at the base with white upper sections, retaining luminous material that has aged to a very subtle, even creamy hue. The central chronograph sweep hand is executed in the same vivid orange as the sub-register hand and dial text. Upon intense visual inspection, the dial surface is remarkably clean, showing no major spotting, moisture stains, surface scratches, or significant degradation, standing as a top-tier example of vintage preservation. Case and Crystal The 39mm stainless steel case features a classic tonneau profile, perfectly embodying the robust sports watch aesthetic of its era. The case retains excellent definition throughout, showcasing strong, factory-correct transitions between the vertically brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks. Minor, honest handling marks and superficial hairline scratches are present on the polished sides and bezel, fully consistent with an unpolished or incredibly carefully preserved vintage piece. The pump pushers at two and four o'clock, along with the recessed crown at three o'clock, fit snugly against the case side. The flat crystal presents cleanly with minimal signs of wear, allowing an unobstructed view of the pristine dial beneath. The screw-down caseback is sharply engraved, clearly displaying the Seiko logo, reference number 6139-7050, water resistance markings, and the serial number 295294. Movement Powering this chronograph is the historically significant Seiko Caliber 6139B automatic movement. Macro images of the movement reveal a clean and well-maintained mechanism. The rotor is cleanly stamped with "SEIKO," "TWENTY ONE 21 JEWELS," and "JAPAN." The intricate architecture of the column-wheel chronograph system is fully visible and presents without obvious signs of corrosion, moisture intrusion, or gross mishandling. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance the movement shows a deviation of -50 to -58 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct folded stainless steel bracelet. The links feature a brushed finish with polished center accents, seamlessly complementing the finishing techniques of the watch head. The bracelet shows typical stretch and superficial surface wear consistent with its age and intended use, maintaining the authentic 1970s aesthetic while providing a comfortable fit on the wrist. Condition This Seiko 6139-7050 is presented in excellent vintage condition. The absolute highlight of the piece is its dial, which is phenomenally clean and free of the spotting, print loss, or moisture damage that frequently plagues these models. The luminous material has aged gracefully to a uniform, pale cream tone without degrading. The case remains thick and sharp, displaying honest vintage wear in the form of light surface scratches without any deep gouges or signs of heavy over-polishing. The movement is visibly clean and highly operational, making this a highly collectible and wearable example of a legendary Japanese chronograph. Dimensions Case Size: 39 mm (excluding the crown) Wristsize up to 18cm Remarks The Seiko "Speed-Timer" variants represent a vital chapter in the story of the automatic chronograph. With its compelling grey and black dial, vivid orange accents, and historically important vertical-clutch movement, this reference 6139-7050 beautifully encapsulates the golden era of Japanese watchmaking. Its exceptional dial preservation and sharp case make it a premium addition to any serious vintage sports watch collection. History Introduced in 1969, the Seiko Caliber 6139 was one of the world's first automatic chronograph movements, competing directly with the Swiss consortiums in the race to market. Seiko's movement was incredibly groundbreaking, featuring a column wheel and a vertical clutch—advanced technologies that remain the gold standard for high-end chronographs today. The "Speed-Timer" designation was created specifically for the Japanese Domestic Market, offering sportier designs, bolder colors, and bilingual day wheels. These JDM models quickly gained a cult following upon their release and remain highly prized by modern collectors for their unique aesthetics and integral role in global horological history. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSS-0005