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The Comprehensive 6139-600X Variations Review

19K views 45 replies 30 participants last post by  maxbrux 
#1 · (Edited)
This is an Updated review of the variations found in the 6139-600X + 6139-603X series of watches. Hopefully this will answer some questions you may have about the different variations available. I originally wrote this review back in 2009. Since then a lot more information has come to light from my own observations as a collector, and an avid 6139 restorer along with extensive sharing of others. Please keep in mind that a lot of the information we can gather regarding dates of changes are not always cut + dry and can vary a bit. Just when we think we have it down pat something new comes to light. The majority of the photo's used in this review are all from my own collection. A couple may be from watches I've restored for others and one or two of the rarest models are borrowed from other collectors because I have yet to obtain these models. Borrowed photos will be dully noted and credit given to the owners when known.


Model Numbers
Lets start off with the various model numbers. 6139-600X models have basically six different possibilities. 6139-6009 were the first USA models followed by 6139-6005 series. 6139-6000, 6001, 6002, and 6007 are non-USA models. They are all basically the same watch with a blue + red non rotating outer tachometer bezel and a yellow or black rotating inner bezel with 0 to 60 minute time increments. Any inner bezel other then the two mentioned have been faded by UV rays or are aftermarket reproductions. Black bezels fade to gray and sometimes to white and yellow bezels fade to white. The only aftermarket inner bezel I'm aware of at the time of this review is white.




Case Variations

Next up is the case. There are two style of cases. The first is the early case with a notch cut out above the crown. This case was used in the first year of production which was 1969 through early 1970 on the "Proof" models and on the early "Resist" models. Sometime in mid 1970, I believe around July, this notch was eliminated and through the end of production in 1979 the cases are all the same without the cutout above the crown. The latest example of a 6139-600X that I've seen is March of 79.

1970 Notched Case Proof Dial


1970 Notched Case Resist Dial


1971 Non-Notched case Resist Dial







Dials + Case backs The sunburst dials come in three different colors. Yellow, blue, and silver. Out of the three different colors their are four different variations of each color with the exception of the silver dials which have three different variations. The variations include: Sports 5 Proof, Proof, Resist, and Plain dials. The early JDM (Japan Domestic Models) Read "Sports 5 Proof" centered on the left side of the dial at the 9 0'clock position. .The early dial used in the non USA models during the first year of production read "Water70mProof" centered on the left side of the dial at the 9 o'clock position. These watches also read water "Proof" on the case back. From what I can tell the "Proof" watches were in production until sometime in mid 1970 at which time the script changed to "Water70mResist". The early USA models, 6009 + 6005, in production from 69' to early 72' read "Water70mResist" along with "Resist' on the notched case model case back and "Resistant" on the Non-notched case model case back. The last dial had no script at all in the 9 o'clock position of the dial but water resistant remained on the case back. I'm not sure of the exact date this dial went into production but I believe it was in mid 1972. Under the Seiko logo on the dial you will also notice two different scrips. On the 6139-6000's and 6002's it reads "Chronograph Automatic" and on the 6005's, 6009's, it reads "Automatic".

From left to right: Proof dial notched case...Resist dial non-notched case....and Plain dial non-notched case.


Blue Proof Dial from Feb 70'


Yellow Resist Dial from 71'


Plain Silver Dial from 73'




There are also some early JDM, (Japan domestic model) Sports 5 Proof Speedtimer dials. These came in two colors, Yellow and Blue. They also came with notched cases. These are the earliest and hardest to find of the 6139-600X "Proofs". The yellow dial is the rarest of the two. One thing to note is the hands on some of these early models are matt silver metallic instead of chrome like the later models.

This photo is of my recently acquired 6139-6000 Speedtimer with the early matte style silver hands.


This blue dial version also has the matte silver hands.



The Rarest 6139-600X is the JDM Speedtimer Sunrise. It comes on a 4th style bracelet that I forgot to mention above.

I recently had the opportunity to restore Kyle's (Bigbluekyle) Sunrise.



JDM Speedtimer Bracelet


One other thing to note on Dials. If you look at the dial codes on the lower right hand side of the dial you will note more then one code. There is a 6030T dial code and a 6009R dial code. There are minuet differences between these dials such as variation of color and also on the number font of the sub dial. You'll notice, if you look closely, the number one on the sub dial is different between dials. The T dial has a regular number I and the R dials have a number 1 with a serif.

"T" Dial with regular number I


"R" Dial with serif number 1




Case Backs

There are four different styles of case backs.

The first style is the "Horseshoe" Proof case back used from 69' to approximately mid 70' on the Proof dial models.


The next style is the "Horseshoe" Resist case back used up until July of 70' This is used on the notched case Resist dial models.


Third is the "Horseshoe" Resistant case back. This was used on the non-notched case Resist dial models and the plain dial models from mid 70' up until the end of production in 79'


The forth style does not have the Horseshoe style inscription and I refer it to as a plain style case back. It was introduced sometime in late 75' and is also used up until the end of production in 79'



Bracelets

The 6139-600x series of watches had three different styles of bracelets. The straight H link, the tapered H link, or the Stelux president style. From what I can gather the straight H link was used from 1969 up until about 1974 at which time they redesigned it to taper out where it meets the lugs of the watch case. The tapered H link bracelet was used from 1974 until the end of production. I don't have any dates concerning the stelux president style bracelet. Any of you serious collectors will know there are three styles of "H" link bracelet end links. There is a flat style and 2 rolled styles. From what I can gather the flat style is the later style and the rolled style is an earlier style. I have all three but don't have any photos available. I will try to add some photos at a later time.

Tapered "H" link on the left and Straight "H" link on the right.


Stelux President style


Hands + Movements
There are basically four movements available on 6139's. The "A" movement was used in the early Proof + Resist models from 69' thru late 70'. Late 70' and up used the "B" movements. Then there are 17J and 21J versions of each movement. The 21J movements are used in the Speedtimer versions.There are two styles of second hands: The early Proof + Resist two piece second hand used up until mid 70' and the later one piece second had used on the mid 70' and up models.

Early two piece second hand. Notice the silver "cap + pinion hub" in the center of the hand.


Later one piece second hand. No center piece.


When it comes to minute and hour hands there are actually two different types. Some of the early Sports 5 Speedtimer Proofs had Flat Silver metallic hands. These seemed to have been phased out early on in favor of the chrome silver hands that were used through the end of production.

These are the normal Chrome Silver hour + minute hands:


After reading all this I'm sure you'll agree there are reasons why we're called Watch Idiot Savants (WIS). I'm sure the focus is on us being Idiot's who focus on small details that could be construed as meaningless........:)

Which is my Favorite? The one I longed after as a young whipper snapper kid back in 76' until I was able to purchase one brand new with my own hard earned green backs...........











 
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#3 ·
You're welcome Mike but you know what reviews like this do? In the end they drive the prices up on the original models because everyone knows what to look for...Good thing we've collected most of them.
:57:
 
#5 ·
Sorry to drag this back up but wanted to say that I really appreciate the guidance here. I have a 6139-6000 in blue with proof dial and proof caseback. Everything is correct (head only) with exception to the crystal that I replaced. The concern is that a number of posts stated that notched cases stopped in June of 70. Mine is July and notched. Your post shows that not all is concrete when research is done.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Thanks for the comments guys and I'm happy to report that I've recently acquired and restored an all original 6139-6000 yellow dial Sports 5 Speedtimer Proof.

 
#9 ·
Great thread, but man, I really hate Photobucket!

BTW, why is there so little information on the 6139-601x versions? I have a couple, one gorgeous blue one, and I just got a nice black one from 5/69 (that has had some work). In fact, the some of the Feb 69 ones I've seen are 6139-601x versions.

Anyhoo...great resource!
 
#12 ·
If you'll check my signature you'll see the PhotoScumBucket fix....:)
 
#17 ·
After purchasing a brand new Yellow dial Seiko 6139-6005 back in 76' as a young whipper snapper and then collecting 6139's for the last 10 years, I thought I'd share some of the interesting if not Obsessive WISdom when it comes to 6139-600X "H" link bracelets. Yeah, I know you've heard it all before, there's a straight "H" link bracelet and a tapered link bracelet but, there's more WISdom to be found.....:)

Now, as we all know, when it comes to Seiko, most of what we know is all speculation based watches we collect, versions we study, and the watches that pass through our hands. In my references below "Proof", "Resist", and "Plain" refer to the dial markings in the 9 o'clock area of the dials. That being said these are my observations..........


As we've noted, there are two basic styles of Original Seiko 6139-600X "H" link bracelets: The straight "H" link and the Tapered "H" link bracelet. (yes, there are three in the photo and the reason for that will soon be Wisdom knowledge)






With these three bracelets in mind, what you can't see are the particulars regarding the end links. There are three different style end links: The first and the earliest had a Rolled Edge and a thin Center Bar. These were used on the very early proof models and some of the very early Resist models from 69' thru mid 70'. My guess would be they coincided with the "A" movement watches.






Next up were the early end links without the Rolled Edge but which contained a slightly wider Center Bar. these were used on the early Resist models from mid 70' through early 72'. The latest Resist model I've seen was from March of 72'.






The final and latest end links were used on the "Plain" dial 6139-600X's both straight and tapered "H" link bracelets. These end links had no rolled edge and no center bar and were used from mid 72' up until the end of production.






For comparison side by side




Some may argue that there is also an original 6139-600X "Narrow tapered" "H" link bracelet with polished center links. Well, there is but I don't believe it's Original to the 6139-600X series of watches. I would have to say the Narrow Tapered bracelet was installed after the sale or available as a replacement bracelet at some point. To those Naysayers who dispute this, I'd ask them to show me some proof that the "Narrow tapered" "H" link bracelet with the polished center links was featured in a Seiko ad or shown in any Seiko catalogue???



Shown side by side for comparison: Original Tapered on top and Rumored original tapered with polished center links on bottom..





One final after the sale offering was a replacement bracelet made by Stelux, who for those not in the "Know" was the manufacturer of all of Seiko's original "H" link bracelets.






One thing that makes the Stelux replacement bracelet stand out is the different style clasp with no tab like the original






I hope I've been able to Link you all up with this WISdom..............:)








 
#22 ·
I recently received one of the new "Pricey" aftermarket 6139 Speedtimer bracelets. Was it worth it??


At first glance it looks like a very good reproduction bracelet but lets size it up against an original bracelet and see how it compares............
On top is the new reproduction bracelet. On bottom we have an original bracelet. The only major difference is the number of links. The original has had some links removed.


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A closer look at the clasps reveals a slight difference in the size of the Seiko + Sports 5 Text. You probably wouldn't notice the difference unless you compare it side by side with an original.

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As we venture into more "In Depth WISdom" when it comes to Speedtimer bracelets it's important to note that there are actually 2 different original versions of the Speedtimer bracelets: The Early Version + the Late Version. From the top side they look identical. From the underside we can note that the early version's end links are stamped 6139 600 while the later version end links are stamped XAA 301. In the photo below we see the Early Version next to the the Aftermarket Version. The end link as been reproduced very well with only a noticeable difference in the font of the stamping.
Early Original on left - Aftermarket on right.


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Aftermarket on top, Late original version in middle, and Early version on bottom..............

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The second difference we notice is the length of the underside of the clasp. On the early bracelet it is shorter and measures 35mm. On the later Version and the Aftermarket Version it is longer and measures 40mm.
Aftermarket bracelet on top. Early original bracelet on bottom

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The 3rd and final difference we notice is on the end link of the bracelet that attaches to the end link for the case. On the Early original version it's just 2 links that are secured to the case end link by the spring bar. On the Late Original version and the Aftermarket version there are actually 2 small tabs that help secure the bracelet to the end link along with the spring bar.
Aftermarket on top - Early original on bottom

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Early Original on Left, Late Original in middle, + Aftermarket on right

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Aftermarket on top, Late Original in the middle, + Early Original on bottom

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Aftermarket on top, Late Original in the middle, + Early Original on bottom

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I can't give any exact info regarding when the early Speedtimer bracelet was replaced by the Late Speedtimer bracelet but I can narrow it down a bit. The Early bracelet is from a Speedtimer dated June of 69' while the later version is dated from a Speedtimer from Nov 70'.


What's the Final Verdict? The Aftermarket Speedtimer bracelet is a Very Good reproduction bracelet. Who ever created this bracelet did their homework and the quality of the bracelet is Top Notch! Is it worth what they are asking?? I'd have to say no but hopefully prices will drop as more suppliers come on line. The bracelet I bought was from a seller in the Philippians while it was dropped shipped from Singapore.


There's only one question left in my mind: Who's bracelet is it??........:smiley:
 
#24 ·
Another Link to WISdom............
I mounted up the bracelet and have worn it for a couple of days. I would have to say it is as comparable in comfort as an original. I will note that the end links don't fit as flush as I would like but only a persnickety WISer like us would notice and in the scheme of things not a deal breaker for me. I still feel the price is about twice what the bracelet is worth but hopefully prices will drop due to lack of sales at the current price level. Time will tell...........:)









When it comes to removing links it's such a tight fit that you'll almost need a pair of link removing pliers. A spring bar tool is just not stout enough.



Now to link interchangeability: The issue with the incompatibility is the aftermarket link will insert in the Original link but the original link will not insert correctly in the Aftermarket link due to the inner links being too wide.


Aftermarket link on left, Original on right:




Original Link on left, Aftermarket on right:



As you can see in this photo the fit is tight and you're unable to re-insert the link clip. This is where, with a little Tweaking, by filing down the connecting links, you could probably make it work......:)



As you can see in this photo the link clips are very similar but the finish is a little rougher on the Aftermarket clip. I discovered smoothing out the finish with 1500 grit sand paper did help and made it easier to re-install them.
Aftermarket on top, Original on bottom:




Hopefully, now that you're all "Linked up", you'll be able to tell the difference between and Aftermarket bracelet and an Original bracelet. This should help everyone decide on which route to take when pursuing one of these bracelets or to distinguish what's what when purchasing one of these Speedtimer bracelets ...................:)
 
#25 ·
By the way sir this is spectacular work! I use it to help me try to slog through the vintage morass that is the 6139 world.

Thank you Tom!
 
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#26 ·
Tom what can be said?? This is such a Gift, Never any thing close to the 6139-600x Seiko Chrono. So much to know/Learn imo More than any other Seiko.

Now with your Work and Others Contributing with there Knowledge its seems there may be a Better Understanding Of This "Never Ending Effort to Understand just what is OEM in the many Models offered in the 6139-600x. 'A Daunting Tasks' to say the Least. Thank you For your Accomplishment of passing True Facts about a Loved Vintage Seiko that is a Big Part of Bringing an understanding of the First Chronometer to us all. Russell
 
#28 ·
Tom what can be said?? This is such a Gift, Never any thing close to the 6139-600x Seiko Chrono. So much to know/Learn imo More than any other Seiko.

Now with your Work and Others Contributing with there Knowledge its seems there may be a Better Understanding Of This "Never Ending Effort to Understand just what is OEM in the many Models offered in the 6139-600x. 'A Daunting Tasks' to say the Least. Thank you For your Accomplishment of passing True Facts about a Loved Vintage Seiko that is a Big Part of Bringing an understanding of the First Chronometer to us all. Russell

Thank you Russell for your nice comments!



As you can tell this is my Favorite Seiko Series which stems from my longing for a Yellow dial 6139-6005 as a kid and finally was able to purchase one Brand New back in 76'........:)
 
#27 ·
This is a fantastic resource. Thank you! I'll be referring to this often.

Getting meta for a moment: Having this information reside in a forum thread is a blessing and a curse. It's not very discoverable. If someone sets out to learn about these watches and hasn't been a regular SCWF participant, there's a good chance they wouldn't find it
On the other hand, it keeps the information in the hands of a dedicated minority, hard to find if you don't know where to look. The software developer in me wants to see this published in a more accesible format: a website that's easily found, well organized, searchable and comprehensive. On the other hand, maybe this is the best place for it, where you're not going to find it without some knowledge of the community and it's somewhat of a secret. *Shrug*

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
 
#29 ·
This is a fantastic resource. Thank you! I'll be referring to this often.

Getting meta for a moment: Having this information reside in a forum thread is a blessing and a curse. It's not very discoverable. If someone sets out to learn about these watches and hasn't been a regular SCWF participant, there's a good chance they wouldn't find it
On the other hand, it keeps the information in the hands of a dedicated minority, hard to find if you don't know where to look. The software developer in me wants to see this published in a more accesible format: a website that's easily found, well organized, searchable and comprehensive. On the other hand, maybe this is the best place for it, where you're not going to find it without some knowledge of the community and it's somewhat of a secret. *Shrug*

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

Thank you for your thoughts!

You have some very valid points. It helps everyone when information is shared but on the other hand it also fuels the fire and drives prices up. Long gone are the days with plenty of "original" choices at affordable prices.............
 
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