Very Interesting piece. As I own a similar one (actually it’s a 6139-8002) from 1971 and as testament of it’s sturdiness let me take the liberty to drop a couple of extra lines to comment. I received ditto watch for my 18th birthday in 1971. Yes 52 years ago, makes me feel real old I guess. I wore the watch for about 20 years 24/7 as my only watch scuba diving, rock climbing, skiing, sailing, you name it I have done it all until I got bored with it and dropped it to buy a new one. I had lost track of it, moving a number of times and relocating first to Australia and then back to Italy but I finally found it back stuffed in an old box where it had spent the last thirty years. You can probably imagine my delight in putting it back on my wrist and finding it was still working just fine but considering that the pushers were stuck and the time passed I got it serviced and now still wear it from time to time. A testimony of loyalty that lasts a lifetime.
I actually have a couple of relevant shots which I would have loved to share (me in 1971 😎) but I am not sure it can be done on this channel.
Wonderful to hear Pieter! Unfortunately there is no way to share photos in replies to posts, but photos can be shared in the chat section of the website, so please do feel free to share some photos there by starting a new chat thread!
Feels like the subheading doesn’t do this justice. At least add “in the world” or “ever” 😂
Feel like the sort of watch which wouldn’t struggle to hit 5 figures in a Phillips auction. Maybe even 6 if we had any irrational exuberance left in the market.
Amazing find. I’m curious though why the watch doesn’t appear to be cleaned, please excuse my ignorance if there’s a reason. There appears to be debris in the case back, on the back of the lugs, smudges on the top of the lugs. Is it the case that with a vintage watch like this it’s not wise to dare to further clean it?
Fair point. In fact I can't recall ever cleaning a vintage watch! I prefer to leave them as I found them if I am thinking of selling. I guess it is tempting to see how this would clean up, but I'll let that be a decision for the next custodian I think :)
Hello Gerald, surprising date as this changes my understanding of 6139 history. I thought the earliest were in Feb with serial production starting in April. My understanding was that the initial few months of manufacturing until June 1969 utilized the notched case. This example is not notched. Do you have insights you can share on the cases of these early models?
There were a total of four watches launched on May 21st. Two 6139-6000's (blue and yellow dial variants), and two 6139-6010's (black and blue dial variants). They have different cases - only the 6139-6000 has the notch for the crown (actually lasting long past June 1969 manufacture).
Very Interesting piece. As I own a similar one (actually it’s a 6139-8002) from 1971 and as testament of it’s sturdiness let me take the liberty to drop a couple of extra lines to comment. I received ditto watch for my 18th birthday in 1971. Yes 52 years ago, makes me feel real old I guess. I wore the watch for about 20 years 24/7 as my only watch scuba diving, rock climbing, skiing, sailing, you name it I have done it all until I got bored with it and dropped it to buy a new one. I had lost track of it, moving a number of times and relocating first to Australia and then back to Italy but I finally found it back stuffed in an old box where it had spent the last thirty years. You can probably imagine my delight in putting it back on my wrist and finding it was still working just fine but considering that the pushers were stuck and the time passed I got it serviced and now still wear it from time to time. A testimony of loyalty that lasts a lifetime.
I actually have a couple of relevant shots which I would have loved to share (me in 1971 😎) but I am not sure it can be done on this channel.
Wonderful to hear Pieter! Unfortunately there is no way to share photos in replies to posts, but photos can be shared in the chat section of the website, so please do feel free to share some photos there by starting a new chat thread!
Feels like the subheading doesn’t do this justice. At least add “in the world” or “ever” 😂
Feel like the sort of watch which wouldn’t struggle to hit 5 figures in a Phillips auction. Maybe even 6 if we had any irrational exuberance left in the market.
If it doesn't sell here, I may send it to Loupe This. I see no reason why this doesn't deserve to be a 5 figure watch :)
Honestly I’m tempted just to have it for the kudos 😂 - oh, and to clean it per the second comment.
Well I guess I could put the case in the ultrasonic cleaner to see how it turns out...
Easy few grand on the price after that
Hmm. Ok. Maybe I will give it a go (and up the price to 12k)
Genuine questions though - what would insured shipping to the UK cost, and what currency/country do you take payment in?
Amazing find. I’m curious though why the watch doesn’t appear to be cleaned, please excuse my ignorance if there’s a reason. There appears to be debris in the case back, on the back of the lugs, smudges on the top of the lugs. Is it the case that with a vintage watch like this it’s not wise to dare to further clean it?
Fair point. In fact I can't recall ever cleaning a vintage watch! I prefer to leave them as I found them if I am thinking of selling. I guess it is tempting to see how this would clean up, but I'll let that be a decision for the next custodian I think :)
Any followup on this watch?
Not sure what follow-up you are after? :) It’s still available if that is what you are asking!
Yes thank you. I have February 69 6139-6000 which is early but never seen any Jan of either reference.
Anthony has a great article on the references here - https://www.plus9time.com/blog/2019/3/14/50th-anniversary-first-auto-chronograph
Hello Gerald, surprising date as this changes my understanding of 6139 history. I thought the earliest were in Feb with serial production starting in April. My understanding was that the initial few months of manufacturing until June 1969 utilized the notched case. This example is not notched. Do you have insights you can share on the cases of these early models?
There were a total of four watches launched on May 21st. Two 6139-6000's (blue and yellow dial variants), and two 6139-6010's (black and blue dial variants). They have different cases - only the 6139-6000 has the notch for the crown (actually lasting long past June 1969 manufacture).