During the present day in the era of the smart phone, there exists a certain charisma to the GMT/Navigator watch – like the 1968 Seiko 6117-8000 Navigator Timer GMT automatic here, on its rare original bracelet – that appeals to vintage watch aficionados.
It is not always immediately obvious why particular complications find their way onto the mechanical wristwatch that might be viewed as indispensable, but for the air traveler, international corporate executive, news, finance, or communications personnel of the 1960’s, a watch with a 24-hour function must have carried a certain useful appeal.
The 6117 is of a similar movement pedigree to the famous Seiko 6105 diver, with the rather notable exception that the 6117 possess a date register and a third 24-hour GMT hand calibrated to the main hour hand, and an inner bezel. Further, we can't fail to mention the 6117 Navigator Timer was Seiko’s second GMT watch after their World Timer - that said, the Navigator Timer GMT here is a decidedly less busy design that instead utilizes a standard GMT layout built around the same 6117 movement.
The Seiko 6117 GMT here also features a gunmetal grey dial, a bright-red GMT hand, lumed hour and minute hands, and a lightly lumed chapter ring that makes for a highly functional GMT watch that was a favorite of Viet Nam War pilots.
It’s important to note the red GMT - with GMT four hours ahead of the U.S.’s EDT/EST - hand only makes a complete circle of the dial every 24 hours (the hour, minute, and separate time zone red hand all align at the 12 o’clock position when this occurs), so it moves more slowly than the hour hand.
This Seiko 6117 comes with on its original stainless-steel bracelet, and with a nylon strap, rugged travel case, and springbar tool.
1968 Seiko 6117-8000 Navigator Timer GMT Automatic
DIAL: Spectacular steel grey Seiko Navigator Timer-signed dial with matching hour, minute, seconds, and red GMT hands. All hand lume (hour, minute, and GMT), along with hour indices shine following exposure to strong light. GMT and date at 3 o’clock position works as designed.
CASE: Stainless-steel tonneau case measures 38.5mm x 45mm, with matching caseback. Bezel insert - albeit faded - retains its 24-hour indices and rotates bi-directionally without rachet, as designed. No evidence of machine polish, and case lines are sharp. Case retains original brushed finish on top.
CRYSTAL: Flawless 6117 GMT domed crystal.
BAND: This 6117-8000 Navigator Timer comes on its original (and rare) Seiko-signed stainless-steel bracelet, which will fit up to an approx. 7.75 inch wrist. This GMT also comes with a black nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko 17-jewel 6117A automatic movement, which beats at 21,600 bph, was manufactured in October 1968.
CROWN: Recessed unsigned stainless-steel crown.