At the crossroads of vintage and versatile sits Seiko's 6139-6012. With styling as timeless in design now (just take a quick look at the SRPB15K1), as it was making history as one of the worlds first automatic chronographs, it’s ready for every occasion and built to deliver on performance. This example from April of ‘71 is in amazing condition, and sure to turn heads in any room. With the relatively recent discovery of photos proving a black dial counterpart to this reference earned a regular spot in Bruce Lee’s rotation, any and all 601X models have become quite a hot commodity. The dial is perfect in rich cobalt blue with a subtle sunburst pattern, and a glossy lacquer finish. It’s trimmed in a silver block minute track that surrounds ample rectangular luminous plots that have developed an even khaki patina. The hour and minute hands are brightly polished batons that are easily legible at a glance, and the fiery orange chronograph hands add perfect contrast. The angular chapter is a glossy metallic blue, and with its silver tachymetric scale, adds the right amount of sport to an otherwise casual layout. The case is a textbook Seiko “C” shape with great contours, a wide flat bezel, and the original circular brush finish still clearly visible atop the lugs. The 6139B driving the hands is keeping near perfect time post service, and the chronograph functions are crisp and responsive. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and we’ve paired it with a smooth, rust brown leather that lets the dial do the talking while providing comfort and versatility on the wrist. If a clean classic chronograph with pounds of appeal is on your list, don’t wait on this one.

CNS Rust Brown Leather with White Stitch

Serviced 4/24/23

Diameter- 39mm

Lugs- 19mm