Seiko Bullhead 6138-0040 brown version

My fever for the Seiko Bullhead continues with this brown one. When it comes to bullhead, do you think of a watch? Omega classic; but I will think of Seiko. Seiko is more classic than Omega, because Seiko is the world's first automatic chronograph.

In the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, Seiko was responsible for the timing work of that year. Five years later, Seikosha Seikosha has used this technology for civilian watches, numbered 6139, followed by 6138. The concept is simple-to-operate sports timing. It is characterized by the vertical operation of the button, 44mm diameter, 16mm thickness, and its body shape is comparable to that of the current Rolex Deepsea. Bone belt, there are local version (only Brown bullhead and international version (with Brown bullhead, Blue bullhead). The local version uses gold, wood, water, fire, soil and Japanese for the week, and it was not discontinued until 1979!

There are several versions of the bull head namely the Blue version (International version) and the Brown versions (Japan Local version Speed Timer, Japan Local version 5 Sport & The International version):

1. Local version: 5 sport Speed ​​Timer at 12 o'clock on the surface. Brown week dial for Sun Moon Fire Water Wood Gold Earth/SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI (Japanese/English)

2. Speed ​​Timer at 12 o'clock on the surface. Brown week dial for Sun Moon Fire Water Wood Metal Earth/SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT (Japanese/English)

3. International version: 

• Chronograph Automatic at 12 o’clock on the surface. Brown day plate for SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI/DOM LUN MAR MIE JUE VIE SAB (English/Spanish)
• Chronograph Automatic at 12 o'clock on the surface. Blue SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI/DOM LUN MAR MIE JUE VIE SAB (English/Spanish)

I have found an international version in blue and black, and I have decided to complete the collection. This is my second Seiko Bullhead chronograph. It is an international version with Chronograph automatic in brown version. The watch is in all original conditions which needed some thorough cleaning. IT will be a fun project to service and restore the watch to its formal glory!.

Latest updates:

Part of the fun in collecting vintage watches is restoration. I have sent the watch to my watchmaker, and he has managed to find a new old stock crystal for the watch. The watch is now fully serviced and cleaned.

The watch now looks fantastic.

Seiko Bullhead 6138-0040 chronograph

Old post from 2017, where I used to have three Bullheads when I was working in Thailand. Of the three, there is one in very good condition which I have regretted in selling. 

Saturday, April 01, 2017

Seiko Bullhead Blue Black 6138-0040

I have neglected collecting vintage Seiko for a while as my main attention has been on Rolex and Tudor. In fact, I have been trying to cut down on my other brands and focus on Rolex Tudor. However, over the weekend, my defence system collapsed when I saw a nice condition Seiko Bullhead from a collector and could not resist.

6138-004x or the Seiko Bullhead is possibly the crown in the line of 6138 models produced by Seiko between 1970 and 1979. Even though this version uses the same movement of the 6138 line, it is somehow special as it uses the “Bullhead” layout of the crown and chrono pushers which can be seen by other vendors in the 70’s such as Omega with its Vintage OMEGA Bullhead Chronograph. Big difference between the Omega and the Seiko – the Japanese bullhead is a very affordable and cool looking chronograph whereas the Omega easily reaches prices beyond $10.000!

The case of Seiko’s Bullhead is wonderfully designed and has polished and matte parts. The diameter is roughly 43mm, length is 46mm and the thickness is up to 16mm at the top where the pushers are located. Originally , the bullhead comes with a metal fishbone bracelet but it looks nice with a rally leather strap as well. 

The two versions are very distinct and give a very different look and feel. The brown dialed version with a red tachymeter ring and golden colored subdials looks very retro and represents a typical 70’s style. The black version with a yellow second hand and blue subdials looks sportier and less retro. On a metal bracelet, it looks almost timeless and is less flashy than the brown version. Both models have reached a cult status among Seiko lovers and the bullhead often makes it to the top rated Seiko watches ever built. Considering the countless models that Seiko has produced, this is quite notable!

The Bullhead is a great watch and almost a must have for every Seiko watch collector. It has the same very robust and reliable 6138 Seiko movement and is probably the coolest looking watch that Seiko has produced in the 70’s. It was produced in a relatively high number and availability of used models is quite good. On the other hand, demand especially for very good and original pieces is very high and prices have increased significantly over the last years. When you could get a good Bullhead for $200 to $300 in 2005, prices have more than doubled in the meantime. On the other side, used watch prices are still low compared to other 70’s chronographs and even damn cheap compared to an Omega Bullhead. If you can get a good model, you will surely own one of the coolest watches ever made by Seiko!

Text from : http://forums.watchuseek.com/f281/seiko-6138-chronograph-reference-guide-1608554.html

Tuesday, April 04, 2017

Seiko Bullhead III 6138 0040 5Sports SpeedTimer (Brown/Red);

Previously when I was collecting vintage Seiko Divers, I have seen several Seiko bullhead passing by. As I was not a chronograph collectors, I tended to neglect them. With the blue black Bullhead, it is natural for me to move and try to collect the brown version as well. When one first look at the watch, one will be very often be "put off" by the unique (or weird?) design. However, when one put a bullhead on one's wrist, I can guarantee you that your perception will changed. My perceptions have changed totally and I am truly in love with these weird monsters now.

There are 3 brown versions namely:

1. With Seiko 5Sports SpeedTimer" at the top of the dial (Made for Japanese Domestic Market).

2. With SpeedTimer at the Top of dial (SpeedTimer Bullhead variants were those produced for the Japanese Domestic Market. They were sold in Japan and the surrounding areas).

3. With Chronograph Automatic Bullheads produced for the rest of the world wore the standard "Chronograph Automatic" markings (can be marked either as "6138-0049" or "6138-0040" depending again on what market the watch was originally sold in).

Last night, I have managed to find my first brown Seiko from Japan. The overall condition is good except some scratches at the bezel with the correct yellow Tachymeter word and dots with silver numerals. This is one that is made for the Japan Domestic Market with the Seiko 5Sports SpeedTimer at the top of the dial. It has the correct hands that have no lume on the hour/minute hands as well as the correct maroon colour sweep second chronometer hand.

Unlike vintage Rolex, these are very affordable vintage watches and real value for money. It will not burn a hole in your pocket. Find one and wear them and you will agree with what I say.

Seiko Bullhead 6138-0040 chronograph Blue International version

This is my second attempt in collecting the Seiko Bullhead 6138-0040 watches.  I once have a small collection while I was working in Thailand in 2017 and I have let go of the collection to a fellow watch collector.

My second attempt to start a Seiko collection of bull head started with this international blue version of the Seiko Bullhead 6138-0040 from HKG and it is from 1976. The overall condition is still ok as the edges of the case are still sharp. It comes with the Seiko bracelet except that it's not for this model. I shall try to find the fishbone bracelet for it but in the meantime, the strap looks ok with the watch. I shall wear this watch for several weeks to see if I am willing to collect these series in a proper way.

After wearing the Seiko for a while, I have made up my mind to find and collect the Seiko Bullhead. This my second Seiko Bullhead that I have found in very nice condition, fully serviced and cleaned too. My aim is to collect a small collection of the Seiko 6138-0040 covering the blue international edition plus the three brown series as well.