Seiko - Speedtimer Chronograph - No reserve price - 6139-8001 - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This remarkable Seiko Speedtimer stands as a testament to a revolutionary era in watchmaking, capturing the bold design language and mechanical innovation of early Japanese chronographs. Housing one of the first automatic chronograph calibers ever produced, this robust timepiece combines a distinctive cushion case with a highly legible, sports-oriented dial. It offers a tangible piece of horological history, presenting authentic vintage character and the undeniable charm of a well-traveled tool watch. Brand: Seiko Model: Speedtimer Reference Number: 6139-8001 Serial Number: 002310 Movement: Automatic Chronograph Caliber 6139A Dial: Matte black dial with orange accents, exhibiting localized oxidation and prominent spotting on the silver sub-dial Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and visible sub-dial patina Dial and Hands The dial features a matte black base complemented by a vibrant orange outer minute track and matching orange serif SpeedTimer typography. The applied Seiko logo and prominent 5 shield add excellent depth, sitting above the printed Sports and Water 70m Proof designations. The luminous material on the baton hour markers has aged to a creamy, textured tone. While the main black surface remains largely clean with only minor age-related spotting, the silver thirty-minute register at six o'clock exhibits significant localized oxidation, staining, and surface wear clustered around the center pinion. A framed day and date aperture sits cleanly at three o'clock. The handset features contrasting white baton hour and minute hands, paired with a striking yellow central chronograph sweep second hand and a matching yellow sub-register hand, ensuring high legibility against the dark background. Case and Crystal The 40 millimeter stainless steel cushion case exemplifies the robust, architectural design language of the early 1970s. The case displays honest signs of wear, with surface scratches, scuffs, and slightly softened edges consistent with decades of regular use. The transition between the brushed upper surfaces and the polished case flanks remains visible, maintaining the original geometric intent of the reference. The crown is neatly integrated flush with the case at three o'clock, flanked by traditional pump pushers at two and four o'clock. A flat crystal protects the dial, providing a clear view of the inner black tachymeter-style ring, showing light surface wear appropriate for its vintage status. Movement Powering this chronograph is the celebrated Seiko Caliber 6139A, a 21 jewel automatic movement visible in the provided close-up images. The rotor and bridges are cleanly stamped with the Seiko branding and caliber designations, showing a well-preserved mechanical landscape with age-appropriate patina on the metallic surfaces. The screw-down caseback clearly displays the reference 6139-8001 and the serial number 002310, alongside the Suwa factory symbol. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of -10 to -12 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct dark brown textured leather strap. The strap features contrasting white edge stitching that perfectly complements the white accents on the dial and hands, securing comfortably to the wrist for daily wear. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains its strong cushion profile while displaying normal, honest vintage wear, including handling marks and surface scratches. The dial remains highly attractive overall, though it is defined by the clear and prominent oxidation present on the lower sub-dial. The hands and applied indices retain their structural integrity, and the movement operates with impressive precision for its age. Dimensions Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This reference 6139-8001 is a highly charismatic example of early automatic chronograph design. The contrasting colors, integrated case shape, and undeniable patina give this watch a unique personality that cannot be replicated by modern reissues. It is a compelling acquisition for collectors who appreciate historically significant movements housed within unapologetically authentic vintage exteriors. History Introduced in 1969, the Seiko caliber 6139 holds a legendary position in the pantheon of horology as one of the world's very first automatic chronograph movements. The Speedtimer line was specifically developed to highlight the sporty, high-performance capabilities of these new calibers, targeting a demographic that demanded both precision and robust styling. These chronographs quickly became a staple of 1970s watchmaking, renowned for their vertical clutch and column-wheel construction, a sophisticated mechanical arrangement that Seiko pioneered and which remains a standard in high-end chronograph manufacturing today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SXX-0017