Description
For your consideration is a March 1978 6138-8020 “Panda” Automatic Chronograph — perhaps one of the most desirable Vintage Seikos.
History of the Watch
This 6138 is part of my personal collection of watches. I do not know the origin before my ownership. I just serviced this watch and it is running perfectly (more below).
Condition
This is a largely original watch with some parts that have been replaced over time. In particular, the hour recording hand, chronograph sweep hand, and the bracelet are from aftermarket sources. Otherwise, everything else is original Seiko. The dial has a very typical tropical patina that is seen on 6138 Pandas. The coloration is due to an oxidation of the dial, and is not from water damage. There are some minor flaws to the dial, but you have to look very closely under magnification to see them. The case is completely unpolished and shows age and wear commensurate with a 40+ year old watch but is in amazing condition for the age. The dial retains the most amazing linen pattern with the beautiful off-green sub-dials. The dial and hands retain the very clean factory applied lume and the chronograph hands reset exactly to their vertical positions. Bracelet is a Seiko-branded reproduction. The crystal is a replacement Seiko plexiglass.
Service
I serviced this watch on 05/18/2021. That process includes a full cleaning and evaluation of all movement components and proper lubrication. Lubricants used were Moebius synthetic varieties appropriate for this watch movement type. The amplitude numbers are 240-250 range and the rate is +/- 2 sec/day. The case back, pushers and crown all have new, and factory correct seals.
This watch comes with a 1-year limited warranty on the movement from the time of sale. Shipping to CONUS through USPS 2-day. If you are outside of the US please contact me for a shipping quote.
