Seiko 6138-8020 "Panda" Automatic Chronograph - SOLD
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Vintage Seiko chronographs are one of, if not the sole best value in vintage watches, especially chronographs. Their sporty, versatile style, modern sizing, and great period styling are all iconic traits that somehow seem to get lost in the shuffle when discussing its Swiss counterparts. What's even more interesting is the horological value that these Seikos offer. The Seiko 6138 was built during a time when many Swiss brands were outsourcing their movements, and even legendary names in watches like the Autavia, Daytona, and Speedmaster were all using an "off the shelf" movement during the time. Seiko, however, was and still is one of the most vertically integrated watch companies in the world, actually coming so far as to race Heuer and Zenith for the title of world's first automatic chronograph (the victor of the battle is still debated to this day).
The Seiko 6138 movement was internally developed by Suwa Seikosha, a branch of the parent Seiko corporation, and bears its logo just to the left of the day window on the right side of the dial. The movement was the first to feature automatic winding as well as both column-wheel and vertical clutch chronograph operation in the same package. Not only did Seiko break technological ground with the specification of the movement, it also perfected the design for mass production, as various 6138 variants were produced and sold throughout the world in the 1970s. The column wheel ensures smooth and consistent pusher engagement, and is one of the most desirable aspects in many vintage chronographs for its unparalleled silkiness.
This model, the 6138-8020 "Panda", offers the classic contrasting look with a slight twist. A vertical bicompax layout and compact day and date mechanism (with the day wheel in two languages, here English and Spanish) offer a unique look to start. But the dial also has a wonderful subtle, almost linen-texture that offers a lot of depth, especially with the polished applied markers and logo. Add a black internal tachymetre bezel and a pair of black syringe hands and you've got one of the best looking watches to come out in the 70s and one of the best to ever come out of Japan.
These Seikos continue to be an outstanding value, because the price would go up an order of magnitude on these pieces if they read "Swiss Made" on the dial. It seems like "the market" hasn't caught on to just how special and important these watches are yet, and that's just fine with us.
Please take a look at the photos and the description below for the condition of this piece.
Case: 40mm stainless steel case in very good vintage condition. The case has light signs of wear throughout and has been previously polished but all original case lines are still present.
Bezel: Original internal tachy bezel in excellent condition with no scratches or damage.
Dial and hands: Original dial and hand set. Dial is a vertically textured light silver and in perfect condition. The black syringe hands are also original and in great shape.
Crystal: Newly fitted NOS Seiko acrylic crystal free from scratches, cracks, or chips.
Movement: Seiko 6138 automatic chronograph movement. All functions work as they should and the watch keeps excellent time. Service history is unknown. Chronograph starts, stops, and resets to zero properly.
Strap: Like new black leather vintage style strap.
Accessories: Sold as watch only.
The Seiko 6138 movement was internally developed by Suwa Seikosha, a branch of the parent Seiko corporation, and bears its logo just to the left of the day window on the right side of the dial. The movement was the first to feature automatic winding as well as both column-wheel and vertical clutch chronograph operation in the same package. Not only did Seiko break technological ground with the specification of the movement, it also perfected the design for mass production, as various 6138 variants were produced and sold throughout the world in the 1970s. The column wheel ensures smooth and consistent pusher engagement, and is one of the most desirable aspects in many vintage chronographs for its unparalleled silkiness.
This model, the 6138-8020 "Panda", offers the classic contrasting look with a slight twist. A vertical bicompax layout and compact day and date mechanism (with the day wheel in two languages, here English and Spanish) offer a unique look to start. But the dial also has a wonderful subtle, almost linen-texture that offers a lot of depth, especially with the polished applied markers and logo. Add a black internal tachymetre bezel and a pair of black syringe hands and you've got one of the best looking watches to come out in the 70s and one of the best to ever come out of Japan.
These Seikos continue to be an outstanding value, because the price would go up an order of magnitude on these pieces if they read "Swiss Made" on the dial. It seems like "the market" hasn't caught on to just how special and important these watches are yet, and that's just fine with us.
Please take a look at the photos and the description below for the condition of this piece.
Case: 40mm stainless steel case in very good vintage condition. The case has light signs of wear throughout and has been previously polished but all original case lines are still present.
Bezel: Original internal tachy bezel in excellent condition with no scratches or damage.
Dial and hands: Original dial and hand set. Dial is a vertically textured light silver and in perfect condition. The black syringe hands are also original and in great shape.
Crystal: Newly fitted NOS Seiko acrylic crystal free from scratches, cracks, or chips.
Movement: Seiko 6138 automatic chronograph movement. All functions work as they should and the watch keeps excellent time. Service history is unknown. Chronograph starts, stops, and resets to zero properly.
Strap: Like new black leather vintage style strap.
Accessories: Sold as watch only.
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