1975 Seiko 6138-8020 Panda Chronograph

What's so special about the watch?

This is the Seiko Panda. Any decent collector of invtage Seiko will know what I'm talking about. The 6138 needs no introduction, much less one with a panda dial. There's a reason why it's attained cult status - the sheer wearability of the watch makes it a strap monster, and also a good daily wear given that it'll fit your casual day out or an evening dinner. 

What are the functions of the watch?

12-hour mechanical chronograph with quickset day and day function. 

Let me tell you about the case...

The case has a substantial weight to it, which is one of its selling points for me. A well-made watch should have a nice heft to it in my opinion. The stainless steel case retains much of its sharpness and lines, probably a lack of wear from its previous owners. The pushers are nice and thick too, with the bevels still visible and defined. 

Another worthy design point of the case is the really short lugs, which when paired with the large round dial makes the 38mm watch wear even larger than it seems. The lugs are also set on a lower level from the crystal by its bezel, which makes the dial shoot out even more. This watch will get noticed for sure.

And now the dial...

A fan favourite, the 6138-8020 has a timeless dial that one can only grow to love more. The sloping tachymeter chapter ring guides the eye down into the printed minute markers. These guys are getting harder and harder to find in good condition, and word has it that the WWF might even change their logo to that of the Seiko Panda instead. 

Eight slim baton indices adorn the sides of the dial, the gaps in-between them made for the chronograph registers, brand mark and the covert day-date window with black colored backgrounds.

The chronograph registers at 12 and 6'O are perhaps the stars of the show with their sloping edges and simplistic Arabic numeral markings. Printed on the side of the sub-dial chapter rings are the time-recording markers, a well-thought out theme of lines and square that are also present at the main dial. 

Let's not forget the hands...

Visibility is the main focus here, with thick black syringe hands used for the hour and minutes. The central chronograph seconds is of typical Seiko make, and the register hands are in the familiar lollipop design. 

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Specifications:

• Hour and minute hands with quickset day-date

• Two-register chronograph for 12-hour and 30-minutes

• Panda dial

• 38mm stainless steel case

• 46mm lug-to-lug

• 19mm lug width

• 6138 automatic chronograph @ 21,600vph 

• Acrylic crystal

• Original Seiko stainless steel bracelet

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Asking Price: $1,680 (ex. shipping)

This watch is for sale. If you would like to add this watch to your personal collection, drop me a message and let's discuss.