Do this vintage Seiko stuff for long enough, and you’ll have an experience that I think of as a collector’s Rite of Passage: buying a “parts watch” that you soon realize is too nice to tear apart. That’s what I have here.
This is the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) version of the 6139-6000, dating to July 1969. I bought this watch to provide parts for restoration of two other 6139-6000s. Both of those watches were earlier examples -- from February 1969 and March 1969, respectively. I bought this one on Yahoo Japan; upon its arrival I realized that it was even nicer than it had looked in the photographs. I subsequently found a different parts watch and set this one aside to wear until my other 6139-6000s were complete.
Overall, this is a very good example of an early JDM 6139-6000. In particular, I was struck by the originality and condition of this piece. I have no service history for it, but I’d guess that it has never been serviced. There are no service marks inside the case. It still had the original chrome-rimmed crystal which unfortunately was damaged beyond repair and has been replaced. If I didn’t already have two other examples of the same watch, I would keep this one.
Some other specifics:
Case: the case lines are very good. The case has the correct notch over the crown. The edges and bevels are crisp and the case does not appear to have been polished. The outer bezel is not faded and has only one small blemish near the “180” mark. The inner rotating ring appears original and is not faded. As noted above, the original crystal was damaged and I replaced it. The crystal is unmarked -- please ignore the copious amount of dust that somehow materialized as I took the photo. The caseback is clean and all markings are clear and crisp.
Crown and Pushers: the crown and pushers appear to be correct and original. The inner rotating ring moves freely and the day, date, and time setting mechanisms all operate properly. The pushers are sticky, most likely indicating the need for gaskets to be replaced.
Dial and handset: the dial is unmarked. Under 10x magnification the lume plots show a bit of discoloration around the edges, but in general the dial presents very well for a 56-year-old watch. The handset is original and appears correct, including the two-piece sweep hand. Both the hour and minute hand show some discoloration of the luminous material and some incipient corrosion; neither is unusual for a Pogue of this vintage.
Movement: the movement is the 21-jewel version of the 6139A, which is correct for this watch. It is clean and does not show any signs of heavy usage (e.g. significant brassing of the bridges underneath the winding weight). The chronograph starts, stops, and resets properly, although as noted above, the buttons are sticky. Although the movement would clearly benefit from a service, it is keeping time reasonably well given its age.
Bracelet: the bracelet is an Uncle Straps (formerly Uncle Seiko) reproduction. It is full length and is currently adjusted for my approximately 7.5” wrist. There are three adjustment holes left on the clasp.
I’m asking $700 net to me (e.g. PayPal F&F), which includes insured shipping within the US. Given the current uncertainty regarding shipping to and from the United States, I would prefer a US sale.
(Please note: the Seiko case holder shown in the movement pictures is not included)
This is the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) version of the 6139-6000, dating to July 1969. I bought this watch to provide parts for restoration of two other 6139-6000s. Both of those watches were earlier examples -- from February 1969 and March 1969, respectively. I bought this one on Yahoo Japan; upon its arrival I realized that it was even nicer than it had looked in the photographs. I subsequently found a different parts watch and set this one aside to wear until my other 6139-6000s were complete.
Overall, this is a very good example of an early JDM 6139-6000. In particular, I was struck by the originality and condition of this piece. I have no service history for it, but I’d guess that it has never been serviced. There are no service marks inside the case. It still had the original chrome-rimmed crystal which unfortunately was damaged beyond repair and has been replaced. If I didn’t already have two other examples of the same watch, I would keep this one.
Some other specifics:
Case: the case lines are very good. The case has the correct notch over the crown. The edges and bevels are crisp and the case does not appear to have been polished. The outer bezel is not faded and has only one small blemish near the “180” mark. The inner rotating ring appears original and is not faded. As noted above, the original crystal was damaged and I replaced it. The crystal is unmarked -- please ignore the copious amount of dust that somehow materialized as I took the photo. The caseback is clean and all markings are clear and crisp.
Crown and Pushers: the crown and pushers appear to be correct and original. The inner rotating ring moves freely and the day, date, and time setting mechanisms all operate properly. The pushers are sticky, most likely indicating the need for gaskets to be replaced.
Dial and handset: the dial is unmarked. Under 10x magnification the lume plots show a bit of discoloration around the edges, but in general the dial presents very well for a 56-year-old watch. The handset is original and appears correct, including the two-piece sweep hand. Both the hour and minute hand show some discoloration of the luminous material and some incipient corrosion; neither is unusual for a Pogue of this vintage.
Movement: the movement is the 21-jewel version of the 6139A, which is correct for this watch. It is clean and does not show any signs of heavy usage (e.g. significant brassing of the bridges underneath the winding weight). The chronograph starts, stops, and resets properly, although as noted above, the buttons are sticky. Although the movement would clearly benefit from a service, it is keeping time reasonably well given its age.
Bracelet: the bracelet is an Uncle Straps (formerly Uncle Seiko) reproduction. It is full length and is currently adjusted for my approximately 7.5” wrist. There are three adjustment holes left on the clasp.
I’m asking $700 net to me (e.g. PayPal F&F), which includes insured shipping within the US. Given the current uncertainty regarding shipping to and from the United States, I would prefer a US sale.
(Please note: the Seiko case holder shown in the movement pictures is not included)
