Out With The Old...

In the interest of science, here are some pics of my 1972 Cevert / Pogue 6139 Speedtimer next to my newly acquired SBDL085 (JDM version of the SSC813 Speedtimer)

I haven't had enough time with the "reissue" to have informed opinions (besides, "Hey that looks cool!"but here are some scattered thoughts:

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1. I love them both! Picking up the Reissue was part of a refining stage in my collecting. When the pile of automatic watches gets too big I start to panic about the inevitable repairs, and my watchmaker specifically told me he can't find parts for the older Speedtimers, so I knew it was time to phase it out.

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2. The 6139 is not an Omega Speedmaster, no matter how badly I want it to be hahaha. In some ways it's a "deeper cut" for collectors (and in a way it's got some 62Mas DNA, I had hoped it would keep me from wanting an SPB143, but alas,)

3. To its credit, the 6139 is amazing for a lot of reasons. Spaceage dial, a very unique case that's boxy but doesn't feel too big on my 6.75" wrist. I picked it up neglected and somehow at 52 years old it keeps great time. This has been my experience with many vintage Seikos. Truly a great company, underrated in so many ways.

4. The Reissue is gorgeous. I love the skin-diver case, the pushers, the fact that it's solar powered makes me feel like it's a "bonus" watch that I don't have to care for as much. Used prices have dropped. I got it for $400 which is just under what it should actually cost, imo. Yes, the bracelet has only 2 micro adjusts, yes it's the dreaded pin and collar, but guess what? We live in the future, and next to it, the 1972 bracelet feels like it was made out of folded up cola cans by a 3rd grader. We are truly spoiled and living in an embarrassment of riches. I'll make the bracelet work, I tried it on some straps and it feels flimsy to me.

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What do you fellow Seiko-heads think? Am I nuts for swapping out the 6139 for the SSC813? I simply can't keep both, my minimalist brain will implode.) Have you tried the strapcode bracelets? Are they worth the upgrade? Saturday watch neurosis baby!

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Reply
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the 6139 - one of my must-haves for sure!! One day...

I'm also a speedtimer owner. They're great watches! They look great on straps and you can buy a clasp for the bracelet from Uncle Seiko that has more micro-adjustment holes. It cost $10/15.

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Adam21

the 6139 - one of my must-haves for sure!! One day...

I'm also a speedtimer owner. They're great watches! They look great on straps and you can buy a clasp for the bracelet from Uncle Seiko that has more micro-adjustment holes. It cost $10/15.

It's a very cool watch. Oh I just remembered - another reason I like the updated version is the 6139 has no counting seconds (unless you have the chrono going at all times) Even with the quartz movement I would rather see that the watch is moving.

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Adam21

the 6139 - one of my must-haves for sure!! One day...

I'm also a speedtimer owner. They're great watches! They look great on straps and you can buy a clasp for the bracelet from Uncle Seiko that has more micro-adjustment holes. It cost $10/15.

Oh man I forgot about the Uncle clasp that's a great idea, thanks.

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88MilesPerHour

It's a very cool watch. Oh I just remembered - another reason I like the updated version is the 6139 has no counting seconds (unless you have the chrono going at all times) Even with the quartz movement I would rather see that the watch is moving.

Yeah, it does suck that it doesn't have a running seconds, although you could just keep the chrono running, as you said. Regardless, the watch just oozes cool!!

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I will take the old timer first over the newby ( both good ) 👍🏼

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Tinfoiled14

I will take the old timer first over the newby ( both good ) 👍🏼

Fair enough!

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Here's mine on a uncle Seiko bracelet, it looks like the original but is solid in construction so looses that flimsy feeling.

I don't wear it often but when I do it does feel special.

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Inkitatus

Here's mine on a uncle Seiko bracelet, it looks like the original but is solid in construction so looses that flimsy feeling.

I don't wear it often but when I do it does feel special.

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Yes, if I were to keep it I would probably pick up their version of the bracelet for just that reason.

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uneven_rotation

The 6139 would be my choice, it’s a little more unique.

(Here are my Seiko Chronos)

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Love that black and white contrast! Very Speedmaster-y.

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Here’s my set—they compliment each other nicely and I’m glad seiko is moving the line forward rather than doing 1/1 reissues. Feels more in the spirit of the brand and the watch.

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hackmartian

Here’s my set—they compliment each other nicely and I’m glad seiko is moving the line forward rather than doing 1/1 reissues. Feels more in the spirit of the brand and the watch.

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Good lookin' couple!

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88MilesPerHour

Good lookin' couple!

Thank you!