Seiko 5 Sports Speed-Timer 6139 Green Gradient
This is a Seiko 5 Sports Speed-Timer 6139-8050 from around 1974, one of the world's first automatic chronographs. It has an emerald-to-forest green gradient dial, a silver 30-minute counter, an orange chrono hand, and a fresh overhaul.
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Seiko 5 Sports Speed-Timer 6139-8050 – Green Gradient Dial, Automatic Chronograph, Circa 1974, Overhauled
In 1969, Seiko’s caliber 6139 became one of the world’s first automatic chronograph movements, released the same year as the Zenith El Primero and the Heuer Calibre 11. Its column wheel and vertical clutch were ahead of their time, and the Speed-Timer that carried it is now one of the most collected vintage Seikos in the world.
This example has the dial collectors want. The green gradient runs from a bright emerald at the center to a deep forest green at the edge, set off by a silver 30-minute counter at 6, an orange chronograph seconds hand, and the script “Speed-Timer” signature in gold-tone print. Polished steel baton hands and applied indexes keep it crisp, and the day-date window at 3 switches between Japanese and English.
Inside is the 6139 automatic chronograph, with start/stop and reset pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock and quick-set day and date through the crown. The previous seller reports a full overhaul and a rate of about +15 seconds per day lying flat.
Found there. Collected here.
Japan's watchmaking history extends far beyond the familiar names and celebrated references. We search across Japan for watches with character, history and a reason to be collected—from recognized classics to remarkable pieces that have been overlooked along the way.
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