1976 SEIKO
“John Player Special”
Chronograph Automatic
Wristwatch
This is the first two-register chronograph model by Seiko. Today we are presenting a legendary timepiece, a sales SAMPLE model, this is a vintage Seiko automatic chronograph, the “John Player Special” model, reference 6138-8039 and dated from March 1976.
Like most 6138 models, the “John Player Sopecial” was designed with racing in mind, taking it to the next level, it was dressed an already handsome and capable racing chronograph in the colors inspired by the livery of one of the most storied Lotus’ 1976 Formula 1 racing team.
It is a self-winding watch powered by an original and extremely competent Seiko automatic movement, chronograph (60 seconds – 30 minutes – 12 hours – pillar wheel) movement with a sophisticated excentre self-winding mechanism with just one gear stage. It features the caliber 6138B, 21 jewels, day/date indicator (day quicksets 2 languages / date quicksets), 45 hours power reserve, 21,600 A/h, Japan made.
From Wound & Wound – “The 21 jewel 6138A released in 1970 was the first fully integrated automatic chronograph with a column wheel and vertical clutch coupling mechanism. Some time later, they switched to the 23 jewel 6138B. They are both automatic (rotor winds in both directions like most Seiko calibers) and hand windable, which is uncommon in vintage Seikos, and the day and date feature a true quickset mechanism. Add to this the fact that Seiko is a true in-house manufacturer, right down to the lubricating oils, and the Seiko 6138 is one that can hold its own against any brand.”
Inspired by the Lotus’ 1976 Formula 1 racing team, this watch still has the original gold and black dial featuring white/luminous long baton hour markers, gold inner bezel ring for the second track and white/luminous matching hands. The day/date window is located at 3 o’clock, the super cool contrasting gold sub-dials are located at 12 and at 6 o’clock, the 12-hour sub-dial and the 30-min sub-dial respectively. The dial also features an inner bezel ring for the tachymeter.
Cased in a robust 40mm round asymmetric case, all in stainless steel. Water resistant, screw down case back. This watch also comes on an original Seiko stainless-steel top two-piece bracelet.
This wristwatch is in good condition! Runs very well and keep great time!
Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or respectful offers.
Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust lighting when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.
The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
It will be carefully packed.
Please view our other listings.
Thank you for looking!
WA-3573
