Seiko’s pioneering automatic chronograph in one of its last model iterations, and this one has just been serviced. Model reference 6139-8020.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being made in September 1977.
CONDITION
When launched in 1969, the 6139 movement was claimed to be the first automatic chronograph wristwatch movement (though this was heavily disputed by Zenith with their El Primero, and the calibre 11 in Heuer/Hamilton/Breitling watches, which were all launched at the same time). But by 1977 it was already out of date, thanks to developments in horology – you could get an LCD Chronograph from Seiko that was more accurate and even backlit. So the watch we have here would have been obsolete. Yet the 6139 chronograph models are more widely collected than their replacement LCD watches, so fashions come and go! This watch has an original if patina’d blue dial, with Tiffany blue sub seconds. You have quick set day and date, set by a deep push on the crown to set day and date forward by one and a shallow press to just advance the date. The day can be set to either English or Roman numerals. This is an automatic only movement, so can not be hand wound. The bracelet is a Seiko bracelet but not the one normally fitted to the 6139-8020 model – that had a rally style bracelet that has proved to be quite fragile. This alternative is an excellent fit, and with a sliding clasp it is easy to adjust to fit almost every wrist. If anyone else wants the same bracelet for their watch the Seiko code is XBB 100 on the endlinks
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 39.9 mm
Width without crown 39.9 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 41.4 mm
Case Thickness 14.9 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 199 mm. The bracelet needs no tools to resize it.
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.