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Seiko SCQE001 "SH Special Model" Overview

By nikidasi · May 2, 2014 · 9 replies
nikidasi
WPS member · Seiko forum
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Nikidasi shares an engaging introduction to the WatchProSite community, chronicling a Seiko get-together in Jakarta that showcased a diverse array of timepieces. The highlight of the event was the extremely rare Seiko SCQE001 "SH Special Model," a limited edition created to honor Seiko's 100th anniversary of watchmaking and express gratitude to collectors.

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Greetings, gentlemen. 

I have been lurking around this forum for a while and this is my first post.

Last Tuesday we had a small SEIKO get-together in Jakarta, Indonesia.

 photo nikidasi_SEIKOGTGSateKhasSenayanPIKJakartaIndonesia20140430_zps8bab89b3.jpg  

Many interesting and unusual SEIKO watches showed up such as a rare SEIKO ultra thin with cal. 6810, Credor Phoenix automatic chronograph cal. 6S78, a limited edition SEIKO Moving Design Collection with unique concave dial, limited edition "White Dolphine" 1000m shrouded diver, etc. But the center of attention is the SEIKO SCQE001 "SH Special Model" shown below. 

 photo nikidasi_SEIKOSCQE001SHSpecialModel100thAnniversary07-392013GTG20140430_zps19643c60.jpg  

The "SH Special" was made in very limited numbers, only 39 pieces in the world, to celebrate 100th anniversary of SEIKO Watchmaking in 2013. SH is initial for Shinji Hattori, CEO of SEIKO Holding Co. Shinji is the great-grandson of Kintaro Hattori, founder of SEIKO watch company. Not many modern enterprise can survive 100 years and even less still have the founder's direct descendant on top leading position. 

Made for expressing gratitude to SEIKO collectors, the number 39 was chosen as a wordplay because the pronunciation in japanese, "san-kyu" sounds similar to "thank you". 

 photo nikidasi_SEIKOSCQE001SHSpecialModel100thAnniversary07-392013closeup2GTG20140430_zpscd9234ac.jpg  

Design theme of SCQE001 is Shonan beach, Shinji Hattori's favorite getaway place in Japan. Dial is made of blue mother of pearl which displays dynamic but subtle pattern that shifts under different lighting. The horizontal lines on lower part of the dial represents waves of Shonan beach. Simple but sublime, the japanese ideal of aesthetic. 

The second hand on 6:00 o'clock sub dial is unusually small compared to normal design. This create the feeling of stillness due to small visible movement when we look at the dial. It is the designer's way to suggest quietude, the atmosphere we are looking for when we escape from daily routines and go to the beach. Blue sky and waves silently moving in tranquility. 

There are more interesting details on the back and movement but I'll write about them later when I meet my friend again and get another chance to handle this beautiful work of art. I did not take many pictures due to poor lighting and my camera won't do justice to the watch. 

Below is the lucky owner of the SEIKO "SH Special". You can tell from his outfit that he is in deep ecstasy with his new watch. Congrats, buddy! 

 photo nikidasi_ProudownerofSEIKOSCQE001SHSpecialModelGTG20140430_zpsbec45c52.jpg  

As for me, I wore my favorite watch and also what I think is the most fitting piece for welcoming the blue "SH Special": SEIKO 6139-6011 blue dial chronograph from December 1970. 39 (san-kyu) for reading. 

 photo nikidasi_SEIKO6139-6011AutomaticChronograph0D1614_WRUW2014-04-29_zps023c658f.jpg  

Regards,
Indera

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

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The Discussion
SP
Spellbound
May 2, 2014

Fascinating story about Shonan beach. I used to go there a lot for Nampa (girl-hunting). Just 39 pieces makes it quite a catch. 39 Indera-san. Dean

DR
Dr No
May 2, 2014

. . . and thanks for sharing the g-t-g with us. The condition of your 'one-eye' looks impeccable! Cordially, Art

NI
nikidasi
May 2, 2014

Funny that you also referred to the 6139 as "one-eye". That is exactly the nickname used by many watch technicians here in Indonesia. 6139 = one-eye SEIKO, 6138 = two-eye SEIKO. :-) Regards, Indera

KI
KIH
May 3, 2014

I would definitely love to be there! Thanks for the report and sharing with us! Great event! Ken

NI
nikidasi
May 3, 2014

I only brought my old 6139 chrono. The rest are my friend's watches. It's a fun gathering and typical SEIKO. Only in a SEIKO gathering we can find a classic ultra thin hand winder (33 mm diameter x 5 mm thick) and a massive Spring Drive dive watch (45 mm x 17 mm) share the same name on the dial. It just shows how extensively SEIKO covers the entire spectrum of horology. Regards, Indera SEIKO SCVL002 6810-8000 Ultra Thin SEIKO SBDB001 Marine Master 600m

KI
KIH
May 3, 2014

Oh, so nice....! That is a beauty.... Thanks! Please show us more! Ken

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