COMMENT
BRAND
セイコーが1960年代後半から70年代にかけて精力的に展開していた、＜Seiko 5 Sports（セイコー ファイブスポーツ）＞、のなかでもクロノグラフ搭載モデル＜セイコー ファイブスポーツ スピードタイマー（Seiko 5 Sports Speed Timer）＞は当時の若者の間で爆発的な人気を博しました。カラー文字盤やスポーティなベゼルデザインなど、ダイナミックなデザイン性で若い人のハートをわしづかみに。
| BRAND |
SEIKO |
| MODEL |
CHRONOGRAPH |
| REFERENCE |
6138-8001 |
| YEAR |
1975 |
| MATERIAL |
Stainless Steel |
| WINDING |
Automatic |
| CALIBER |
6138B |
| SERIAL |
532+++ |
| CASE DIAMETER |
41.0mm |
| CASE THICKNESS |
15.0mm |
| BETWEEN LUGS |
19.0mm |
| SERVICE |
Yes
|
| GUARANTEE |
1 Year |
| STRAP |
Calf Leather
|
| BOX and PAPERS |
No |
COMMENT
The Ref.6138-8001, nicknamed the “Baby Panda,” is an automatic chronograph produced by Seiko in the 1970s. Powered by the Cal.6138B, it features a practical design with twin vertical sub-dials and a day-date display. Its black dial contrasted with a white inner bezel and sub-dials recalls the classic “panda” aesthetic, while its more compact proportions earned it the affectionate name “Baby Panda.” Based on its serial number 532+++, this example dates to March 1975. The day display alternates between English and Japanese, a detail highly valued in international markets.
The stainless steel case shows light, even wear, yet the lugs and edges remain crisp, preserving the original profile. The dial retains its vivid black tone, with sharp printing and indexes. Both the white sub-dials and inner bezel remain clean and well-defined. The hands are original and in balance with the overall composition. Notably, the chronograph seconds hand—originally red—has aged to white over time, a sought-after “albino” trait among collectors. Serviced and cleaned by our watchmakers.
The Cal.6138B is a robust automatic chronograph movement, notable for its column wheel and vertical clutch—cutting-edge features for a mass-produced caliber of its era. While the 6138-8020 “Panda” was celebrated for its larger and more imposing presence, the 6138-8001 “Baby Panda” gained recognition, particularly overseas, for its compact size and added day-date functionality. Its striking black-and-white contrast, coupled with the distinctive aged seconds hand, gives this piece both practical appeal and strong collectability.
BRAND
During the late 1960s and 1970s, Seiko vigorously expanded its Seiko 5 Sports line, with chronograph-equipped models like the Seiko 5 Sports Speed Timer achieving immense popularity among younger audiences. With colorful dials, bold bezels, and dynamic styling, these watches captured the spirit of the era and became icons of youthful energy and innovation in Seiko’s history.
