[rfortson]

Hi gang, new member here. Looks like a nice group with lots of information. I'm a big fan of Seiko and just picked up a 6139-600x yesterday.

I picked it up at the NAWCC show yesterday. Seems to be in good shape. All functions work, including day/date quickset. Keeps good time and the chronograph works well with snappy pushers. That said, I have a couple of questions.

The dial says 6139-6002. The case back serial number dates it to October 1977, but it also says 6139-6005. Am I right to assume the caseback came from another watch? Also, is there a serial number on the movement? I didn't see one. The movement is fairly clean with no corrosion, but no service marks on the inside of the caseback. It will be going for a COA and a new crystal soon. Finally, the dial just says Seiko Automatic, as opposed to Seiko Chronograph Automatic.

So, given all that, and the pictures below, how does this stack up? Frankenwatch? Sort of Franken? Original? Just curious to know what I've got. Regardless of it's provenance, I know I'll enjoy a nice vintage chronograph for a song.

edit - well, in 4 more posts, I'll post pictures.

 

[pollyc]

Hello and welcome,

The dial sans 'chronograph' is correct for the date of the watch and the caseback code 6005 indicates its region so unless the photo's indicate to the contrary it appears to be pukka.

Make a few posts and lets have a look

 

[rfortson]

Thanks! Maybe I scored a good deal. Pictures soon.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

 

[rfortson]

Okey doke, added pictures.

 

[thickman808]

That all looks perfect. All original and a good example. Congratulations

 

[ClockBloke]

Nice untouched 'R' dial? From what I can see but I'm no expert. Crystals can be polished rather than replaced if the scratches bother you. Nice find!

 

[rfortson]

Thanks for the replies, gang! Sounds like I got lucky.

Tony, how does polishing the glass crystal work out? I was always under the impression that it didn't polish well, but to be honest, I've never tried. I'll polish my acrylic crystals.

Are gaskets and crystals easy to come by for this?

Next, I guess I need a Bellmatic.

 

[ClockBloke]

Nope there is plenty before you need a Bellmatic as you only have one type of dial 6139. There are 3 blues, proof, resist & unmarked, 2 yellow shames 'R' & 'T' and the proof, resist and unmarked also. Then Silver, then the 21 jewel versions... So that all said then there are Bellmatics. It's a sickness!

Can gets off evilBay for polishing kits. It's Hardex not Sappire crystal which is soft and easy to repolish. pollyc polishes his by hand with no power tools! Mad man.

I'd take a look at this guide by Tom Hickman and others: www.thewatchsite.com/34-watchmaking-tinkering/63914-crystal-polishing-my-way.html

 

[rfortson]

Nope there is plenty before you need a Bellmatic as you only have one type of dial 6139. There are 3 blues, proof, resist & unmarked, 2 yellow shames 'R' & 'T' and the proof, resist and unmarked also. Then Silver, then the 21 jewel versions... So that all said then there are Bellmatics. It's a sickness!

Can gets off evilBay for polishing kits. It's Hardex not Sappire crystal which is soft and easy to repolish. pollyc polishes his by hand with no power tools! Mad man.

I'd take a look at this guide by Tom Hickman and others: www.thewatchsite.com/34-watchmaking-tinkering/63914-crystal-polishing-my-way.html

Thanks Tony! I'll give it a look.

Oh, and you're an evil man! I'm actually trying to pare down my collection, but I keep finding these "must haves" (this one really is). I don't need a shopping list.

 

[rfortson]

Took this at work (Johnson Space Center) today. One of the buildings has autographed pictures of each astronaut who has performed an EVA. So of course I had to take a picture with Col. Pogue's picture.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

 

[thickman808]

Took this at work (Johnson Space Center) today. One of the buildings has autographed pictures of each astronaut who has performed an EVA. So of course I had to take a picture with Col. Pogue's picture.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Too cool!

 

[ClockBloke]

Too cool!

+1 you lucky *********!

 

[rfortson]

Okay, so what are the "gotcha's" I need to look for when getting this watch serviced? Obviously, I don't want him to change hands or do anything cosmetically, other than fix the crystal. I would like for him to clean the case and bracelet (lots of grunge built up), but not polish it. If he can't polish the crystal, is it problem getting a replacement?

I'm confident in my guy's abilities, but he's somewhat a no-nonsense watchmaker, meaning he just fixes them. If a part needs swapping out, I have the feeling he'll do what is needed to get it running to his satisfaction, even if that means adapting a part from another watch. I've worn the watch since I got it on Saturday and it keeps really good time, and the functions are really snappy. I wouldn't be surprised if it's been serviced fairly recently, but there are no service marks inside the caseback.

Are there any common problems with disassembling and reassembling this watch? Or is it straightforward?

Thanks!

 

[SeikoPsycho2]

Nope there is plenty before you need a Bellmatic as you only have one type of dial 6139. There are 3 blues, proof, resist & unmarked, 2 yellow shames 'R' & 'T' and the proof, resist and unmarked also. Then Silver, then the 21 jewel versions... So that all said then there are Bellmatics. It's a sickness!

Can gets off evilBay for polishing kits. It's Hardex not Sappire crystal which is soft and easy to repolish. pollyc polishes his by hand with no power tools! Mad man.

I'd take a look at this guide by Tom Hickman and others: www.thewatchsite.com/34-watchmaking-tinkering/63914-crystal-polishing-my-way.html

You've got quite the fever going with 6139's Tony........

 

[thickman808]

Okay, so what are the "gotcha's" I need to look for when getting this watch serviced? Obviously, I don't want him to change hands or do anything cosmetically, other than fix the crystal. I would like for him to clean the case and bracelet (lots of grunge built up), but not polish it. If he can't polish the crystal, is it problem getting a replacement?

I'm confident in my guy's abilities, but he's somewhat a no-nonsense watchmaker, meaning he just fixes them. If a part needs swapping out, I have the feeling he'll do what is needed to get it running to his satisfaction, even if that means adapting a part from another watch. I've worn the watch since I got it on Saturday and it keeps really good time, and the functions are really snappy. I wouldn't be surprised if it's been serviced fairly recently, but there are no service marks inside the caseback.

Are there any common problems with disassembling and reassembling this watch? Or is it straightforward?

Thanks!

There are no issues that a watchmaker has not encountered before I should think.

Just be clear that you do not want the case polised in anyway at all and that no parts should be swapped unless you agree to it first.

New crystals aren't easy to get, stefan may have some (Seikochrono here, schilachi51 on ebay), Sedefreak did a replacement - im not sure who but I im sure I read someone has taken over his stock?! I could use that pointer myself if anyone knows...
There is a sternkruez replacement crystal but it sits a little high for mosts liking, its a last resort that is perfectly acceptable in fit and function.