{"product_id":"seiko-5-sports-speed-timer-6139-7020-kaliber-6139-21-steine-suwa-seikosha-champagnerfarbenes-zifferblatt-originalarmband-november-1971-frisch-revidiert","title":"Seiko 5 Sports Speed-Timer 6139-7020 – Caliber 6139, 21 jewels, Suwa Seikosha – champagne dial, original bracelet – November 1971 – freshly serviced","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv role=\"feed\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv role=\"article\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIn 1969, Seiko introduced the 6139 caliber—one of the world's first automatic chronographs, built with a column wheel and vertical clutch at a time when Zenith and the Swiss Chronomatic group were vying for the same premiere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis watch features that movement in its high-end version, housed in a case that Seiko never exported—and on the bracelet that was included from the factory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor Japan Only\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe 6139-7020 was listed under a single reference number and remained a model exclusively for the Japanese domestic market throughout its entire production period. Unlike many Seiko chronographs, there was no export variant with a slightly modified dial—this model simply never reached Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIt belongs to the \u003cstrong\u003eSpeed-Timer\u003c\/strong\u003e line, Seiko’s sports chronograph program that was closely tied to motorsports and race timing. Within the 6139 family, the 7020 is the superior version: while the common export models ran on \u003cstrong\u003e17 jewels\u003c\/strong\u003e, this watch has the \u003cstrong\u003e21-jewel\u003c\/strong\u003e version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe Dial Variant\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSeiko built the 6139-7020 with three different dials: a black one with a blue sub-dial, a black one with a champagne-colored sub-dial—and this one here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003echampagne-colored dial\u003c\/strong\u003e with a black sub-dial is considered by collectors to be the most elegant of the three versions. The warm, finely grained metallic tone absorbs light differently than a matte black surface: depending on the lighting, it appears bright and silvery or tightens into a dark gray-brown. Against the deep black sub-dial and the yellow chronograph hands, it creates a contrast that the all-black variants lack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe rarity of the three variants in relation to one another is not documented. The champagne version is noticeably rarer on the market than the black one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWhat the watch can do\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChronograph.\u003c\/strong\u003e Central chronograph hand in yellow, plus a register at six o'clock, whose hand is also yellow. It is started and stopped via the top pusher and reset via the bottom one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternal rotating bezel.\u003c\/strong\u003e The black ring with the 60-minute scale sits under the crystal and can be rotated in both directions using the crown—as a countdown scale or for measuring longer periods of time. Because it is internal, it cannot be accidentally adjusted and does not affect the water resistance of the case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegatta counter.\u003c\/strong\u003e The sub-dial counts thirty minutes, with a section highlighted in vibrant orange. This is not decorative: before a sailing start, a fixed countdown takes place, and the colored sector makes this phase readable at a glance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay and date\u003c\/strong\u003e at three o'clock, both with quick-set, the day wheel is bilingual in Kanji and English. Sunday appears in red, according to Japanese calendar convention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe 6139 Caliber\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutomatic chronograph\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong\u003ecolumn wheel\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003evertical clutch\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003e21 jewels\u003c\/strong\u003e – the high-end version compared to the 17-jewel export models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e21,600 vibrations per hour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay and date\u003c\/strong\u003e with quick-set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eManufactured by \u003cstrong\u003eSuwa Seikosha\u003c\/strong\u003e, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTwo technical points deserve mention. The \u003cstrong\u003ecolumn wheel\u003c\/strong\u003e is the more sophisticated of the two common chronograph control systems; it ensures a precise, defined pressure point when starting and stopping. The \u003cstrong\u003evertical clutch\u003c\/strong\u003e prevents the characteristic jump of the chronograph hand upon starting, which is known from movements with lateral clutches—such as the Omega 861 caliber of the Speedmaster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSeiko incorporated both into a production movement in 1969. This is why the 6139s are regarded today as the most technically serious of the early automatic chronograph generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eOperation: The 6139 cannot be manually wound and does not have a hacking seconds function. If the watch has been sitting for a while, start it by gently swinging it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis watch dates from \u003cstrong\u003eNovember 1971\u003c\/strong\u003e—precisely the phase during which Seiko transitioned from the 6139A caliber to the revised 6139B within this series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe original bracelet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMounted is the \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal Seiko steel bracelet\u003c\/strong\u003e that belongs to this reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is a subject in its own right for the 6139-7020. Bracelets wear out faster than watches and were often the first things to be replaced over the decades; correct examples are harder to find today than the watches themselves. It makes a significant difference to the overall appearance—the case shape, link contour, and surface finish are perfectly matched, which you would notice immediately with a replacement bracelet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDial and Case\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe champagne-colored dial is finely grained and framed by a white printed rehaut with minute divisions, which in turn connects to the black rotating ring. This tripartite design—light dial, white rehaut, black ring—gives the watch an optical depth that sets it apart from the monochromatic chronographs of those years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe hour markers are applied, luminous-filled batons, along with luminous hands with black-accented areas and the yellow chronograph hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is signed with SEIKO and the \u003cstrong\u003e'5' shield with the addition of SPORTS\u003c\/strong\u003e at the top, and the italicized \u003cem\u003eSpeed-Timer\u003c\/em\u003e in orange to the left of the center. The day-date window at three o'clock has a black background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe stainless steel case is shaped as a sloping tonneau, with a brushed top, polished sides, and a bezel with a black insert. At 41.3 mm in diameter, 44.1 mm lug-to-lug, and 14.3 mm in height, it is substantial but sits comfortably on the wrist due to the short lugs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTechnically flawless. The watch was professionally serviced in Japan in the spring\/summer of 2026—fully disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and regulated. The automatic winding, chronograph, internal bezel, and the quick-set for day and date function perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is well preserved: the champagne-colored surface is uniform, the orange Speed-Timer lettering is crisp and without fading, and the black sub-dial and orange regatta sector are undamaged. The applied indices are secure, and the printing is complete and sharp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe luminous material in the indices and hands has darkened to a gray-green tone due to age and no longer glows. This is the rule for watches of this era; because the aging has been uniform, it appears consistent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe stainless steel case shows age-appropriate signs of wear on the bezel, edges, and sides; the basic form and edge contours are preserved, and the watch has not been over-polished. The case back shows scratches from opening and wearing; all engravings—reference 6139-7020, serial number, Suwa symbol—are complete and clearly legible. The crystal is clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe original bracelet shows signs of use on the edges of the links but is complete and fully functional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand \/ Line:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiko 5 Sports, Speed-Timer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6139-7020\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerial number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1N0620\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduction date:\u003c\/strong\u003e November 1971\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiko caliber 6139, automatic chronograph with column wheel and vertical clutch, 21 jewels, 21,600 vph\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suwa Seikosha, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours, minutes, chronograph with 30-minute counter and orange-accented regatta sector, internal rotating bezel via crown, day and date with quick-set, bilingual day wheel (Japanese\/English)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel, tonneau shape, bezel with black insert\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter (without crown):\u003c\/strong\u003e 41.3 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14.3 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug-to-lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 44.1 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight (incl. bracelet):\u003c\/strong\u003e 101 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eBracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original Seiko steel bracelet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mineral glass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eService:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring\/summer 2026, Japan – full disassembly, cleaning, oiling, regulation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor whom\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor collectors looking for a complete watch. Original dial, original crystal, original bracelet on a Japanese automatic chronograph from 1971—this is the state that one normally only reaches after a long search and at least one additional purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor anyone who wants to wear one of the world's first automatic chronographs—with a column wheel and vertical clutch, i.e., the technically sophisticated design, not the simplified one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor enthusiasts of the champagne-colored variant. Anyone familiar with the black 7020 will be surprised how differently this watch appears on the wrist: lighter, warmer, less of a tool and more of an instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAnd for sailors who want to have a mechanical start countdown on their wrist instead of starting it on their phone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty (used)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs this is a vintage watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Vintage \u0026 JDM (Japan Domestic Market)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54784189301074,"sku":"A490","price":1299.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0911\/3908\/0530\/files\/1934547B-3023-4769-B543-0FB3411DC746.jpg?v=1789921220","url":"https:\/\/japanese-microbrands.com\/en\/products\/seiko-5-sports-speed-timer-6139-7020-kaliber-6139-21-steine-suwa-seikosha-champagnerfarbenes-zifferblatt-originalarmband-november-1971-frisch-revidiert","provider":"Japanese Microbrands - Mario Lenke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}