This one is something of a unicorn for collectors, and mostly unknown to everyone else. I’ll admit, I was completely unaware of its existence until it arrived along side several others in a large lot. Like you, I was immediately taken by the design, layout, and similarity to Omega’s fairly scarce round digital “Speedmaster” (186.0004). Like the digital “Speedy,” is seems production was short. In fact, all examples I’ve been able to uncover have a 1981 serial number. This example is from November of that year. The 6000 model number could indicate that it may have been a JDM only variant, but I can neither confirm nor deny that fact. Additionally, with a few clicks… and a few thousand dollars, I could fairly quickly source the Omega, but there isn’t a single other Seiko “Digi Speedy” available anywhere that I can find. This one is in pretty exceptional condition. It’s unpolished and all original aside from a replacement mineral crystal. For a digital watch, it’s not heavy on features, but more of a functional “tool” watch. There is no crown, just four pushers positioned at the corners. The “mode” can be toggled between three displays: time (with seconds, date, and day of the week), chronograph (1/100th sec. with start, stop, reset, and lap), and time/date/month setting. The upper left pusher operates an incandescent back light that, in true “tool” fashion, allows for low/no light legibility. The round case is just under 40mm with a height profile of less than 10mm. The bezel is integrated and features a black enamel inlay with the pusher functions printed in silver. The LCD is framed by a clean matte black dial with minimal text, but does feature an outer tachymeter scale for land speed, and an inner corresponding seconds scale with 1/10 sec. hashes for fairly easy conversion at a glance. It is no doubt geared for racing and speed, and it definitely looks the part. The case components and lcd module have been disassembled and carefully cleaned, and a new battery has been installed. The display is crisp with no fade or bleeding. It comes attached to the original five link bracelet in stainless steel for a seamless and comfortable fit and finish. As the Omega first appeared in 1977, it’s easy to assume some inspiration was gleaned, and put to use making a better looking version of a similar design, but I prefer to think of this one as a precursor to the 7A28 chronographs that would begin production just a year later. In shape, size, and architecture, it’s seems to have done a fair amount of inspiring all on its own. If you’re after some seriously scarce Seiko digital racing history, this looks like your only opportunity. There aren’t any others.

Original Seiko Five Link in Stainless Steel

Serviced- 7/26

Diameter- 39mm

Lugs- 19mm