I was just gifted this watch by my father as it was his daily watch for years. He put it in a drawer the last two decades until I discovered it. I fell in love, he grabbed it from me he set the time and began to gently move it back and fourth and it started going just like he left it. I’m honored to own it and it’s stunning in person patina and all.
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.
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.
Thank you for this video. I just found one two days ago in a thrift shop for AU$3. It's pretty banged up and scratched, and the chrono button jams when pressed, but still works perfectly. I'm going to get it fixed and restored to its former glory and either buff or replace the crystal if possible. This video is very informative and really made me appreciate this incredible find. I plan on keeping it and wearing it. Such a beauty!
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!
I have a 1973 Seiko UFO with the same movement. I got it second hand 15 years ago from an opp shop for $20. They did not know the value. The glass was so scratched, I could not see it was a cronograpgh, but it had 2 button's & a winder. I just polished the original glass, & put it on my wrist, thats all I've done.. It's probably never been serviced, but it keep very good time & the day date cronograpgh works 100%. The lume has fallen out, but other than that & some scratches, in the stainless steal case, it looks great. It still has the original stainless steal band. I use this watch as my every day watch, ive been all over the world with it, USA, Australia, Europe & Asia. Even though I have modern watches, I just use this one, because I never need to replace a battery.
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 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.
What an interesting and specific reason to seek out the JDM, scraped lume. Rare to see a watch video that delves into the maintenance side of things. Really adds an extra layer to an already informative and beautiful vid.
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.
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
Gidday! I've got an unusual version. Sourced ex Japan. Apparently it is JDM. So it's the brown colourway and did come on an oyster bracelet with a Sports Speedmaster clasp. The dial features the 5 Sports Speedmaster livery and has English/Kanji Date wheel. But my one IS lumed. Also the central main chronograph seconds hand is orangish brown instead of yellow. The other thing is that my lumed minutes hand is considerably shorter than your one (and I do wish it was longer). I love the 5 Sports Speedmaster livery - I also have an archaic 6139 pre pogue (notch case) from May 1970 with this livery. Excellent video and also excellent points raised!
Enjoyed your video ! I have a similar one, except the sweep hand is orange instead of yellow, so maybe yours is an earlier model than mine... I bought mine brand new in the mid-1970s after graduating from college and working as a computer programmer... I don't remember what I paid for it, but I didn't make a lot of money back then, so it must have been very affordable for me... plus I loved the looks of it. The store that I bought it from, Diamond Wholesale, was located in Warren, Ohio across the street from where I worked... so I would stop in there and browse around on my lunch hour. I wore it for several years... the minute timer hand would move around and not stay in place... I just had it repaired along with a few other watches that I accumulated over the years... always loved the self-wind chronograph watches... seems hard to find good watch repair services locally these days... I found a guy in Texas that repaired it and my other watches. Good to know that the "Bullhead" (I didn't know it was called that !) is such a collectors' timepiece... Thank you for the info... I have no idea where my original instructions went, and it has been many years since I have worn my Bullhead !
I have always liked bullheads. I have a Citizen from the 70's and the recent Legera from Straton. These watches are not only fun, Seiko's VK movements are excellent. The watches are also a great conversation starter.
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!
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.
I had this watch in the 70’s and loved it. It developed the problem where the second hand didn’t return to the 12 o’clock position so I sent it back to Seiko for repair. It was gone for a long time before I finally got a quote for the repairs. Don’t remember the exact figure but it probably cost half as much as the watch which was probably around $200 at the time. Not wanting to spend that kind of money for a repair I told them to just send me back the watch figuring I just would use it as a constant second hand and forget the stopwatch feature. The watch arrived a few days later fully assembled but without the two pushers in place leaving two holes at the top of the watch rendering it useless because of the dirt etc. that would eventually finish off the watch. Another call to Seiko to complain about what they’d done thinking perhaps they’d make amends but it wasn’t to be. Hadn’t bought another Seiko till only recently but I always loved that watch and concur that it’s design is a classic.
That’s a real bummer. I think customer service has hopefully changed in the last 30-40 years and this wouldn’t happen today. Sorry to hear about that .
Well, Seiko did... sort of. In 1997, Seiko Alba AKA came up with a Bullhead that was clearly based on this watch. You can find these in good condition on eBay for around US$400.
I just saw a 'revival' bullhead watch currently listed on eBay that was supposedly made in collaboration with Seiko. I don't know much about the history of the Tic Tac company. Here is the link: www.ebay.com/itm/SEIKO-TiCTAC-QUARTZ-BULLHEAD-CHRONOGRAPH-REVIVAL-OF-6138-0040-NEW/254612855750?hash=item3b481bdbc6:g:cScAAOSwAVlb4eg0
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 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
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 !!
Love the video Peter! It seems that Citizen released this model (in quartz version though...battery I assume... ) again in Japan! I wonder, once you are closer that a lot of us followers of your channel, you could delight us with a review of the new model? :-) Greetings from Brussels, L.
Thanks for the video, Peter. I learn a few things today. I have the blue one. Yours is much nicer. Keep my heart pumping. I have dozen chronographs. I am a seikoholic. I also collect other vintage seiko/gs/ks. Altogether l have 65. Just the other day my watchmaker friend offered me a rare ks. I told l have too stop. I also collect modern GS/seiko, which equally many. My wife says l am an addict, haha..
You need to get some professional help. When you find a really good shrink, forward the number to me as well...LOL Good to hear you have the black/blue version of this, enjoy bro
Lol this after clearing all the unwanted ones. The present ones are for keep. Just bought the new 62MAS and Willard reinterpretations. It's a very enjoyable hobby with the family.
I like collecting vintage Seikos. This particular model is on my 'to acquire' list. Aesthetically, l think this Bullhead is nicer looking than the Omega's and Citizen's Bullhead.
Beautiful watch to wear and to collect :) I have both the automatic and the Quartz seiko bullhead . The only Quartz which I have is the seiko bullhead reissue SCEB009.
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
@@PeterKotsa Thanks Peter. It's such a fantastic watch. The styling is beautiful. It made me get the Citizen Bullhead as it is a great competitor from the same era! Great review, thanks.
Super upload of a grail Seiko; if I might add, an extra bonus of the JDM version is having your dual language option in Japanese kanji; to me these are really beautiful as they perfectly fit the vertical position of the day date. Thank you for sharing your comments and knowledge, there is so much to enjoy here.
Bullheads are great, I just took delivery of my Citizen with the silver dial and orange hands. Sadly, I have never seen one of these Seikos for sale (yet!)
An absolutely beautiful piece, Peter, you have some amazing vintage seikos, I love this clean example of a bullhead, didn't know about the lume problem, so when I buy one in the future I'll get it without lume
I learned a few things about Seiko from this video and I hope I'm not far too wrong in concluding that the movement in the movement in this watch may well be the Toyota Corolla of watches. It is for this well known reliabilty that I drive a Toyota and own a few Seikos ! Thank you for making this video. What a beautiful watch, reliability aside !
I hope so. Last year - 2019 - was the year to do it. Their 50th anniversary. They charged $3kUSD for the Capt. Willard. Can you ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇ what they'd ask for a Chronograph?!
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!!!
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!
Hi Pete! Another very brilliant watch review, you have a unique approach, so well researched! And now I know where Straton gets it's inspiration from. Cheers!
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
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.
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
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.
Beautiful. Nice thing about the lume info cause I always thought that chronograph without it makes more sense. Just as dress watch doesn't need a date complication. Just as dive watch doesn't need lumed top on seconds hand. It needs it on the balance opposite just for the reference that the watch is still working under water. I always get a smile when I see chrono with diver bezel lumed on dress leather with digital date widow.
Great video, I initially liked the blue/black color scheme but this is also gorgeous. Did you have this piece polished and cleaned by your watch man, is this the original crystal? Thanks for the info about the lume, I will keep this in mind as I look around for one. BTW, does this also have a kanji option? Cheers.
In great shape they should fetch over $1K There are many fakes out there as well, they look great but have replacement dials or hands etc. If you look into these, do your homework, cheers
@@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!
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
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.
@@PeterKotsa Seiko certainly produced some great pieces in those days. I wonder which current models will be looked upon with the same reverence in 40+ years? Might make an interesting video or discussion thread.
@@alextomlinson1725 Thats an interesting idea. I suppose if any of us knew which watch models would acquire a cult status in 40 or 50 years, then we would be stockpiling multiple copies..lol. Good idea though for a vid though, cheers
@@PeterKotsa No worries Peter. I suppose SARB017/33/35 and SKX007 would be on the list. I know you've had amplitude issues with the 017 but they seem to be acquiring cult status.
@@alextomlinson1725 yes the 017 is rising fast both in popularity and price. Its amazing as the new model in green is available with an engine upgrade etc and still people are prepared to pay the same amount for the 017
i have that same watch i had gotten it from my grandpa after his passing i was wondering if you know someone i am in Calgary and i was wondering if i can get someone to maybe fix mine
I was just gifted this watch by my father as it was his daily watch for years. He put it in a drawer the last two decades until I discovered it. I fell in love, he grabbed it from me he set the time and began to gently move it back and fourth and it started going just like he left it. I’m honored to own it and it’s stunning in person patina and all.
So cool
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.
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.
I bought mine in 1976, a blue/black. It still works like a champ. It is an awesome watch for a lefty.
Bravo, enjoy it 👍👍
Thank you for this video. I just found one two days ago in a thrift shop for AU$3. It's pretty banged up and scratched, and the chrono button jams when pressed, but still works perfectly. I'm going to get it fixed and restored to its former glory and either buff or replace the crystal if possible. This video is very informative and really made me appreciate this incredible find. I plan on keeping it and wearing it. Such a beauty!
Thats GOLD, what a great find. Hopefully you can revive it and give it another 50 years of joy on your wrist..
Well done
Cheers
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!
I have a 1973 Seiko UFO with the same movement. I got it second hand 15 years ago from an opp shop for $20. They did not know the value. The glass was so scratched, I could not see it was a cronograpgh, but it had 2 button's & a winder. I just polished the original glass, & put it on my wrist, thats all I've done.. It's probably never been serviced, but it keep very good time & the day date cronograpgh works 100%. The lume has fallen out, but other than that & some scratches, in the stainless steal case, it looks great. It still has the original stainless steal band. I use this watch as my every day watch, ive been all over the world with it, USA, Australia, Europe & Asia.
Even though I have modern watches, I just use this one, because I never need to replace a battery.
Thats brilliant and a testament to the robustness of these movements, thanks for sharing
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.
@@sK3LeTvM1 And I think you're very stupid and ignorant...😉
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 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 !!
What an interesting and specific reason to seek out the JDM, scraped lume. Rare to see a watch video that delves into the maintenance side of things. Really adds an extra layer to an already informative and beautiful vid.
thank you
Seiko STILL make amazing and outstanding watches!
True
Nope
Awesome vintage watches. Im amazed at the variety they provided back then
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.
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
Congratulations. That's a very pristine looking stunner. Thanks for the in depth review.
My pleasure! I am pleased with the watch, its like taking a step back into my childhood, the 70's :)
Absolutely awesome watch Peter. It has such a presence! Love that 70's styling.
I know JC, really something else isn't it?..Cheers
Gidday! I've got an unusual version. Sourced ex Japan. Apparently it is JDM. So it's the brown colourway and did come on an oyster bracelet with a Sports Speedmaster clasp. The dial features the 5 Sports Speedmaster livery and has English/Kanji Date wheel. But my one IS lumed. Also the central main chronograph seconds hand is orangish brown instead of yellow. The other thing is that my lumed minutes hand is considerably shorter than your one (and I do wish it was longer). I love the 5 Sports Speedmaster livery - I also have an archaic 6139 pre pogue (notch case) from May 1970 with this livery. Excellent video and also excellent points raised!
Absolutely fantastic watch! Interesting insight regarding the lume vs no lume models. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure!
Enjoyed your video !
I have a similar one, except the sweep hand is orange instead of yellow, so maybe yours is an earlier model than mine...
I bought mine brand new in the mid-1970s after graduating from college and working as a computer programmer... I don't remember what I paid for it, but I didn't make a lot of money back then, so it must have been very affordable for me... plus I loved the looks of it.
The store that I bought it from, Diamond Wholesale, was located in Warren, Ohio across the street from where I worked... so I would stop in there and browse around on my lunch hour.
I wore it for several years... the minute timer hand would move around and not stay in place... I just had it repaired along with a few other watches that I accumulated over the years... always loved the self-wind chronograph watches... seems hard to find good watch repair services locally these days... I found a guy in Texas that repaired it and my other watches.
Good to know that the "Bullhead" (I didn't know it was called that !) is such a collectors' timepiece... Thank you for the info... I have no idea where my original instructions went, and it has been many years since I have worn my Bullhead !
I have always liked bullheads. I have a Citizen from the 70's and the recent Legera from Straton. These watches are not only fun, Seiko's VK movements are excellent. The watches are also a great conversation starter.
I couldn't agree more, well said
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
Even tho I'm a citizen fan I must admit the seiko bullhead is one of the best looking chronograph ever made
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 👍
I have a John Player Special and love it!! Perfect dial and hands. Watch lovers always ask about when I wear it in public.
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 👍
Stunning example of a great watch. That’s a keeper for sure. Awesome video. Keep em coming. Cheers. ✊
Thanks, will do!
I had this watch in the 70’s and loved it. It developed the problem where the second hand didn’t return to the 12 o’clock position so I sent it back to Seiko for repair. It was gone for a long time before I finally got a quote for the repairs. Don’t remember the exact figure but it probably cost half as much as the watch which was probably around $200 at the time. Not wanting to spend that kind of money for a repair I told them to just send me back the watch figuring I just would use it as a constant second hand and forget the stopwatch feature. The watch arrived a few days later fully assembled but without the two pushers in place leaving two holes at the top of the watch rendering it useless because of the dirt etc. that would eventually finish off the watch. Another call to Seiko to complain about what they’d done thinking perhaps they’d make amends but it wasn’t to be. Hadn’t bought another Seiko till only recently but I always loved that watch and concur that it’s design is a classic.
That’s a real bummer. I think customer service has hopefully changed in the last 30-40 years and this wouldn’t happen today. Sorry to hear about that .
Love this watch. Have just added to my shortlist. I love 70’s watches. Something very special about many of them.
Hi Mark, I agree. They made very special looking toll watches back in the seventies. Watches you WANTED to have as they looked the part
man, there used to be so many interesting case designs during the 60s and 70s I’d like to see come back.
I think many of us feel the same 👍
Seiko needs to reissue this watch and at a reasonable price.
I agree...I would buy one for sure even though I have the original as well :)
I agreed !
Well, Seiko did... sort of. In 1997, Seiko Alba AKA came up with a Bullhead that was clearly based on this watch. You can find these in good condition on eBay for around US$400.
I just saw a 'revival' bullhead watch currently listed on eBay that was supposedly made in collaboration with Seiko. I don't know much about the history of the Tic Tac company. Here is the link:
www.ebay.com/itm/SEIKO-TiCTAC-QUARTZ-BULLHEAD-CHRONOGRAPH-REVIVAL-OF-6138-0040-NEW/254612855750?hash=item3b481bdbc6:g:cScAAOSwAVlb4eg0
I have a theory that bc Seiko offers watches form $20-$10k, they’ve managed to elicit an unreasonable amount of entitlement from certain customers.
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 :)
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
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 !!
Love the video Peter! It seems that Citizen released this model (in quartz version though...battery I assume... ) again in Japan! I wonder, once you are closer that a lot of us followers of your channel, you could delight us with a review of the new model? :-) Greetings from Brussels, L.
Thanks for the info!
Hopefully I can get one in the hands to check out soon..
Cheers
Thanks for the video, Peter. I learn a few things today. I have the blue one. Yours is much nicer. Keep my heart pumping. I have dozen chronographs. I am a seikoholic. I also collect other vintage seiko/gs/ks. Altogether l have 65. Just the other day my watchmaker friend offered me a rare ks. I told l have too stop. I also collect modern GS/seiko, which equally many. My wife says l am an addict, haha..
You need to get some professional help. When you find a really good shrink, forward the number to me as well...LOL
Good to hear you have the black/blue version of this, enjoy bro
Lol this after clearing all the unwanted ones. The present ones are for keep. Just bought the new 62MAS and Willard reinterpretations. It's a very enjoyable hobby with the family.
@@canonyeo4286 that's lovely, enjoy. Feel free to shoot through some wrist shots when you can
info@peterkotsa.com
cheers
@@PeterKotsa cheers
I love this watch and wish they'd release a modern version of it.
I like collecting vintage Seikos. This particular model is on my 'to acquire' list. Aesthetically, l think this Bullhead is nicer looking than the Omega's and Citizen's Bullhead.
I have the blue version. Bought new in 1977. Last year it hat the first (!) revision.
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!
Beautiful watch to wear and to collect :) I have both the automatic and the Quartz seiko bullhead . The only Quartz which I have is the seiko bullhead reissue SCEB009.
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 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 have managed to get myself one these Bullheads. Absolutely love it. I found a Citzien bullhead also.
bravo, enjoy it 👍
@@PeterKotsa Thanks Peter. It's such a fantastic watch. The styling is beautiful. It made me get the Citizen Bullhead as it is a great competitor from the same era! Great review, thanks.
Taught me things I didn't know about this watch.
😎👍
Bullheads are not only fun, they are quite practical. Pity more companies aren't making them these days.
I know, they bring a lighthearted fun factor to watches..I love them
Super upload of a grail Seiko; if I might add, an extra bonus of the JDM version is having your dual language option in Japanese kanji; to me these are really beautiful as they perfectly fit the vertical position of the day date. Thank you for sharing your comments and knowledge, there is so much to enjoy here.
My pleasure. Thank you for the feedback, cheers
Bullheads are great, I just took delivery of my Citizen with the silver dial and orange hands. Sadly, I have never seen one of these Seikos for sale (yet!)
Reminds me of old-school pocket watches..... amazing design.
You're awesome - love every review !!!
Great vid and ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS timepiece!
Thanks Blake 👌🏻
Nice video. The bracelet with the thin center link is called a fishbone bracelet
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
An absolutely beautiful piece, Peter, you have some amazing vintage seikos, I love this clean example of a bullhead, didn't know about the lume problem, so when I buy one in the future I'll get it without lume
Do your homework before you commit as there are a few things to look out for in this model, cheers
@@PeterKotsa Thanks, Peter, yes, due diligence is needed on my part when I get myself one, thanks for the advice!!
@@neelsengupta662 my pleasure, cheers
@@neelsengupta662 anytime :)
Beautiful watch (never seen one even on TH-cam) and great review! THANK YOU!
Your welcome, cheers
Thanks for all your hard work Peter, I appreciate it and I enjoy the channel a lot 😇 .
My pleasure bro 😇😇😇
Stunning watch, fantastic video,awesome content.thank you for sharing.what a piece♥️
Glad you enjoyed it. It was my pleasure, cheers
I learned a few things about Seiko from this video and I hope I'm not far too wrong in concluding that the movement in the movement in this watch may well be the Toyota Corolla of watches.
It is for this well known reliabilty that I drive a Toyota and own a few Seikos ! Thank you for making this video. What a beautiful watch, reliability aside !
Yep you’re right in making that comparison 👍👍👍
That is a beautiful Seiko. My favorite Japanese watch brand . Classic rugged look.
Correct 👍
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
They need to reissue watches.
I think it's probably on the cards with Seiko.
I hope so. Last year - 2019 - was the year to do it. Their 50th anniversary.
They charged $3kUSD for the Capt. Willard.
Can you ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇ what they'd ask for a Chronograph?!
@@anthonysmith2982 I doth want to imagine what they would charge for a reissue of this..Top dollar for sure
@@anthonysmith2982 I would pay $5000 for one.
@@Seriously140 It would have to have a top end movement though for that price..
Nice review Peter, very interesting and informative and a lovely and interesting watch.
Thank you 🙏
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
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
This is a beautiful looking watch. I love the 70's style watches.
Classic 70’s
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!
Thanks for this video, I never knew about this model that you presented.
No problem! Glad you enjoyed it !
I wish Tag heure would do a watch like this such a great design.
Awesome video man!!! Really enjoyed this
Glad you enjoyed it! The watch is awesome and I love it..
cheers
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.
Have that one...love it!!!!
It’s a very nice looking watch, Pete. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Mexico
Greeting Raul, my pleasure
Hi Pete! Another very brilliant watch review, you have a unique approach, so well researched! And now I know where Straton gets it's inspiration from. Cheers!
Thank you Alex. As for Straton, very true..Cheers mate
What a beautiful watch. Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure 😇
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 !
wow it looks NOS. Excellent piece - congrats!!
Thank you, my watchmaker gave it a full service and it is running a smooth as the day it left the factory. cheers
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 👍
Such a cool watch to have back then and still looks great now.
Definitely, I’m enjoying it 👍
Just got one on eBay. Hope it’s all original. Would like to know where you got that watch band at.
Its just an aftermarket band...I think it was eBay as well..
Great looking watch really think this is a unique one, love that vertical day date at the 6!
Agreed! Thanks
Ive got this same watch on a dark brown leather rally bracelet with white stitching. looks amazing.
Excellent 😎😎😎👍👍👍
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...
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
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.
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
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 :)
How much is it now ?! If I want to sell one ?! Thanx
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 👍👍
Beautiful watch!
Beautiful.
Nice thing about the lume info cause I always thought that chronograph without it makes more sense.
Just as dress watch doesn't need a date complication.
Just as dive watch doesn't need lumed top on seconds hand.
It needs it on the balance opposite just for the reference that the watch is still working under water.
I always get a smile when I see chrono with diver bezel lumed on dress leather with digital date widow.
You are right on all those points, nicely said :)
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
Thank you for this pleasurable video my friend.
I would just love to see this watch dressed up in that Engineer Bracelet you showed.
Great suggestion! You're the second person to ask that..I will give it a try
@@PeterKotsa Awesome, thanks for the reply 👍
Great video, I initially liked the blue/black color scheme but this is also gorgeous. Did you have this piece polished and cleaned by your watch man, is this the original crystal? Thanks for the info about the lume, I will keep this in mind as I look around for one. BTW, does this also have a kanji option? Cheers.
Original crystal, my watchmaker services it and lightly polished it
Looks great works great
Cheers
Great review , I've never seen this watch what do they sell for in good condition ?
In great shape they should fetch over $1K
There are many fakes out there as well, they look great but have replacement dials or hands etc. If you look into these, do your homework, cheers
Stunning
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
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
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.
Lovely piece Peter. I wonder if Dan Henry's watching....
I hope so they'd make a great vintage piece in this style, for sure..:)
@@PeterKotsa Seiko certainly produced some great pieces in those days. I wonder which current models will be looked upon with the same reverence in 40+ years? Might make an interesting video or discussion thread.
@@alextomlinson1725 Thats an interesting idea. I suppose if any of us knew which watch models would acquire a cult status in 40 or 50 years, then we would be stockpiling multiple copies..lol. Good idea though for a vid though, cheers
@@PeterKotsa No worries Peter. I suppose SARB017/33/35 and SKX007 would be on the list. I know you've had amplitude issues with the 017 but they seem to be acquiring cult status.
@@alextomlinson1725 yes the 017 is rising fast both in popularity and price. Its amazing as the new model in green is available with an engine upgrade etc and still people are prepared to pay the same amount for the 017
i have that same watch i had gotten it from my grandpa after his passing i was wondering if you know someone i am in Calgary and i was wondering if i can get someone to maybe fix mine