Seiko "Bruce LEE" Chronograph 6139-6011 - BLUE

Seiko 6139-6011 “Bruce Lee” – Early 1970 – 6139A – Blue WATER 70m PROOF Dial – Original Bracelet

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A particularly desirable early Seiko 6139-6011, dating from the first years of Seiko’s legendary automatic chronograph production.

This example features the sought-after blue dial with the original “WATER 70m PROOF” marking, together with the early Seiko calibre 6139A movement. The 6139A was the first execution of Seiko’s 6139 automatic chronograph calibre and was replaced by the later 6139B around 1971. Early “Proof” dial examples are particularly interesting to collectors, as the wording was used only on the earliest watches before Seiko changed to “RESIST” and eventually removed the water-resistance wording altogether.

The 6139 itself is historically important as Seiko’s first automatic chronograph movement, featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch. It was introduced during the famous race to develop the world’s first commercially available automatic chronograph, alongside movements such as the Zenith El Primero and the Heuer/Breitling Calibre 11.

The whole range 6139-range is widely known among collectors as the “Bruce Lee” due to its association with the legendary martial artist and actor. Bruce Lee was photographed wearing a presumably black 6139-6010.

What makes this particular watch especially appealing is its originality. It has not been over-restored or modified and retains its original dial, movement, case and bracelet. Finding these early examples complete and untouched is increasingly difficult.

Condition:

• Fully original, with no unnecessary restoration

• Early 6139A automatic chronograph movement

• Original blue “WATER 70m PROOF” dial

• Original Seiko bracelet

• Movement currently running and chronograph functioning

• Original crystal shows some scratches consistent with its age

The bracelet currently fits approximately an 18–19 cm wrist.

A genuine early Seiko 6139-6010 with the desirable 6139A movement, original Proof dial and original bracelet — a very interesting piece for the vintage Seiko collector.