A Time When Seiko Made Amazing Watches - Seiko 6138 0040 Bullhead
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- I absolutely love watches of yesteryear, especially the 60's and 70's when style and design were at the forefront of decision making.
I purchased this Seiko 6138 0040 Bullhead and wanted to share my thoughts on how good quality watches still exist from our not so distant past.
Modern Bracelet on Seiko 6136 0040 is taken from a Seiko SRPC11J
thanks for watching
Some image used in this video were sourced from the following sources:
pixfeeds.com, matthewbanic.com, watchesofwestminster.co.uk, 2diveornot2dive, chrono24
#seikobullhead #watchreview #seiko #watches #chronograph #bullheadwatch #seiko6138
The Seiko "Bullhead" is simly stratospheric! It's by far the best designed and beautifully crafted bullhead chronograph ever made...! Omega, Breitling, Bulova, Citizen, ecc, they don't even come close to it stylistically speaking...
I think you need some glasses.
I just bought one of these while I was on vacation. I'd had it in my mind after seeing your video, and seeing it in person sealed the deal for me. I don't think photos do this style justice, because it is just SO COOL in person. It wasn't cheap, but I bought from a retailer who had serviced it and offered a warranty. My chrono functions as it should and the reset is bang on the money, so I should get a lot of years of use without worrying about impending financial ruin if the chrono reset fails.
What a stunning watch! I love the perfectly suited name for it… the “bullhead” is a great name. The bezel colour is a lovely contrast to the dial, and both the bezel and the dial compliment each other perfectly. I just love the vertical day and date at the six o’clock position, as it balances the two sub dials so nicely. Thank you for showing this stunning watch to us all. The seventies and watches, always reminds me of the times I was swapping watches with other like minded school friends, we were always trying to trade anything just to get what we each considered to be the best looking watch at the time. I saw your video that you made, where you told us the story of yourself and your friend continuously admiring each other’s watch, and eventually swapping with each other. He got your “bullhead” and you got his “tuna” and I was sat thinking wow, both of you got such an awesome watch from your swap, I would have been super happy with either. What I thought was wonderful, was (if I remember correctly) that your friend had said he would swap back, and give you the “bullhead” back if ever you wanted to. You have a great friend Peter, as he has in you!
Seiko STILL make amazing and outstanding watches!
True
Nope
I buy this watch for 350 dollars from Venezuela one year ago in perfect condition I have the ufo watch too.
Very lucky, enjoy them both.cheers
Great buy
I am a big fan of the Bullhead. Several companies tried to bring them back, sadly they failed. I picked up a beautiful piece from APH Toscano and another from Stuckx. I think both companies failed. I know Stratton still produces Bullheads if anyone is interested. As for movements, they primarily use the Seiko VK.
Thanks for sharing Greg
I've always loved the look of the Bullhead dan dI knew one day I would grab one..I love it !!
Thank you for sharing this amazing watch Pete. Lately I find myself drawn to vintage watches more. Hopefully you will do more features on vintage watches. Love the date complication on this watch.
Excellent review, thank you for taking the time to address the lum issues and the general functions of the watch!
My pleasure Paul
Cheers
I personally prefer the citizen version (i have 3 of them) just because it has the same features but also has a flyback chronograph which the Seiko doesnt have. That said - i would love to get the Seiko on day, this color especially!
3 Citizens ? You’re a lucky man 👍👍👍 I like the Citizens as well, they look superb
Thks for sharing yr knowledge on "Bullhead", mine had d same problem on not reseting to original position. Didn't know it's because of the minute hand that slightly thicker. Can't imagine why seiko didn't notice the issue when they roll out the "Bullhead". Cheers
Bullhead watches need to make a comeback. The practicality of the pusher placements makes way more sense than the current standard placements.
It's not the current placement, it's the original placement of the first of all time chronograph that everyone emulates since it's inception. it's not a new fad it's the way it's always been done.
Stunning example of a great watch. That’s a keeper for sure. Awesome video. Keep em coming. Cheers. ✊
Thanks, will do!
I read where one of the commentors had said that a couple of companies who made bullheads had gone out of business. That is unfortunate. I have a Dart Wahoo Bullhead and I really like it. I spoke with the owner and sadly he said that this line he did not intend to continue. I believe a company called Detroit Mint just put out something similar to what Brad Pitt wore in a recent film. Your Seiko is awesome. I have the Citizen model from that era. I am happy to say that it still runs fine.
Hi Thomas, yes it is a shame that companies didn't pursue the bullhead further, I do think that maybe Seiko might re-release this in the near future (only going on what their current trend is atm)
PS the Citizen is awesome and Brad Pitt's usage in that recent film might even make it a future icon..hang onto it my friend:)
cheers
Hi Peter, thanks for the interesting video. I have the same model, but not the JDM version. One thing worth mentioning is that because the chrono operates by means of a vertical friction clutch, it is better to leave the chrono running in daily use rather than having it stopped. Otherwise, the clutch is constantly slipping and can wear out. The opposite applies for most other brands, particularly the Swiss, where it is better to only use the chrono when actually timing something, and leaving it stopped the rest of the time. Mine's on the original fishbone bracelet, but I'm really digging the matching brown leather strap you show in the video!
Thanks for that advice. I usually let the sweep run most times I wear this (only because I enjoy seeing the yellow hand go around the dial 😊)
Thanks again for that advice, now I know it’s not detrimental to the watch
Cheers 👍
These 70s seiko chronographs are great,I've a rather battle scarred 6138 (av017m)which is from 1974,I picked it up around 20 years ago from a small repair shop as an uncollected repair,it works fine and has the original bracelet too.I wear it occasionally, think I paid £45 for it at the time.
Wow what a find, enjoy it 👍
Ooh, that is so nice, Peter! I am a sucker for vintage chronographs, Seiko in particular. I own two authentic 6139 chronographs (not nearly in as good condition as your 6138) and they are still a joy to wear after all these years. They are so reliable and very accurate, and my amazing watchmaker, Hisao-San, in North Vancouver has no problem in servicing them (and sourcing parts, when needed). I agree on the lume issue... mine are definitely very fragile and I would have preferred no lume.
Thanks for sharing Eddie, i am loving this watch. It is exactly as you say, very accurate and super reliable. Seiko made some MAD watches back then..no wonder they are re-issuing everything form the past, the designs were outstanding !!
I have a John Player Special and love it!! Perfect dial and hands. Watch lovers always ask about when I wear it in public.
I picked up one of tbese a year or so ago. Scratched all over but all original and cleaned up great. The epitome of 70's style!
I have the blue version. Bought new in 1977. Last year it hat the first (!) revision.
I love this watch and wish they'd release a modern version of it.
Even tho I'm a citizen fan I must admit the seiko bullhead is one of the best looking chronograph ever made
I wish Tag heure would do a watch like this such a great design.
Great video. I used to own the black version, and now I only own a Kakume blue. 6138s are great watches. One small comment: Seiko still makes great watches and movements. They were great in the 70s, and have spent the last few years returning to their former glory.
I am seeing that lately. It was this 70's stuff that got many of us hooked back then :)
Reminds me of old-school pocket watches..... amazing design.
Have that one...love it!!!!
Thx for sharing your watch. I can absolutely relate. Have an Omega Seamaster from the '50s with separate sec, and one af the first numbers of Rolex Submariner that came to my country in the 60's - The "James Bond Watch". Both from my father's brother. I have "stuff", but those are my most precious belongings....The Omega first because of the history behind it.
And now you have created an other "MUST HAVE" in my soul - a Seiko Bullhead
Nicely said 👍👍
I searched for ages for a good quality pogue,it was my holy grail ,now i have one,but the bullhead ,especially a good one,is like willy wonkas golden ticket,im still searching,i might find one eventually!
What a fantastic looking watch. Amazing condition too.
I had to buy it when I first laid my eyes in it a few years back. It is indeed one fo Seiko's unique designs. cheers
That is a beautiful Seiko. My favorite Japanese watch brand . Classic rugged look.
Correct 👍
Im a seiko lover but have one citizen in my collection.octagonal bullhead.its a lovely watch.would love a seiko also.
Nothing wrong with that Citizen Bullhead though, enjoy it !
Thanks for all your hard work Peter, I appreciate it and I enjoy the channel a lot 😇 .
My pleasure bro 😇😇😇
Eye catcher Peter ‼️ Hard to find this perfect timekeepers in my country but I will go in the search for. Congrats ‼️ Cheers.
Do your homework before committing, one should turn up. Cheers
Great vid and ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS timepiece!
Thanks Blake 👌🏻
Nice video. Wearing mine now! Btw don't reset it when it's near the bottom of the dial. You can destroy your chronograph clutch.
Superlative video. I still use my 6138 and it works very well with NOS lume. They were many of 6138´s to sell in Buenos Aires used late 1980´s for less than 30 UD dollars because all wanted quartz. I bought some Seikos and Citizens chronos , I should have bought far more :) Cheers!!!
That’s excellent
Yes hindsight is a wonderful thing, if we could turn back time we would do many things differently 👍
Enjoy the watches
Cheers
Nice review Peter, very interesting and informative and a lovely and interesting watch.
Thank you 🙏
Beautiful watch!
Seiko have the best looking watches. Would love a Recraft series comeback with this included.
Another great review Pete.
Thanks, I think a few of us would love a reissue of this...
I used to own one of these when they were relatively inexpensive and really regret selling it, prices have rocketed since!
I know it’s crazy these are going north fast . Thanks for sharing 👍
thanks for showcasing this watch. recently saw a video on the seiko "pogue", seiko really made some unique watches. i think they play it too safe with their design choices compared to their 70's watches.
I agree, today's what made us love seiko back in the day was their bold designs and unique looking watches. Today they are reserved in their designs as compared to the past.
Wow I love this watch! I have never heard of it before. Thanks Peter!
My pleasure, yes it's a lovely piece indeed. I have had my eyes on it for a while now. cheers
To the 21 idiots who didn't like this video, I'd say: Can you do it better? Thanks for this and many other excellent videos. I learned so much about bulhead style watches.
Awesome video man!!! Really enjoyed this
Glad you enjoyed it! The watch is awesome and I love it..
cheers
what a watch.. amazing
Lovely cool watch Peter, there was also a black dial version as well with a black bezel. I've got the UFO 6138-0017 which is also a very cool watch, you are right Seiko made their best watches in their golden age between the late 1960s to the mid 1980s. One weak point of the movements on these I'm not sure you're aware of is the chronograph wheel, these are staked together & can break apart if the chronograph is reset from just before the 12 o'clock position, so the chronograph hand has to fly back round most of the dial. You are better off letting it just tick past 12 then stop & reset it so it has less distance to travel back & less force is required. Good to see you've bought a 6138 they are great watches & very underrated, cheers
Hi Andrew, good to see you have a UFO 6138-0017, lovely piece indeed. Ahh those glory day's when Seiko's watches were outstanding. As for the black variant of the Bullhead, even though it is a rarer piece, it really doe nothing for me as far as looks go (when I compare it to the golden brown version)
And yes you are correct, many people would do well by allowing the chronograph to run its course past the 12 marker to avoid damage etc. Well said. Thank again, cheers
Cheers Peter, thanks for the reply
I like the Industrial Art component to it. Seiko needs to bring back this edge in it's designs and stop playing it safe. In my visits to bazaars some unique old Seiko's can be found mixed in with misc stuff. A lot of Nam Vet's (70's) brought back a variety of Seiko's, some still sitting around in a old boxes. Another great vid, Peter.
I couldn't have said it better myself JP, I totally agree, Seiko needs to stop playing it safe. When they were out there in the early days pushing the envelope with styles and colours..we all fell in love with the designs. Well said mate.
Stunning
It is a gorgeous watch...😍👌🏻
An awesome piece to have in one’s collection. Congrats on the score.
Thank you kindly Patrick, it is indeed a beautiful looking piece and now that it is back from service, it runs like a dream. Love it :)
What a beautiful watch. Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure 😇
It’s a very nice looking watch, Pete. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Mexico
Greeting Raul, my pleasure
They don’t make this kind of watch anymore, cool watch Peter!
I know, it feels rock solid on the wrist. A real 'Man's' watch from the 70's for sure..:)
Correction - SEIKO doesn't make this quality of watch anymore.
@@BoogurTWang and that's a shame, because Seiko got a massive following back in the day because of the quality products they produced back then. Today they are churning out expensive under spec watches.
Boogur T. Wang They still do make lots of great diver watches but not an automatic Chronograph with quirky design like this bullhead! Auto chrono command a premium price!
@@daddykool9507 well said
Hi Peter,
Fantastic review.
Who would you recommend to service vintage Seiko's?
I live in Melbourne.
Contact Archie’s Watch Repair in Dandenong
Tell him I referred you and he will look after you 👍
9793 6688
44 Walker street Dandenong
Interesting point on the lume as nearly all lumed watches, the lumen is applied to the underside of the hand and should not interfere with the reset of the chrono secondhand. I can only think some older eatches were relumed from above at a later date causing issues or blobs of lume sticking up. The 6138 are great movements. I have 3 6138 UFOs and would love a bullhead.
I agree, top movements 👍👍
Hi PEter, thanks for a new video. I happen to have the exact same Speedtimer bullhead allbeit with an orange tachymeter timer hand.
Yes a friend of mine has that same as well, with the orange sweep hand instead of yellow. Great to hear, enjoy it and wear it in good health, cheers man
Oh yessssss!You lucky man! That is amazing. How much is original. Looks like it has new parts. I'd rather have new bits than a tatty watch.The pushers make more sense at the top
There's no new parts on this, it is all original (except for the bracelet)
I had the watch serviced and cleaned by my watchmaker
cheers
A lovely watch
Thanks 👍
Beautiful, sympathetic refinish . Kakume “ square eyes “ . Thanks for showing it;) Perhaps consider keeping the sweep hand running or only do hard reset at 55s mark in order to reduce stress ;)
Thanks Eric. I was under the impression that at 55sec the sweep hand goes backward and hard resets all the way around the dial back to zero. It was recommended to let the sweep hand go to 65 sec so it only has a small distance to travel backward to 12pm
I’ll check it out 🤔
My apologies , from memory I thought it had two resets , one from set position +20 and another from set position +40 . Regardless the idea is to minimise travel and sudden stopping of the hand which eventually makes the hole larger and the hand falls off ! ... Which is less than desirable;) Again , apologies for my mistake if I'm wrong . I had a Yachmaster that I ran the chrono hand constantly in order to avoid this and it looked great . Thanks again for the great vid and minty piece ;) Subbed ;)
Thanks Eric. Yeah I’m not 100% sure myself. I’ll have to test it out with a slow motion high speed camera to see which way it resets 👍
Peter Kotsa ... Engineer ? Good thinking ;)
Fabulous Watch, much nicer looking than the Omega variant.
Agreed! Although I wouldn't say no if I was offered the Omega at a decent price..:)
@@PeterKotsa Bit of a soar point Omega,s and me. Had two Seamaster's about a decade back both of which had probs with the balance springs. More recently Speedmaster 38mm cal 3330, current model 10 months old, loosing massive amounts of time. Took back to Omega boutique watch repaired but I,ve been unable to collect watch since, whole other story, but never did find out what was wrong with it. I do have a black sumo, cal 6r35 but that is also running fast and has been since out of box. Someone suggested I get it demagnatised but I think the movt needs regulating. No where near as accurate as cal 4r36 in my 5.
The Seiko bullhead looks fab. Imagine a high end Seiko reissue with spring drive. Now that would be something.
Nick Morris.
@@margaretmorris7429 not good.Thats a bit of bad luck there, sorry to hear
Cool looking watch , I haven't seen that before . It looks really good in the brown leather . Only thing that puts me off is it's a little thick looking
I believe it serves a purpose, the watch sits up and looks at you as the thinner edge is at the bottom and as you use the pushers it makes it easy....quite ingenious actually, but yes I hear you..its a thick looking watch indeed.
cheers
@@PeterKotsa as I say I've never seen it before so maybe reserve judgement , but none the less a cool watch
The problem with the lume is mainly result of the aging of the pusher and crown gaskets , not so of the lume itself. There are no other watches , where you can easier replace the gaskets , than these Seikos , but nobody took care , and then came the bad surprise through incoming water. But i agree , the domestic hands without lume can withstand better difficult conditions and time !
Lovely watch 👍👍😊😊
Thank you, Im enjoying this one for sure 😊
Peter I know you tapered down your watch collection, did you keep your bullhead?
This video explains what happened to the Bullhead ... 😊
ua-cam.com/video/AKE24sghFTQ/v-deo.html
What a great story, win = win for you both
@@mica32j I agree 👍
For this thick of a watch I'd choose a 5mm engineers bracelet. To me that would look awesome and give this beautiful watch a proper heft. Maybe it's just me but I much prefer a heavy watch.
I haven't tried out on an engineers yet, and i have a spare strap lying around. thanks for that I will give it a go, cheers
great review.
Cheers
Man, you really know how to find them. I need to get the name of your watch guy
hahaha, this one came to me...:)
Gt watch thanks looking for one
Just scored my birth year one , from some dude in oz . So excited
Brilliant, well done 👍 enjoy it
Even older! I have one from october 68'
I thought they started making them in 69, you must have one of the very first!
Nice
I like that watch
It is a beauty isn't it?..thanks
@@PeterKotsa it is. Thanks Peter.
First bullhead was made by citizen, right? And now they reissued that. Seiko should do that too. It will be awesome.
I think Seiko is crazy if they don't re-issue many of their beautiful watches from the past
@@PeterKotsa exactly
Great channel Peter. Just stumbled on it. In Melb, are there any old school watchmakers left you could recommend. Mine just retired.
Hey David, I use this guy in Dandenong, look him up "Archies Watch repairs" let him know about the channel and me and he will look after you. He does all my watches...
cheers
Brilliant. Thanks Peter. I use to use Dawson Watchmakers in Moorabbin but Bob retired early this year. Few being trained now. I think there’s only one place in Syd where apprentices can study. Real shame.
This would be a great addition to Seikos Recraft program.
I agree, however I can imagine what they would charge for modern automatic chronograph re-release like this...ouch. :)
Such a cool chrono... the dial looks like an owls face from a distance
Good observation, never looked at it that way, but your'e right!
@@PeterKotsa if it wasn't already nicknamed bullhead. Owlface would work as well lol
@@simondoutre6225 A new watch has been born..:)
Is there a modern version of this timepiece or release?
Vintage original 👍
@@PeterKotsa i can see that
@@Stormmover sorry, I misread your question..I though you said is THIS a modern version..
Unfortunately, NO they have not re-issued a new current version, it would be nice, but were all still waiting for Seiko to deliver
Sorry for the mix up..😊
Cheers
@@PeterKotsa no problem. I should have written rerelease. I hope they will do it soon. Been more than 50 years since the original.
@@Stormmover I agree 👍
Peter who do you use to service the watch? Looking for a vintage Seiko specialist. Preferably in Sydney
I use Archies Watch repair in Dandenong..not sure who you can use in Sydney though..
Theres a guy Adrian in Adelaide, he is brilliant..Vintage Time Australia
Thanks. Appreciate that
From what I've read, the JDM version should have the day in kanji, and the hand that is yellow on yours, should be a more orange tone. Any insight? I am looking to buy one, and don't want to get scammed.
This is the best place to answer your questions Simon,
thespringbar.com/blogs/guides/the-seiko-bullhead-collectors-guide/
Cheers
So cool. Is the Alba by Seiko good?
God bless.
Not sure, never owned one
Cheers
The fabulous 70’s
classic :)
While watching the video i just saw one in my country selling for around 1200$ whats the price normally for this watches ?
In Australia, they go up to around the $1500 AUD or more, depending upon condition of course.
@@PeterKotsa thank you . i might check it maybe
Hi. New subbhie here. I just want to ask where did u find this piece?
Believe it or not, eBay
A local seller
@@PeterKotsa oh really wow! I love ur content btw. I saw those 3 watches u review from ur viewer Steven. My favorite of those are the frosted white & the jade dial. Do u happen to know where he got it from?
Big hugs bro
Cheers 😊
this is a beauty
I love it 👍👍😎
Do you mind sharing the name of your watch repair man? I also got a bullhead recently!
Archies Watch Repair in Dandenong..👍
Ah was hoping it'd be in the US
@@RayWilliamFonson sorry brother..
Seiko still makes amazing watches.
True..
During the 1970s Seiko made incredible mechanical watches, which is funny in it's light that was the time when japanese quartz watches almost killed the swiss watch industry. The design and build quality of those automatic chronos are excellent. I don't know, who was responsible for design that time, but he/she/they did amazing job. That's why i find this new 70s inspired Seiko line so exciting (New Helmet and Pogue, recraft series, etc.). Only some cheaper but good chrono movement is missing, like this 6138 and 6139s.
Totally correct, well said 👍👍👍👍
Shouldn’t the second hand be orange on a JDM Bullhead?
Came out in 2 colours. A friend of mine also has the exact model and sweep hand is the same.
Explain why they never did a reissue of this exact design…..
Exactly
Hopefully it’s on the cards
Nice review thanks. Thinking seriously about getting one of these, after my next purchase. Good info re the lume, I will search out the JDM model. Regards.
My pleasure Steve 👍
vaya maravilla de reloj ¡¡
It makes me happy 👍
Great watch. But I think the blue version is prettier ;)
Fair enough! I looked at the blue version, but it didn't draw me in. I suppose it is all personal and subjective. thanks again
Looks like a Straton. :)
Possibly with the 9 and 3 subdials :)
OSU. Lovely watch.
Vintage 70's, can't go wrong 👍
I’ve one of those bullhead. But its from Citizen.
The Citizen is also a lovely piece, enjoy it and wear it in good health. cheers
F A N T A S T I C ! ! !
Thanks Willy, it is indeed a lovely piece. Cheers
These days, other than Stratton and Citizen, who produces bullheads?
Omega has a reissue...$$$ pricey
@@PeterKotsa, thanks
@David McKenna, check out Mondia watches. They are an Italian company.
@@markfallon7694, I will definitely check out Mondia.
@@davidmckenna1549 all good
This is what i wanted. But i think i can't afford the price
Unfortunately, these are going up in price as the years move forward. It's a really good looking watch on the wrist.
Legend
:)
I love Seiko but I hate how they're still selling the 7S26 by the bajillions. Yeah I know it's for cost reasons, but if Invicta can pull off a Pro Diver with en NH35 (4R35/36) with solid links for $90, why can't they? Surely they have less cost using the 4R36 than Invicta does (because obviously Invicta has to buy them from Seiko). Right now a typical Seiko 5 for $100 still runs the 7S26 with hollow bracelet links. Sheesh. Yeah I know they're Seiko but if they don't do something about it the newer guys will slowly eat their slice of the pie.
Very well said. I totally agree.