Seiko Chronograph Caliber 6138 Ref. 0011 Vintage
Vintage

Seiko Chronograph Caliber 6138 Ref. 0011 Vintage

By hmmmcamu · Mar 4, 2026 · 7 replies
hmmmcamu
WPS member · Seiko forum
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Hmmmcamu presents a Seiko Chronograph featuring the Caliber 6138, specifically case reference 0011 from circa 1971, paired with its original Stelux President bracelet. The post delves into the technical innovations of this movement, highlighting its significance in chronograph history.

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Paired with 
 
it's original 19MM straight end link SEIKO branded Stelux President bracelet. 

Introduced in 1970 and produced until approximately 1979. Part of Seiko’s pioneering generation of integrated chronograph movements to feature a column wheel  and vertical clutch mechanism.  This movement was a significant evolution from the earlier Caliber 6139, adding manual winding capability  and a quick-set day/date function , while maintaining the same high-performance engineering. 


Did you know that a major Swiss manufacturer adopted this configuration for their flagship chronograph?

The 6138’s design was so advanced that it was later adopted by Rolex for their in-house Daytona Caliber 4130 column wheel and vertical clutch Chronograph movement in 2000, over two decades after Seiko discontinued it. This marked departure from the cam-actuated Valjoux 7750  used in previous Daytona models. Rolex did not directly copy the 6138, the conceptual similarity  in using a fully integrated, vertically coupled chronograph with a column wheel is notable , especially given that Seiko had achieved this 30 years earlier  at a fraction of the cost. 


















About the Seiko Seiko Chronograph Ref. 6139

The Seiko 6139 chronograph movement, introduced in 1969, was a significant development in automatic chronograph technology. It was one of the world's first automatic chronographs to feature both a column wheel and a vertical clutch mechanism, innovations that contributed to its precise operation and smooth chronograph engagement. This movement was designed for robustness and reliability, reflecting Seiko's engineering capabilities during that era.

The 6139 caliber powered a variety of Seiko chronographs, often housed in distinctively styled cases that became popular among collectors. Its integrated design meant that the chronograph functions were built directly into the movement, rather than being modular additions. The movement typically featured a single sub-dial for chronograph minutes and a day/date complication.

For collectors, the Seiko 6139 series represents a pivotal moment in chronograph history, offering advanced technical features at an accessible price point. Its historical significance as an early automatic column wheel chronograph, combined with its diverse range of case and dial variations, makes it a sought-after vintage reference.

Specifications

Caliber
6139
Case
Stainless Steel
Dial
Various
Water Resist.
70m
Crystal
Hardlex

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
SA
SALMANPK
Mar 4, 2026
I love everything about this ❤️

PK
pkonos
Mar 5, 2026
A very nice one and it looks like it's in excellent condition!

A watch very advanced for its time.

KM
KMII
Mar 5, 2026
Yours is in superb shape, too 👌🏻👍🏻

Would be Grand, if Seiko came up with something similarly revolutionary in chronographs again 🤞🏻

CH
chezlaskin
Mar 5, 2026
7750

To be clear, Rolex never used the 7750 in their Daytonas. They used their modified version of the Valjoux 72. The 7750 was used in some Tudor chronographs, but never Rolex. Also, the 6138's are amazing watches! I own this exact model, and another version ("the Jumbo") as well.

QU
quattro
Mar 6, 2026
Great shots of this watch,

which is full of character. Best, Emmanuel

Available on the marketplace

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