1971 Seiko World time 6117-6049 "Error Bezel"

THE WATCH

Here we have a 1971 Seiko World Time reference 6117-6049 with the beautiful off-white dial with a silvery lacquer finish. The World time has an inner rotating bezel when pulling the crown to the first position that features times for various cities around the world. The inner 24hr track can be used in conjunction with the cities of the world inner bezel to determine the time anywhere in the world at a glance.  The watch also features a GMT hand making it easy to track another time zone.  This specific model contains the rare "error bezel" that displays London time situated next to the GMT time. This was later corrected in future models and only occurred during a small number of years between 1969-1971.  This white dial version accounts for only 39% of all the Seiko World times produced at that time which makes this version scarce considering the error bezel.  The watch features Seiko's famous tonneau style stainless steel case with a screw down case back and flat mineral crystal.  The dial is in great condition for it's age and the tritium lume on the hour markers and hands are a gorgeous mustardy color that matches and glows bright under UV.  There is no cracking present in the lume and it features a nice even patina throughout the dial.  When pulling the crown out to the second position, it allows for adjusting the date. Lastly, when the crown is pulled into the third position this allows for adjusting the hour, minute, and GMT hand.  It features Seiko's robust and reliable 6117B automatic movement, that hacks and beats at 3Hz or 21,600 bph. 

SPECS

Brand: Seiko

Reference: World Time 6117-6049

Movement: Seiko 6117B, hacking, automatic, 3hz, 21,600 bph

Year: 1971

Condition: Pre-owned

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Dial: White

Case Diameter: 41mm

Lug to Lug: 45.5mm

Case Thickness: 12.9mm

Lug Width: 20mm

Water Resistance: None

Strap: New Blushark Blue Nato

Box & Papers: No

THOUGHTS

Seiko World Time's are some of the most underrated value pieces in the vintage watch game.  You get a robust and reliable Seiko automatic movement that stands the test of time with not only world time capability, but also a GMT function.  This vintage piece is perfect for traveling and is also comfortable with its tonneau case design and dimensions which sit beautifully on the wrist.  The Seiko World Time with the white dial is also a looker with its cool pop of color on the inner rotating bezel which really give it a 70s feel.  This model has the rare white dial and unique "error bezel" that was only produced for a short period of time before Seiko corrected the London and GMT markers.  These Seiko's are getting harder to find in good condition and if you've been on the hunt for one, this one was well kept and preserved. Whether your a Seiko collector looking to add a unique piece to your collection, or hunting for a great entry level vintage piece that reflects the early 1970's era, this will fit the bill perfectly!