1974 Seiko SpeedTimer "Kakume" Auto Chronograph 6138-0030

Here we have a classic 1974 Seiko SpeedTimer "Kakume" Automatic Chronograph 6138-0030, "Kakume" is Japanese for ‘Square Eyes' due to its distinctive sub dials. In May 1969, Seiko introduced the 6139, one of the world's first automatic chronographs, alongside the Zenith El Primero, which launched that year. The early 6138 “5 Sports Speedtimer” watches were made for the (JDM) Japanese domestic market only. Featuring a 43mm tonneau-shaped stainless steel case that comfortably sits on your wrist, with flat-ended lugs. Its chamfered edge flows across the case towards a lug-to-lug length of 45mm and a case thickness of 14.5mm, giving the watch an impressive wrist presence. On the right, we have the chronograph pushers, and in the centre, a coin-edged crown. The fixed stainless steel bezel holds a black insert featuring a Tachymeter scale. The domed Hardlex crystal sits above a sunburst blue "Kakume" dial. An orange outer minute track is precisely executed, surrounding the applied steel baton indexes that mark the hours. At 12 o’clock, a black square 12-hour sub dial with an orange hand; at 3 o’clock, a framed Kanji/ English Day/Date window; at 6 o’clock, a black square 30-minute sub dial with an orange numbered running seconds. Slender baton hands are complemented by a tapered orange chronograph hand. The Seiko 5 Sports motif and orange ‘SpeedTimer’ complete this dynamic sports watch. On the reverse, a solid screw-down case back is engraved with the watch details, inside an automatic Seiko Cal. 6138, 21 jewels, beating at 21,600 beats per hour. This vertical bicompax column-wheel movement with vertical clutch was first released in 1969. Based on the Seiko 6139 movement, it features an added chronograph hand, quick-set day/date, and hand-winding for your convenience. It comes paired with its 18mm Seiko stainless steel bracelet, secured by a signed folding clasp, which will fit up to a 7-inch wrist, with a clasp extender included.

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Seiko box or paperwork. It comes paired with its 18mm Seiko stainless steel bracelet, secured by a signed folding clasp, which will fit up to a 7-inch wrist, with a clasp extender included. The watch is from Circa. January 1974, and is sold in worn condition; overall, it is in fair condition, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

I have purchased and sold many Seiko SpeedTimers over the years, and I can never get over the fact that they aren't more expensive; they have to be the best value for money vintage chronograph you can buy on the market, and it has been that way for years now. This amazing reference 6138-0030 from 1974 features a wonderful dial and is in great condition for its age, especially paired with its original bracelet. I would not think twice about adding one of these to your collection!

Reference : 6138-0030
Movement : Automatic Seiko Cal. 6138
Age : Circa. January 1974
Year : 1974
Case Size : 43mm
Case Thickness : 14.5mm
Lug to Lug : 45mm
Lugs : 18mm
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

Seiko's 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. King Seiko and Grand Seiko emerged as prominent lines within the Seiko brand, with King Seiko making its debut in 1961 as a distinguished luxury watch collection. Grand Seiko, on the other hand, has consistently set the standard for exceptional craftsmanship and precision engineering. In 1965, Seiko introduced a groundbreaking manual-wind movement featuring 25 jewels and hacking seconds, coinciding with the launch of the second-generation KSK series, which boasted sharp, angular cases and robust, flat-ended lugs. The King Seiko KCM was introduced in 1969, featuring a chronometer-certified movement that operates at an impressive 36,000 beats per hour, along with a sleek C-shaped stainless steel case. In 1975, the King and Grand Quartz brands were introduced, built at the Suwa Seikosha and Daini Seikosha factories. In 1977, a high-end Twin Quartz Cal.92 was produced until 1979, when the 97KQ and 99KQ were introduced. The final 1981 King Quartz Cal. 94KQ movement remained in production until Seiko ended the King Seiko line in 1985. Despite the challenges during the Quartz crisis of the 1970s that led to the gradual shutdown of King Seiko production, Seiko made a comeback in 2022 by reintroducing the classic King Seiko collection. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches.