1971 Seiko 5 Sports SpeedTimer Chronograph 41mm 6139-7020

Here we have a 1971 Seiko 5 Sports SpeedTimer Chronograph 6139-7020 featuring a 41mm stainless steel tonneau cushion case. Seiko 5 is the longest continuously running series in the Seiko family. The ‘5’ stands for the watch's five principal attributes :

1. Diaflex (unbreakable mainspring)

2. Diashock (Seiko's shock-resistant design, equivalent to the Swiss "Incabloc"),

3. Automatic winding,

4.Day/date indication,

5. Water-resistant.

Its curved flanks lead to a comfortable lug-to-lug length of 44mm and a case thickness of 14mm. Down the right side, we have the chronograph pushers and a recessed coin-edged crown in the centre. The smooth bezel features a black gasket that holds the Hardlex crystal, which protects the inner 60-minute countdown bezel, which is rotatable in either direction via the crown. An outer minute track is precisely executed, surrounding the grey dial. At 3 o’clock, a framed day-date (English/Kanji) window. Applied hour markers that are easy to read with an application of lume, which is in its original condition and looks incredible. White baton hands are complemented by a white tapered chronograph hand, which sits above the 30-minute register in black and orange, with a white tapered hand. At 12, we have the Seiko 5 Sports motif, and to the left, “Speed-Timer” in orange completes this vintage chronograph. On the reverse, a screw-down case back. Inside we have an Automatic Seiko Cal. 6139, 17 jewels, beating at 21,600 beats per hour. It comes paired with its original 19mm Seiko stainless steel bracelet and signed folding clasp and will fit up to a 6.9-inch wrist. This watch is sold with its original Seiko box.

This watch is sold with its original Seiko box. It comes paired with its original 19mm Seiko stainless steel bracelet and signed folding clasp and will fit up to a 6.9-inch wrist. The watch is from Circa. October 1971, and is sold in Near New Old Stock condition. The watch still has part of its sticker on the back; unusually, the sticker is still on the clasp. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

What an incredible opportunity this is to pick up a 1971 Seiko 5 Sports SpeedTimer Chronograph, reference 6139-7020, in near-new old stock condition, something that is rarely seen and likely won't be seen again, especially at this price. This example features a perfect dial, hands and case, movement sharp and running beautifully, bracelet strong and even featuring a sticker on the clasp explaining how to remove the links, something I have never seen before, plus remnants of the case back wax still visible. I would snap this up and add it to your collection today before I decide to keep this one!

Reference : 6139-7020
Movement : Automatic Seiko Cal. 6139
Age : Circa. October 1971
Year : 1971
Case Size : 41mm
Case Thickness : 14mm
Lug to Lug : 44mm
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Seikos history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892, Seikosha was established to make wall clocks. 1895 saw the production of their first pocket watch. 1913 saw the launch of their first wristwatch, the Laurel. In 1924, the first Seiko was manufactured. Daini Seikosha (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) was established in 1937. Seiko was listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory became independent and formed Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959). In 1956, Seiko launched Marvel as their first true in-house-made watch; they continued to make this watch until 1959. The Seiko Lord Marvel, introduced in 1958, was Seiko's first luxury watch, predating the well-known Grand Seiko. It was designed to rival Swiss brands with a refined design and higher specifications. In 1967, Seiko launched the calibre 5740C watch movement, a significant upgrade over the earlier calibre 5740A, which beat at 18,000, and the 5740B, which beat at 19800. This movement was special because it allowed the watch to run at a high speed of 36,000 beats per hour, making it Japan's first high-frequency watch. In fact, it was only the second watch movement of its kind in the world, following one released by a Swiss brand just a few months earlier. Japan’s first chronograph watch was introduced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; it was called the Seiko Crown Chronograph monopusher. Not stopping there, Seiko launched Japan's first true divers' watch, the Seiko Diver’s 150M, fitted with the automatic Calibre 6217, which was later given the nickname “62MAS” by collectors. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches.