On the heels of Seiko’s Suwa division debut of the brand’s first automatic chronograph in 1969, the cal. 6139, the engineers at Daini set out to leave their own mark on watchmaking history. Just one year later in 1970, it came in the form of the cal.7017, and though it shared some familiar components with its Suwa counterpart, it was altogether new and groundbreaking. Coming in at a thickness of just 5.9mm, it set a world record as the thinnest automatic chronograph in the world. As impressive as it was, achieving these measurements meant sacrificing a minute register, leaving just a 60 second totaler for the wearer. That is, until 1971 when Daini unveiled the successor to the 7017, by way of the equally thin cal. 7018. A 30 minute, 60 second automatic chronograph with “creeping” totalers for both registers. Just as the second hand sweeps around the dial to count the seconds, so too does the large tear drop minute totaler below. In addition, the chronograph is a true “Flyback” design which allows it to be reset without first having depress the start/stop pusher. This allows timing of a new event as it happens in real time. Not only an impressive achievement for Seiko, it was a revolution for watchmaking in general, and if you’re patient, owning an example of this historic movement is still occasionally possible. This variant from September of 1971 is known as the ‘other’ “Baby Panda.” A moniker is shares with the 6138-8000, but is perhaps a better fit here due to its record breaking “baby” dimensions. At 37mm, the case is classic Seiko architecture with sharply tapered, faceted lugs, and contours designed to hug the wrist. A recessed, beveled bezel surrounds an angular mineral crystal that gives way to a deeply set, silvery white sunburst dial. The minute track is printed on a satin silver border that’s just thick enough to meet the applied baguette markers. Though the dial is in stunning condition overall, there is some wear that has developed along most of the outer edge. The sub register sits slightly recessed in black and is given texture and an iridescent sunburst effect through the tightly joined concentric circles engraved on its surface. In contrast, it’s finished with white printing and a large white teardrop totaler. The hour and minute hands are polished batons with black striping, and the sweep is polished steel with its red tip being the only touch of color to be found. The case shows moderate wear, but it is unpolished and its sharp edges remain intact. It’s completely original aside from a NOS hardlex crystal, and post service, the 7018 is keeping near perfect time. The chronograph functions operate smoothly, and with a responsive reset. We’ve paired it with a distressed brown leather with white stitching that showcases the dial and provides comfort on the wrist. As this is only the second example of this watch we’ve ever had, it is safe to say its a rare opportunity for any collector that’s doubtful to be available for very long. 

Kvarnsjo Leather Distressed Brown Grain Leather with White Stitch (cheapestnatostraps.com)

Serviced 10/7/19

Diameter- 37mm

Lugs- 18mm