Nearly a decade prior to releasing their first automatic chronograph, the 6139, Seiko had chosen to commemorate the arrival of the Olympic Games in Tokyo by releasing two newly designed and specialized watches that would become important parts of the Seiko story. The first was the 6217 World Time, and the second was a monopusher chronograph with a 60 second timer, the 45899. Built on the hand wound Crown movement, the 5719 was the beginning of an era for Seiko. The chronograph mechanism incorporated a familiar pillar wheel, but to drive the chronograph wheel, it is engaged horizontally by the third wheel via two coupling wheels. The single pusher acts to not only start and stop the sweep hand, but as the reset as well. This example from December of 1964 is as good as it gets. The silvery white sunburst dial is flawless. The beveled markers are free of oxidation or corrosion, and the printing is perfect throughout. The hands are sharply tapered dauphines with their original luminous material intact, and it has developed an even warm patina. The bezel shows almost no wear, which is quite uncharacteristic for this particular model. It’s white inlay still almost completely intact. The case is unpolished and sharp at every corner, and though mostly worn away, the Olympic Torch etched onto the case back is still slightly visible. Unbelievably, the original bracelet is still attached and adds immense character to this stunning timepiece. It is completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and likely to be the nicest example of this piece we will ever have the pleasure of offering. 

Original Seiko “Railroad” Bracelet in Stainless Steel

Serviced 7/16/18

Diameter- 37.5mm

Lugs- 18mm