Seiko Chronograph 'Baby Panda' 6138-8000
The Seiko 'Baby Panda' ref. 6138-800x is a highly regarded watch among Seiko collectors for several reasons. It was initially released exclusively for the Japanese domestic market (JDM) and was the world's first fully integrated automatic chronograph with a column wheel and vertical coupling mechanism. It is powered by the esteemed 23-jewel cal.6138 movement, which was introduced in 1971 and remained in production for only one year. The movement is housed within two models: the ref. 6138-8001 and its slightly smaller counterpart, the ref. 6138-8000.
The 'Baby Panda' stands out due to its column wheel, which controls the chronograph functions, and its vertical clutch mechanism for smooth engagement. Furthermore, it offers the convenience of a quick-set day/date indicator and the ability to be hand-wound, setting it apart from the ref.6139 model and other Seiko chronographs of that era.
Not only boasting the updated Cal.6138B, but it also features a smaller but taller case compared to its sister the Ref.6138-8020, and a very unique railroad bracelet that comes with brushed links which makes them stand out from the crowd as they are also very comfortable to wear.
Information:
Pre-owned: Seiko Chronograph 'Baby Panda' 6138-8000
Reference: 6138-8000
Circa: 1971-72
Bracelet: Brown Leather Strap
Dial: Variant 2
Case Size: 39.5mm x 14mm Thickness x 43.5mm Lug to Lug
Lug Width: 19mm
Case Metal: Stainless Steel
Movement: 6138B (23 Jewel) - Automatic
Day-Date Wheel: Kanji Day
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Day-Date, Chronograph
Box and Papers: No box or papers - watch only
Crystal: Acrylic
Bracelet size: 7.5”
Condition:
Case has honest wear with nothing notable. Strap has minimal creasing with no apparent wear. Dial has slight patina by 4, and slight loss of paint on numbers in bottom subdial. Hands have light wear. Watch is running
History of Seiko Watches
Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.
The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition.
The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.
