Seiko - Speed-Timer Chronograph - 7017-6040 - Men - 1971

Presented for auction by Second Vintage

This exceptional timepiece represents a thrilling chapter in the golden era of Japanese sports watches, capturing the bold aesthetic and mechanical ingenuity that defined the 1970s. With its dynamic dial configuration and robust proportions, this chronograph embodies the adventurous spirit of vintage motorsport and technical innovation. It stands as a highly compelling acquisition for collectors seeking a character-rich and historically significant mechanical chronograph.

Brand: Seiko
Model: Speed-Timer Chronograph
Reference Number: 7017-6040
Serial Number: 175855
Movement: Seiko Caliber 7017A Automatic Chronograph
Dial: Black matte dial with white printed numerals, vibrant orange accents, and a day-date window, presenting in exceptionally clean vintage condition
Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1971
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear

Dial and Hands
The matte black dial is a striking example of Seiko's 1970s sports design, featuring crisp white printed Arabic numerals for the minute track and the iconic "Speed-Timer" script executed in a vibrant orange. The Seiko 5 Sports logo sits proudly applied below the twelve o'clock position. The dial surface remains exceptionally clean, showing minimal signs of aging, spotting, or moisture damage, preserving its bold, high-contrast appearance. The day and date aperture at three o'clock displays sharp, precise typography. The baton hour and minute hands retain their luminous material, which has aged to a pleasing creamy tone, while the vibrant orange central chronograph sweep hand provides a dynamic pop of color. The internal chapter ring with minute demarcations frames the dial perfectly, showing only minor signs of age.

Case and Crystal
The 40 mm stainless steel cushion-shaped case exemplifies the robust and distinctive geometry characteristic of Seiko's vintage chronographs. The upper case surface retains a visible radial brushed finish, which transitions smoothly to the polished flanks. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, with surface scratches, scuffs, and minor handling marks consistent with its age and utilitarian nature, yet the overall profile remains thick and well-defined without appearing over-polished. The chronograph pushers and crown are correctly positioned and show normal vintage wear. The crystal displays several visible scratches and edge wear, particularly around the perimeter, which is typical for a vintage piece of this era but does not severely obscure the dial's legibility. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Seiko logo, reference, and serial numbers.

Movement
Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 7017A, an automatic chronograph movement renowned for its flyback functionality and robust architecture. Close inspection reveals the movement is visibly stamped with the caliber designation and indicates its 21-jewel count. The rotor and bridges show a clean, utilitarian finish typical of Seiko's Daini Seikosha production from this period. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +16 to +20 seconds per day.

Strap
The watch is fitted with a period-correct stainless steel bracelet featuring folded links. The bracelet shows surface scratching, scuffing, and stretching consistent with age and regular wear, complementing the vintage aesthetic of the case. It securely accommodates the wrist and completes the authentic 1970s presentation.

Condition
The watch is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is outstandingly preserved, remaining remarkably clean and highly legible with its vibrant colors intact. The case shows honest wear with visible scratches and marks, retaining its original robust character and factory lines. The crystal exhibits surface scratches and edge wear consistent with active use. The movement is visually clean and performing excellently on the timegrapher.

Dimensions
Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown)
Wrist Size: 18.5 cm

Remarks
This Seiko Speed-Timer reference 7017-6040 is a fantastic representation of Japanese watchmaking from the peak of the automatic chronograph race. Its bold dial design, combined with the technical prowess of the flyback caliber 7017, makes it a highly desirable piece for collectors of vintage Seiko sports watches. The vibrant orange accents against the deep black dial offer a timelessly cool aesthetic that remains incredibly wearable today.

History
Introduced in the early 1970s by Daini Seikosha, the 701x series of movements was Seiko's formidable answer to the Suwa factory's legendary 6139 and 6138 calibers. The 7017 is particularly notable for being an ultra-thin automatic chronograph movement featuring a sophisticated flyback function, a remarkable technical achievement for the era that allowed for instant resetting of the chronograph without stopping it first. The Speed-Timer line was heavily marketed for the Japanese Domestic Market, offering vibrant, sporty designs tailored to a youthful and active demographic. These watches remain culturally significant artifacts of Seiko's innovative dominance in the 1970s watch industry.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent).
Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age.
Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description.
If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: SEI-SSX-0008