Seiko 5 Sports watch Speedtimer 6139-8040 Chronograph Blue Dial Vintage 1973

• In great pre-owned condition, with signs of wear from use.
• Case and bezel have some scratches and marks
• Fully serviced chronograph movement.
• Lume in the hands shows some light patina
• Tiny blemish above the sub dial to the right
• English and Kanji day wheel.
• Stunning blue graduated dial
• Paired with an original signed Seiko bracelet XAA970 that fits up to a 7.5 inch wrist approx.

THE WATCH

The story of the Seiko chronograph properly begins in 1969. A momentous year in watchmaking that finally saw the development of not just one, but three, automatic chronographs. The Calibre 11 movement developed in partnership by a number of brands but made famous by Heuer. The El Primero was developed by Zenith and Movado and is still in production today. Alongside these illustrious and famously storied movements, housed in some of the most desirable vintage watches around, the third automatic chronograph released in 1969 seems a little overshadowed, but the Seiko 6139 movement (and its successor, the 6138) are none the less historically significant, and a lot more obtainable than the other two.

The 6139 is Seiko’s first automatic chronograph movement. It is a single register chronograph, with a 30-minute counter, no continuous seconds and a quickset day-date display. It was produced from 1969 until around 1979. The 6139s came in a range of dial colours and case styles, this 6139-8040 boast a stunning graduated blue dial and has a lovely case featuring rolled hooded lugs and clean edge, and where marketed under a range of names, the most significant being the ‘Speed-Timer.’

The 6139 a beast of a calibre, it features a column wheel design with a vertical clutch, and this one performing flawlessly post service. The chronograph functions are snappy and responsive, and it’s keeping time to within just a few seconds per day. For sure to be a fast favourite in any collection.

OUR THOUGHTS

The 6139 is an iconic movement from Seiko's and chronograph history, every enthusiast should experience one at some point, this 6139-8040 really stands out from the crowd with its awesome graduated blue dial, you'll be sure to get some attention with this on your wrist.