Why This Watch Matters One of the first automatic chronographs ever – this one from Japan. The Full Story While we've been lucky enough to offer many examples of the other representatives of the race to the first automatic chronograph movement, in 1969, from Zenith, Heuer, Hamilton, and Breitling, one a couple Seiko ref. 6139s have passed through the HODINKEE Shop. The automatic chronographs coming out of Japan during this momentous year in watchmaking are a bit overshadowed by those coming from Switzerland but are no less historically significant and, certainly, much more easily accessible. All the way back in 2012, HODINKEE scratched the surface of the variants within the Seiko automatic chronograph family in an "In Depth" buying guide on the subject. These watches have been a favorite of ours for quite some time. All 6139s feature the revolutionary automatic winding chronograph movement, an internal rotating bezel operated by turning the crown, and a quick set day and date by pushing the crown in. Under the hood is a significant innovation in horology – that's no secret – but what we love about this Seiko is that the brand didn't lean on that innovation as a crutch. Found in various forms, all of the designs with this legendary movement inside are eye-catching – this blue dial is no expectation at all. The Fine Print Maker: SeikoModel: Automatic ChronographReference: 6139-6005Year: 1970sCase No: 2N7382Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 41.5mm width x 47mm length; 13.8mm heightCrystal: HardlexLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Seiko, self-winding, caliber 6139Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In TempeLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Seiko 6139 movement- Deep blue dial tone- Oversized, 1970s case design Things To Know: - Scratches on case The watch is in overall great and honest. The case is strong with sharp lines on the bezel and lugs. The top of the case has retained its brushing. There are some scratches and light nicks on the case. The caseback engravings are crisp. The dial has developed a patina throughout. The lume on the dial and in the hands have developed light patina and have aged to the same color. The hands have developed some patina throughout. The crystal has some scratches. The bezel is in great condition with light wear and the colors are strong. The bezel has a few nicks along the edge. The internal rotating bezel is functional. The dial, case, and movement are signed by Seiko. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
