At the crossroads of vintage and versatile sits Seiko's 6139-601X. Through classic architecture and layout, it is as timeless in design now, as it was making history as one of the worlds first automatic chronographs back in 1969. This one from September of ‘70 is quite special in its own right. Featuring a chocolate brown dial, this color way was only available during the earliest production period, and its quick end leaves very few examples available to collectors today. As with other rare color ways and configurations, the South East Asian market was a hotbed of Seiko one-offs through a triad with Thong Sia, the sole Seiko distributor of that region, in collaboration with Hong Kong based, Stelux, who manufactured specialty bracelets for these models. Like the Silver and reversed luminous Pogue, they can be further identified by their high quality bracelets, and are often fitted with Chinese, Thai, and Roman numeral day disks. It’s an enjoyable research topic for Seiko enthusiasts, however, it can often lead to more questions than answers. 

Proving its early production, the matte brown dial carries the “70m Proof”depth rating, and is fitted with the correct two-piece chronograph sweep hand. The dial shows some very light oxidation in the finish, but the color is uniform, and the silver printing is legible and complete. The original luminous hour markers exhibit a moderate patina and scattered coloring. The angular chapter sports a glossy black finish, and only minor points of fading in the silver tachymetric scaling. The hands are beveled batons that have mostly retained their original polished finish, but some light oxidation is present. The luminous windows are the original, and with a similar coloring to the hour markers. The chronograph hands are a deep red/orange with some minimal chipping of the paint on the tail of the sweep. The case is textbook Seiko with great contours, a wide flat bezel, and integrated lugs. It is unpolished, and the original finishes are still clearly visible. It comes attached to the original Seiko/Stelux “Fishbone” bracelet and contoured end links. It’s completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and post service, the 6139A is keeping near perfect time. A truly rare treat, this sweet piece of “chocolate” Seiko history is bound to be a conversation starter, and earn a regular spot in any rotation. 

Original Seiko Stelux “Fishbone/President” Bracelet in Stainless Steel

Serviced 12/14/21

Diameter- 39mm

Lugs- 19mm