SEIKO 6138-8021

Like the famous Seiko 6139 movement, the 6138 was used in several distinctive watch references throughout the 1970’s. However none were more widely adopted by the general watch community than the 6138-8020/21, AKA, The Panda. It’s almost gained enough renown to be considered one of Seiko’s most iconic watches, most certainly an icon of the past, and it’s due to its use of a contrasting colour scheme, brilliant dial design, and of course, a quality movement. 

 

This example brings a little bit more understated desirability to the table by way of its case serial reading as -8021. The -8021 is simply a case number designation indicating that this watch was produced in the final year of the production run. These final examples were also paired with a bracelet manufactured by Stelux. ‘Standard’ Pandas marked -8020 were supplied on a bracelet made by Seiko themselves with hollow end links and folded bracelet links, whereas the Stelux made bracelets feature built in end-links and solid bracelet links. 

 

Differences aside, this watch is in very good overall condition. There is a small ding to the left side of the case, and It has seen polishing in the past, but still retains defined edges and a good shine to its original high polish surfaces. The dial is in wonderful condition, essentially showing 0 wear. The handset is also in very good condition, especially the sweeping seconds hand that still has a prominent and saturated red tip. The day/date is displayed in English and Roman numerals. The chronograph functionality has 0 compromises and is working as it should with no stick from the pushers. 

 

Service history is unknown however the movement is running very well, displaying a 220 amplitude and -3 seconds per day.