1974 Seiko Automatic Chronograph 'Bruce Lee' Blue 6139-6012

Here we have a 1974 Seiko Automatic Chronograph 'Bruce Lee' Blue 6139-6012. The 6139-6010 black dial variant was often seen on the wrist of the martial arts master and actor Bruce Lee in the 1970s. In May 1969, Seiko introduced the 6139, one of the world's first automatic chronographs, alongside the Zenith El Primero, which launched that year. Featuring a ‘C’ shaped stainless steel cushion case that sits comfortably on your wrist with tapered, flat-ended drilled lugs. Its broad flanks have a chamfered edge flowing across the case towards a lug-to-lug length of 43mm and a case thickness of 13mm. On the right, we have the chronograph pushers and a recessed crown in the centre. A smooth chamfered-edged bezel holds a domed crystal above a vibrant sunburst cobalt blue dial. An outer Tachymetre scale chapter ring surrounds a white minute track, precisely executed above lumed blocks marking the hours. At 3 o’clock, a framed Day/Date window. To change the day, push the crown all the way in; to change the date, push it in slightly. Steel baton hands filled with lume are complemented by a tapered red chronograph hand, and at 6 o’clock, a recessed 30-minute register. At noon, we have the applied Seiko motif with ‘Chronograph Automatic’ printed underneath. On the reverse, a screw-down solid case back is engraved with the watch details. Inside an automatic Seiko Cal. 6139, 17 jewels, beating at 21,600 beats per hour. Featuring a column wheel, vertical clutch and a quick-set date. Designed at the Suwa factory by Toshihiko Ohki. It comes paired with its original 19mm Seiko stainless steel bracelet and signed folding clasp and will fit up to a 7-inch wrist.

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Seiko box or paperwork. It comes paired with its original 19mm Seiko stainless steel bracelet and signed folding clasp and will fit up to a 7-inch wrist. The watch is from Circa. June 1974, and is sold in worn and enjoyed condition, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The 6139-6010 black dial variant was often seen on the wrist of the martial arts master and actor Bruce Lee in the 1970s, and that's why this model has been given the nickname the 'Bruce Lee'. This is the wonderful 1974 Seiko Automatic Chronograph in blue, reference 6139-6012, with its amazing Seiko bracelet. These references always seem worn and enjoyed, but thankfully, to my eyes at least, they look better that way. If you are in the market for a vintage mechanical chronograph, this is one to seriously consider, as you could buy 10 of them and still have plenty of change left over compared to some of the vintage Swiss equivalents. Snap this one up today whilst you still can!

Reference : 6139-6012
Movement : Automatic Seiko Cal. 6139
Age : Circa. June 1974
Year : 1974
Case Size : 39mm
Case Thickness : 13mm
Lug to Lug : 43mm
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
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. 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.