Vintage Seiko 5 Sports watch Speedtimer 6139-7020 Chronograph 1971

SPECIFICATION

THE WATCH

The Seiko 5 Sports SpeedTimer Ref. 6139-7020 perfectly captures the essence of a vintage racing chronograph. Nicknamed the “Flying Saucer,” it features a distinctive sloping brushed tonneau case accented by an outer bezel with a black enamel inlay. Produced for the Japanese domestic market, this reference is powered by the upgraded 21-jewel Cal. 6139B movement—making it superior to its export counterparts fitted with the 17-jewel Cal. 6139A.

Released in 1971, the Ref. 6139-7020 was offered with three main dial variations. This example showcases a deeply recessed matte black dial paired with a split matte beige sub-register, highlighted by vibrant orange markers and yellow chronograph and sub-dial hands. Marked “JAPAN 6139-7040T,” this striking configuration balances sporty flair with refined design, embodying the unmistakable SpeedTimer DNA.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

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 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 6139-7020 is in fantastic condition and really stands out from the crowd with its awesome presence on the wrist, you'll be sure to get some attention with this on your wrist.