Seiko’s first iteration of a GMT pilot’s watch, the 6117-8000 has become as sought after as it has impossible to find. A monochromatic masterpiece, it’s minimal and stripped down to no more than what is absolutely necessary, yet still commands attention and won’t go unnoticed. In our opinion, that’s exactly what makes it the perfect tool watch. This example from April of ‘69 is a rare treat. Rather than the more typical charcoal gray dial, we were able to procure this rarely seen silver dialed variant. They have become nearly impossible to find in the market, and in fact, this is the first of the silver variant we’ve ever been able to offer. A striking sunburst beneath a glossy lacquer finish meets a contrasting raised chapter in black. It’s decked in silver hash marks and large square luminous plots at each hour marker. The only spot of color comes from the bright red 24 hour hand. It can be used along with the bezel to track time in a second time-zone. The bezel is a coin-edge style that rotates smoothly in either direction, but with the perfect amount of tension to hold it in place once set. The 24 hour insert complements the dial in silver and black, and considering its age, shows very little wear or fade. The case is crisp and unpolished with all factory finishes still intact, and its barrel shape is perfectly contoured to the wrist. We’ve paired it with a heavy woven slate gray NATO with PVD hardware in keeping with it’s military heritage. The 6117A is a robust calibre, and post service this one is keeping near perfect time. This is a must have for any true vintage Seiko fan, and opportunities to own one in this condition won’t come often. 

CNS Heavy Woven Slate Gray NATO with PVD Hardware (cheapestnatostraps.com)

Serviced 7/23/18

Diameter- 38mm

Lugs- 19mm