Seiko 6138-8020 Panda Chronograph - Recent Service | Vintage April 1973
Please read the description carefully before making an offer or purchasing. We encourage all buyers to do their due diligence, and we’re happy to answer any questions or provide additional photos to help you buy with confidence.
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Few vintage Seiko chronographs have become as instantly recognizable, or as collectible as the Seiko 6138-8020 “Panda.” The 6138-8020 has grown from a practical Japanese sports chronograph into one of the defining pieces of vintage Seiko collecting.
This particular example dates to April 1973, placing it among the earlier examples of the reference. Its appeal begins with the dial: a vertically brushed silver surface contrasted by two charcoal-grey registers at 12 and 6 o’clock. The black tachymeter ring frames the dial beautifully, while the orange-tipped central chronograph hand provides just enough colour to give the watch its unmistakable sporting character.
Behind that distinctive face sits the Seiko Calibre 6138B, a 21-jewel automatic chronograph movement. The 6138 family followed Seiko’s pioneering 6139 and added a second register, providing both a 30-minute counter and a 12-hour chronograph counter.
What makes the 6138-8020 Panda particularly interesting today is how its reputation has changed. Once simply another Seiko sports watch, it has increasingly become a serious vintage collectible.
Condition Report:
• Unless otherwise stated, our watches are not pressure tested, and water-resistance components are not replaced.
• Parts are only replaced when necessary. Any flaws or replaced components will be clearly disclosed below.
• Parts are only replaced when necessary. Any flaws or replaced components will be clearly disclosed below.
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• Dial: The dial presents in good overall condition, with no significant visible marks or damage. We are unable to confirm whether the dial is original, restored, or aftermarket, and therefore make no guarantees regarding its originality. Please refer carefully to the detailed close-up photographs provided and make your own assessment before bidding
• Lume: The dial and hands had been re-lumed with modern luminous material that glows bright under UV exposure.
• Hands: The hands are all in good condition showing minor aging.
• Case: The case shows some signs of polishing in the past, with the case retaining thick and the lugs even. Scratches are present throughout the case.
• Crown: The crown is original for the watch, the chrono pushers are correct replacements.
• Bezel: Scratches and dents visible.
• Crystal: In good condition.
• Strap/bracelet: The watch comes with the original signed Seiko bracelet, showing some moderate wear and stretch.
• Movement: The movement had been recently serviced: dismantled, cleaned, oiled, and calibrated. New rubber seals were replaced for the case-back and chrono pushers.
• Overall condition: The watch is in overall good condition for its age.
• Lume: The dial and hands had been re-lumed with modern luminous material that glows bright under UV exposure.
• Hands: The hands are all in good condition showing minor aging.
• Case: The case shows some signs of polishing in the past, with the case retaining thick and the lugs even. Scratches are present throughout the case.
• Crown: The crown is original for the watch, the chrono pushers are correct replacements.
• Bezel: Scratches and dents visible.
• Crystal: In good condition.
• Strap/bracelet: The watch comes with the original signed Seiko bracelet, showing some moderate wear and stretch.
• Movement: The movement had been recently serviced: dismantled, cleaned, oiled, and calibrated. New rubber seals were replaced for the case-back and chrono pushers.
• Overall condition: The watch is in overall good condition for its age.
Watch Specifications:
Ref. 6138-8020
Cal. 6138B
Stainless Steel
Year April 1973
Diameter: 40mm
Diameter with crown: 42mm
Lug to lug: 46mm
Thickness: 16mm
Watch only
Cal. 6138B
Stainless Steel
Year April 1973
Diameter: 40mm
Diameter with crown: 42mm
Lug to lug: 46mm
Thickness: 16mm
Watch only
SOLD!!
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