Bruce Lee and His Seiko 6139-6010 with Rally Watch Band

Bruce Lee, the legendary martial artist and cultural icon, was known to wear a Seiko 6139-6010 automatic chronograph in the final years of his life. This watch has since become highly sought after by collectors and Bruce Lee enthusiasts alike.

Key features about Bruce Lee's Seiko 6139-6010:

• Model: Seiko 6139-6010 automatic chronograph
• Movement: Seiko Caliber 6139 automatic
• Jewels: 17
• Frequency: 21,600 vph (6 beats per second)
• Power reserve: Approximately 45 hours
• Chronograph: 30-minute counter at 6 o'clock, central seconds hand
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case diameter: Approximately 40mm (excluding crown)
• Case thickness: About 14mm
• Lug width: 19mm
• Water resistance: 70m
• Crystal: Hardlex, slightly domed
• Dial color: Black
• Dial features: Tachymeter scale on inner bezel, day/date at 3 o'clock
• Distinctive feature: "Rally strap" with large round oval-shaped cutouts
• Day wheel: Possibly featured Chinese characters (Hong Kong variant)
• Year: Likely a 1969 or 1970 model
• Historical significance: One of the world's first automatic chronographs

East meets West: Bruce Lee, wearing his iconic Seiko 6139-6010, alongside John Saxon in 'Enter The Dragon' (1972).

The watch was first spotted on Lee's wrist in photographs from mid-1969, including at a National Karate Championship in Washington DC on May 10, 1969. This timing aligns with the early production of the 6139 model, which debuted in January 1969.

Lee's choice of the Seiko 6139 is noteworthy, as it was far from a cheap watch at the time. It retailed for around $200 in the early 1970s, a significant sum for a timepiece. The rally strap Bruce Lee used is particularly iconic, featuring oval-shaped holes that perfectly complemented the sporty chronograph design and Lee's bold 1970s style.

The late Bruce Lee and his daughter, Shannon. A rally watch band was spotted on Lee's wrist. (Photo by Linda Palmer)

Today, the "Bruce Lee" Seiko 6139-6010 and its modern interpretations are highly prized by collectors. They represent not just a moment in horological history, but also Bruce Lee's enduring impact on popular culture and his role as a trailblazer for Asian representation in Western media.

The Vintage Rally Watch Band:

The rally bracelet on Bruce Lee's Seiko is a defining feature that deserves closer examination. Vintage rally bracelets, like those found on both Seiko 6139-6010 and Seiko 6139-8020 models, are stunning in their appearance. However, they come with certain characteristics and challenges that are worth noting:

• Design: Characterized by large, circular feature or oval-shaped cutouts in the links, resembling the lightweight design of certain parts of racing cars.
• Aesthetics: The unique design made it stand out from other watch bands, complementing the sporty look of chronograph watches.
• Material: Typically made of stainless steel with a brushed finish.
• Thinness: These bracelets are notably thin compared to modern standards, which can make them feel less substantial on the wrist.
• Solidity: Due to their design and thinness, they may not feel as solid as contemporary watch bracelets.
• Weight: Despite being made of steel, the cutouts made it lighter than solid link bracelets.
• Breathability: The openings allowed for better air circulation, enhancing comfort in warm weather.

The two vintage Stelux Rally Style watch bracelets that Bruce
Lee likely wore with his Seiko 6139-6010.

The backside of a vintage rally-style watch bracelet showing an
intricate adjustment mechanism; resizing is challenging.

However, these vintage rally bracelets also had some significant drawbacks:

• Resizing challenges: Adjusting the bracelet size was difficult due to technological limitations of the period. The intricate construction lacked user-friendly adjustment features, making it very difficult for owners to resize the bracelet themselves.
• Specialized tools: Removing links for resizing typically requires specialized tools, further complicating the adjustment process.
• Durability concerns: The thinness of the bracelet could make it more prone to stretching or damage over time.

Despite these challenges, the rally bracelet's distinctive appearance and association with Bruce Lee's iconic Seiko have cemented its place in watch enthusiast culture.

"RollBall", the Modern Rally Watch Bands: A Tribute to Vintage Designs

Inspired by Bruce Lee's Seiko 6139-6010, modern rally watch bands have been reimagined for the 21st century. Unlike common OYS and JUB metal watch bands, these new rally bracelets offer a unique aesthetic while addressing the shortcomings of their vintage counterparts. Let's explore the modern versions that pay homage to this iconic design:

22mm Rollball II Watch Band with fitted endlink custom made for Orient Kamasu pairs beautifully with the Orient Kamasu Mako III Diver Watch RA-AA0001B19B. The seamless integration enhances this dive watch's rugged appeal, creating a cohesive look.

Another stunning pairing features the 22mm Rollball Watch
Band Straight End with the Seiko 5 Sports SKZ209J1 200m
Atlas Diver. This combination showcases the band's ability to
elevate diverse watch designs, offering a premium look to
this adventure-ready timepiece.

The versatile 22mm Rollball Watch Band Straight End pairs
impressively with the Seiko Prospex Arnie Re-Issue Solar PADI
Hybrid LCD Watch SNJ027P1. Its adaptable design adds a touch
of sophistication to this unique hybrid timepiece.

Rollball Version I:

This version combines the vintage appeal of rally bracelets with contemporary engineering, offering improved durability and adjustability compared to its predecessors.

22mm Rollball Watch Band with fitted endlink custom made for
Seiko SKX007 breathes new life into the iconic Seiko SKX007
Diver's 200m Automatic Watch. It enhances the timepiece's
timeless appeal with modern style and perfect case fit.

22mm Rollball Watch Band with fitted endlink custom made for
Seiko New Turtles pairs perfectly with the Seiko Prospex
SRPC95K1 Divers Watch Limited Edition Orange New Turtle
200m. It enhances the watch's robust character while
complementing its vibrant orange dial.

• Thicker links for a more substantial feel
• Structure featuring a large tapered link plus modular links
• Flexible length adjustment through screw assembly details
• Retro design with elegant modern touches
• Classic rally bracelet style with cut-outs on every link
• Smooth bending for comfortable wrist fit

Rollball Version II (Quick-Release):

The Rollball Version II adds convenience to the classic look with its quick-release feature, allowing for easy swaps between different watches or straps.

• Equipped with quick-release spring bars for tool-free attachment
• More minimal design closer to the 70's Rally watch band aesthetic, as seen on Bruce Lee's Seiko
• Flexible length adjustment using screw assembly details
• Rally bracelet style with partial cut-out links paired with rectangular flat links
• Clean and refined retro design

Left: Same band on Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT SPB379 Black. Right: 20mm Rollball II on Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB121J1. Both Alpinists look adventure-ready, their rugged charm enhanced by the Rollball II's seamless integration and robust construction.

20mm Rollball II Watch Band with fitted endlink custom made for Seiko Prospex Speedtimer pairs elegantly with the Seiko Speedtimer Panda chronograph SSC817 Gold Dial Seitona. The racing-inspired design complements the golden panda dial, elevating its sporty character.

Both 'Rollball' versions offer improved durability and easier adjustability compared to vintage models. The quick-release feature in Version II allows for easy strap changes, adding modern convenience to the classic look.

Rollball bands with custom fitted endlinks elevate four diverse Seiko models. From left: Seiko 5 Sports 42.5mm the140th Anniversary SRPG47, Prospex King Samurai PADI SRPG21K1, 5 Sports GMT SSK003K1 Blue, and Speedtimer Panda SSC813. Each pairing showcases the Rollball's versatility, enhancing the watches' unique styles from limited editions to dive-ready designs and sporty chronographs.

The Rollball collection allows watch enthusiasts to capture the spirit of iconic timepieces like Bruce Lee's Seiko 6139-6010 on their modern watches. It offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and practicality, making it an attractive option for those looking to add vintage flair to their timepieces without sacrificing modern convenience and build quality.

Left: 20mm Rollball II QR for Seiko SPB185 Baby Marinemaster. Right: 22mm for Seiko Arnie Re-Issue Solar PADI Hybrid LCD Watch SNJ027P1. Both come with quick-release features, elevating these professional divers with perfect integration.

Written by Vienna, images by Toni and others as noted

References

• Bruce Lee Seiko 6139
• The "True Bruce Lee" - A Black Dial 1969/70 Seiko 6139-6010 Proof/Proof
• "Skee Ball" or Rollball ? Tribute to the Seiko 6139-8020 Chronograph Automatic Watch
• 70's Funky Seiko 5 Sports Watches and their Rebellious Razor Watch Bands
• MY FATHER THE DRAGON