Vintage Seiko Chronograph ref. 6138-3002 Jumbo – 1977, Original bracelet, Serviced

Seiko’s automatic chronographs, especially those produced in the 70s, occupy a special place in people’s hearts. So special, in fact, that some enthusiasts have built their entire collections around the fabled cal. 6139 – Seiko’s first self-winding chronograph movement – and its worthy successor, the cal. 6138. And honestly, why wouldn’t you?
The two movements power some of the brand’s most emblematic watches, including the Pogue, the Kakume, the Panda Chronograph, the John Player Special, and the UFO – you’re welcome to try and think of another manufacturer that has had so many iconic designs in such a short time. Not only does the watch on offer here share the former’s cool backstory and technical excellence, but it has something which neither of them can boast – a large case.
Sure, the 6139 and 6138 series hold up pretty well size-wise even today, but no other watch wears quite like the 42 mm ref. 6138-3002 Jumbo Chronograph, whose dimensions have made it highly popular among collectors. What’s more, the size of its case isn’t the only thing about it that’s unusually contemporary. The refined color palette of the dial, its layout and complications, the versatile bracelet, and the overall design of the model could have all easily been thought up a decade or two later. Even the attention to detail seems to have been higher here than on any previous model, and Seiko has never been known to neglect the finishing part of the production process. Kind of makes you wonder whether they had access to time travel technology or something of the sort.
The specific example on offer here dates to August of 1977, and it is certainly among the better examples we’ve ever across. Neither the case nor the dial has been refinished or otherwise tampered with, and all internal and external components are original. The cherry on top – it comes outfitted with its OEM bracelet.
The cal. 6138 inside was just serviced by our in-house watchmaker and is ticking per spec.

The watch is covered by 6 months of limited warranty from ChronoTimepieces.