The Seiko 7016 “Monaco” - like the 1975 Seiko 7016-5001 automatic chronograph here - is nicknamed Monaco for its highly unique shape, reminiscent of a certain 1970's Heuer chronograph by the same moniker.
As noted by GQ Magazine, "The race to produce the first automatic chronograph is well-documented: Seiko was the first to get its effort to market with the Seiko 6139 Speedtimer. It is noteworthy, however, that by 1972 Seiko actually had three automatic chronograph movements to choose from and these were not just upgrades..."
"The 7016 movement appeared in a number of case designs, the most identifiable and sought after being the square-cased ‘Monaco.’ Depending on your taste and personal flamboyance, there will be a dial option to suit...be prepared to pay more for a good running example."
Although the 7016 appears to be rather similar to the 6139, with day/date windows, a central chronograph seconds hand and a chronograph sub-dial at 6 o’clock. The six o’clock register is both an hour and a minute counter with a co-axial display as found on Patek Philippe’s 2006 5960P, with a sweeping minute counter.
A rather unique aspect of this 7016 is the flyback chronograph, which allows the user to reset the chronograph function without resetting the time completely – similar to that found on Citizen’s 8110 – but also highly rare on Seiko watches. Unlike many other Seikos, the 7016 actually is rare.
The 7016A movement is based on the Seiko calibre 7005, and when Seiko released the 7016A in 1971 it was the world´s thinnest (6.4mm high) automatic movement (it kept the title until 1987). An interesting sidenote, the Swiss company Enicar sold a watch named the "Enicar Mantagraph" in the 1970s - and it was equipped with the 7016A movement from Seiko, and included the same case.
To sum up, the 7016 offers quick-set day and date in two languages, flyback chronograph and co-axial sweeping hour and minute recorders - but wait, there's more...its thinnest automatic movement record stood until 1987.
This Seiko 7016 comes on a premium leather bracelet, and with nylon strap, rugged travel case, and springbar tool.
1975 Seiko 7016-5001 "Monaco" Automatic Chronograph
DIAL: Brilliant dark blue Seiko-signed dial; correct minute, hour and chronograph hands on main and subdial. Day/date – with Farsi/English variants – at 3 o’clock position works nicely. Lume plots shine following exposure to strong light.
CASE: Square-shaped stainless-steel Monaco case measures 42mm, with nice caselines and no evidence of machine polishing.
CRYSTAL: Correct square acrylic crystal, no scratches.
BAND: The 7016 Monaco comes on a premium light brown suede leather Strap Geeks leather strap; it also comes with a dark blue nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko 21-jewel 6139B automatic movement, manufactured in October 1971. All three flyback chronograph hands function (and reset) as designed.
CROWN: Recessed unsigned stainless-steel crown.
CHRONOGRAPH PUSHERS: Chronograph pushers depress with satisfying click – no sticking. Vibrant orange chronograph main and subdial hands reset as designed to zero.