While Seiko’s Suwa division famously released the 6139 in 1969, it was just one year later that the Daini division answered back with their own iteration in the form of the 7017. At just 5.9mm, it set a record for being the thinnest automatic chronograph in the world. Thinner and sleeker than the 6139, it could be delivered in a more compact package, and featured a “flyback” function that allowed for the sweep to be reset without having to first stop the chronograph mechanism. As with many Daini references, the entire 7017 line up was built for the Japanese domestic market and carried the Speed Timer designation. With no export variant, the North American market went largely without, and were unaware of the Daini chronographs at the time. This example from July of ‘70 is a clean, versatile classic in outstanding condition, and up for any occasion. The mid-case is a soft, sloping tonneau with a chamfered edge and a wide, beveled bezel. The near flawless dial is a textured khaki blue/gray framed by a deep set, mirror finished chapter. Applied luminous markers note the hours which sit atop two color block tracks. The inner white blocks mark the minutes/ seconds with hashes for fifths of a second. The outer orange blocks are marked in 10s to make up the decimal chapter. The hands are polished and striped batons, and the blaze orange sweep offers a bright touch of contrast. The printing is split between “Speed Timer” orange and a clean bright white that’s nicely balanced between the upper and lower halves of the dial. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement mineral crystal, and post service the chronograph functions are responsive, and it’s keeping near perfect time. We’ve paired it with a genuine and period correct Seiko “5 Sports” bracelet that suits the aesthetic, and offers a comfortable finish. This clean, classic tool watch is ready for every occasion, and is sure to be a fast favorite on any roster.

Vintage Seiko Tapered “H” Link Bracelet

Serviced- 10/25

Diameter- 40mm

Lugs- 18mm