Seiko - Speed-Timer Chronograph - No reserve price - 7017-8000 - Men - 1971

Available now on auction by Second Vintage Presenting a highly compelling piece of 1970s Japanese horological history, this Seiko 5 Sports Speed-Timer perfectly captures the bold design language and mechanical ingenuity of its era. Driven by the renowned 7017 flyback chronograph caliber, this specific reference stands out with its purpose-built pulsimeter scale, originally designed for medical professionals and athletes to quickly measure heart rates. Housed in a robust cushion case and paired with its branded multi-link bracelet, this vibrant chronograph offers a superb blend of vintage sporting character and serious in-house watchmaking. Brand: Seiko Model: Speed-Timer Chronograph Reference Number: 7017-8000 Serial Number: 101775 Movement: Automatic Caliber 7017A Dial: Deep matte blue dial with orange Pulsimeter scale, creamy patinated lume plots, exceptionally clean preservation Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a beautifully preserved dial. Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in vintage sports aesthetic, featuring a deep matte blue surface that contrasts brilliantly with the vibrant orange accents. The silver-toned, applied Seiko 5 Sports logo sits proudly below twelve o'clock, while the orange Speed-Timer text and Suwa factory logo are sharply printed above six o'clock. The outer track features a specialized Pulsimeter Base 15 scale in bright orange, adding distinct functional character. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock. The baton hands feature white painted centers and show honest vintage aging with minor pitting visible on their metallic borders under close inspection. The luminous material on both the hands and the prominent block indices has aged to a highly attractive, textured creamy tone, presenting a consistent and appealing stardust-like patina. Crucially, the dial surface remains remarkably clean, free of major stains, spotting, or moisture damage, making it a standout feature of this timepiece. Case and Crystal The 40mm stainless steel cushion case retains a strong and commanding presence on the wrist. A thorough inspection reveals well-preserved factory finishes, highlighting the distinct radial brushing on the upper hood that contrasts sharply with the polished case flanks. The lug profiles and transitions between these brushed and polished surfaces remain crisp and well-defined, indicative of careful ownership over the decades. The watch features a recessed crown at three o'clock and standard pump pushers at two and four o'clock. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference 7017-8000, the Suwa logo, and the serial number 101775. The domed crystal exhibits visible surface scratches and scuffs, most notably around the eleven and twelve o'clock positions, which is entirely consistent with honest vintage wear and does not obscure the striking dial beneath. Movement Inside beats the Seiko in-house caliber 7017A automatic chronograph movement, prominently marked with 21 jewels on the rotor. The close-up images reveal a clean mechanical architecture with clear factory engravings on the plates and bridges. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show a performance of -5 to -10 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with an original stainless steel multi-link bracelet that perfectly complements the robust case design. The folding clasp is proudly stamped with the vintage Seiko 5 Sports branding, and the endlinks bear the correct XAA stamping, confirming its originality to the era. The bracelet showcases polished center accents flanked by brushed outer links, echoing the finishing techniques of the watch head. It is currently sized to accommodate a wrist up to 18 cm. Condition This chronograph is presented in excellent vintage condition overall. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, remaining clean and showcasing a highly attractive, evenly aged lume patina. The stainless steel case retains its sharp factory geometry and contrasting finishes, showing only honest, superficial handling marks expected from a watch of this vintage. While the crystal displays visible scratches, the overall structural and visual integrity of the timepiece remains outstanding, making it a highly wearable and collectible example. Dimensions Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 18 cm Remarks This is a superb example of Seiko's innovative 1970s chronograph design, combining the specialized utility of a pulsimeter with the robust 7017 flyback movement. The presence of the original branded bracelet and the striking color contrast on the exceptionally clean dial make this a highly desirable piece for enthusiasts of vintage Japanese sports watches. History Seiko's Speed-Timer line, introduced in the late 1960s and flourishing through the 1970s, represented the pinnacle of accessible, high-performance automatic chronographs. The caliber 7017 was a marvel of its time, offering a sophisticated flyback function in a remarkably compact mechanical architecture. Often reserved for the Japanese Domestic Market, these vibrant, purpose-built chronographs, like this precise pulsimeter variant designed for medical professionals, cemented Seiko's reputation for combining bold aesthetics with serious mechanical innovation during the golden age of mechanical sports watches. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSX-0010