Birthday Watch July 1971! Seiko 5 Sports 7017-6040 Speed-Timer Flyback Chronograph DAINI 21J Automatic Watch (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Seiko 5 Sports Speed Timer Flyback
Year of Production: July 1971
Movement: 7017
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 21
Hand and Dial: 3D Silver Baton Indices and Hands
Width: 41.5mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42.5mm
Thickness: 13mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Original Seiko 5 Sports SS Signed Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

To fully understand her history, kindly read-on!

"Today, self-winding (or automatic) chronographs are quite common. Omega created a prototype of one back in 1948 but later abandoned their production plans. Over 20 years later, two companies and one collaboration would finally make it to series production: Seiko, Zenith, and a joint venture between Heuer, Breitling, and Hamilton. These manufacturers all introduced and launched their automatic chronograph movements in 1969, and this watch style would quickly become very popular throughout the industry.

"Of the three calibres, the Seiko 6139 has had the greatest influence on future generations despite being the least well known. This movement centers on its vertical clutch and compact automatic rotor, a design many manufacturers have imitated since the 1980s. In fact, Frederic Piguet turned to the 6139 when crafting their legendary caliber 1185, which some call the “grandfather of the modern automatic chronograph.” Considering how many automatic chronographs the 1185 has inspired, there’s no denying the 6139’s influential role

"In 1969, Suwa Seikosha put the final touches on the caliber 6139, complete with a Magic Lever and vertical clutch system. On May 21, 1969, Seiko officially debuted the movement under the name “61 Speed-Timer.” However, the caliber had already begun appearing in watches as early as January of the same year; you can still find examples from those early months today. Seiko published the first advertisement for their new automatic chronograph in February 1969. Both the company and Ohki were unaware that the 61 Speed-Timer was the world’s first automatic chronograph movement. At the time, Seiko was busy planning the release of the quartz Astron later that same year." - The Chrono24 Magazine.

Thus the Seiko 6139 can be considered the great-grandfather of the modern automatic chronograph timepiece!

The Seiko 6138 and 6139 movements were specifically designed for their newly developed watch range ~ the Chronograph that took the world by storm.

The 6139 is the world’s first automatic chronograph that uses a column wheel and vertical clutch. The 6138 followed shortly afterwards. Both were nicknamed “61 Sports Speed Timers” even though certain models did not indicate these wordings.

Both movements were developed in 1969 for different tasks. The 6138 was developed on the 6139 platform but with the intention of having an added chronograph hand to measure elapsed hours; and it also included the column wheel and vertical clutch for more precise stopwatch measurement. But, unlike the 6139 that only has one sub minutes dial, the 6138 comes with two – a 30-minute counter and a 12-hour counter.

In short, the Seiko 6138 and 6139 Chronographs SUWA ruled worldwide; however, let us not forget that Seiko DAINI did do a thing or two about Chronographs especially fly-backs!

Here we have the Seiko 5 Sports 7017-6040 Speed-Timer Chronograph Fly-back in stunning condition. This model does not have a mini dial within the main dial and can pass off as an ordinary watch...to the less knowledgeable that is! Even though it has a Magic Lever winding system, a column wheel and the vertical coupling ala 6139, it is a new movement with several new functions e.g. "creeping" hand to tally the elapsed times and fly-back capabilities.

Touted as being the slimmest chronograph when produced in 1970 (but officially launched in 1971), it was and still is, one of the most sturdiest and rugged chronographs produced by Seiko. This particular timepiece being produced in July 1971 would most certainly be from the first or at least first few batches produced.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a July 1971 Seiko 5 Speed-Timer 7017-6040 Rally Dial Flyback JDM DAINI in immaculate condition.

A deep cleaning was conducted on this super rare July 1971 Seiko Rally dial, white day/date window, chapter ring, 3D-styled silvery-white baton markers with lumens, and baton hands. They are now in very good condition and extremely pleasing to the eye. Surprisingly, the dial lumen markers do work but rather faintly though.

Its cylindrical shaped silver case with built-in lugs and original Seiko Super Engineer bracelet were cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and a good polished soon followed to reveal a fantastic finish albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. But do note a small ding present on the case between the (9H and 10H position). Please see photos for confirmation. The crystal is original and is in excellent condition after a good rub.

The entire watch will be given another good buff prior to handing over to the Buyer.

The crown is located at the traditional 2H, 3H and 4H positions and are nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags. The day and hands quickset works flawlessly by pulling out the 3H crown to the first and second levels to adjust accordingly. Crown 2H is for the chronograph start/stop and the 4H is for the reset of mini-dial and fly-back application. All are working flawlessly.

Because it is a JDM, the Day is in English and Kanji, cool!

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled, and calibrated on 13 September 2023. In short, it was given an overhaul and not a standard servicing. It should be able to operate without servicing for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the highly prized 7017 movement, it has 21 Jewels and operate at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 219 in a straight and centered line! Such readings are truly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, and of course the meticulous care provided over the years, and expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 41.5mm (without crown) and 42.5mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm; and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20.0cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The Seiko quasi President Signed SS Bracelet is original and in excellent condition and was also cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and is now sparkling.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified thereby it is considered in near MINT condition.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch in stunning condition, and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. An aftermarket box or purposeful carrying case will be provided instead.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and preserved for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none as beautifully aged and as well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in July 1971! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 300.00 to S$ 500.00 for an overhaul, an estimated S$ 120.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean, and polish including tightening of bracelet links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after July 1971 Seiko 5 7017-6040 Chronograph Fly-Back JDM in superb condition; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!