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 first model, the 45899 bore the Olympic torch on it’s case back, but before the year was out a second model, the 5717-8990 would be released as well. The 5717 added a date feature, and many were embossed with the insignia of the upcoming Asian Games on the case back. These first chronographs were built on the hand wound Crown movement base and used a pillar wheel design, along with horizontal coupling to drive the second hand around the dial. The single pusher worked to both start and stop the mechanism, and also served as the reset. This example from December of ‘64 is captivating. The dial is a lacquered silver sunburst with polished baguette markers, and a date aperture at three o’clock. Framing the dial is a black chapter with a white minute track, and the lettering on the dial is a minimalist print that contributes to an overall crisp aesthetic. The case is one of my favorites in all of Seiko’s history. The lugs are long and tapered with a clean bevel along the outer edge. The steel bezel sits prominently over top with a staggered knurling along the edge, and black inlay in the engraved markings. The case back, though it shows some wear, still  proudly displays the Asian Games Insignia through the center. The 5717, after service, is keeping great time and the chronograph functions are crisp and responsive. We’ve paired this rare treat with a distressed black leather that brings a casual finish and adds great versatility. It’s completely original aside from a replacement crown, and sure to be a favorite in any collection. 

Clockwork Synergy Black Distressed Leather with Reverse Stitch (clockworksynergy.com)

Serviced 7/8/18

Diameter- 37.5mm

Lugs- 18mm