Birthday Watch October 1974! Collectors Item Seiko 5 Sports 6138-0040 Speed-Timer "Bullhead" SUWA 21J Automatic Watch (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Sports 5 Speed-Timer Series
Year of Production: October 1974
Movement: 6138
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 21
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Silver Markers and Stick Hands
Width: 44mm
Lug to Lug Height: 43mm
Thickness: 13mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet: Original Seiko 5 Sports Signed Fishbone SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

To fully understand her history, kindly read-on!

"Today, self-winding (or automatic) chronographs are quite common. Omega created a prototype of one back in 1948 but later abandoned their production plans. Over 20 years later, two companies and one collaboration would finally make it to series production: Seiko, Zenith, and a joint venture between Heuer, Breitling, and Hamilton. These manufacturers all introduced and launched their automatic chronograph movements in 1969, and this watch style would quickly become very popular throughout the industry.

"Of the three calibres, the Seiko 6139 has had the greatest influence on future generations despite being the least well known. This movement centers on its vertical clutch and compact automatic rotor, a design many manufacturers have imitated since the 1980s. In fact, Frederic Piguet turned to the 6139 when crafting their legendary caliber 1185, which some call the “grandfather of the modern automatic chronograph.” Considering how many automatic chronographs the 1185 has inspired, there’s no denying the 6139’s influential role

"In 1969, Suwa Seikosha put the final touches on the caliber 6139, complete with a Magic Lever and vertical clutch system. On May 21, 1969, Seiko officially debuted the movement under the name “61 Speed-Timer.” However, the caliber had already begun appearing in watches as early as January of the same year; you can still find examples from those early months today. Seiko published the first advertisement for their new automatic chronograph in February 1969. Both the company and Ohki were unaware that the 61 Speed-Timer was the world’s first automatic chronograph movement. At the time, Seiko was busy planning the release of the quartz Astron later that same year." - The Chrono24 Magazine.

Thus the Seiko 6139 can be considered the great-grandfather of the modern automatic chronograph timepiece!

The Seiko 6138 and 6139 movements were specifically designed for their newly developed watch range ~ the Chronograph that took the world by storm.

The 6139 is the world’s first automatic chronograph that uses a column wheel and vertical clutch. The 6138 followed shortly afterwards. Both were nicknamed “61 Sports Speed Timers” even though certain models did not indicate these wordings.

Both movements were developed in 1969 for different tasks. The 6138 was developed on the 6139 platform but with the intention of having an added chronograph hand to measure elapsed hours; and it also included the column wheel and vertical clutch for more precise stopwatch measurement. But, unlike the 6139 that only has one sub minutes dial, the 6138 comes with two – a 30-minute counter and a 12-hour counter.

According to most reliable online sources, the first Bullhead was released circa 1972. Its most distinctive feature is its non-traditional case layout. The chronograph pushers and crown are located at the top of the watch case, giving it a resemblance to a bull's horns (hence "Bullhead"). This design allowed for easy operation of the chronograph functions, especially for timing events in motorsports.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, THIS IS A SEIKO 5 61-SPEEDTIMER SUWA-6138B-0040 JDM Bullhead in immaculate condition.

This seldom seen October 1974 Seiko Bullhead has a beautiful and immaculately preserved Chestnut Brown dial, day/date gold window and chapter ring. The 3D-styled silvery-white baton Indices’ and hands have been painstakingly cleaned but sadly, THE LUMENS ARE INOPERABLE. The mini-chronograph minute and hour hand gold coloured square dials are in pristine condition; the hands are black and are in near mint condition as well.

Its typical cylindrical shaped silver case and original Seiko Fishbone bracelet were buffed as best as possible albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The crystal is original and is constructed from mineral glass and is in excellent condition after a good rub.

The crown is located at the traditional 11H, 12H and 1H positions and are nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags. The day / date quickset works flawlessly by pulling out the 12H crown to the first and second level to adjust the date / day (clockwise & counter-clockwise) and time respectively. Crown 11H is for the chronograph start/stop and the 1H is for the reset of mini-dial and second hands. All are working flawlessly.

The Day is in English and Kanji which confirms its JDM status, cool!

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled, and calibrated in June 2023. In short, it was given an overhaul and not a standard touch-up service. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the improved and highly prized 6138B movement (produced from 1972 to 1978), it has 21 Jewels and operate at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of +0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 146! Such readings are exceptional even for brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, and of course the meticulous care provided over the years, and expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 44mm (without crown) and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 20mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 21.0cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The Seiko Fishbone Bracelet is original and in excellent condition after a good clean-up via ultrasonic immersion.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified thereby it is considered in near MINT condition.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch in stunning condition, and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. An aftermarket box or purposeful carrying case will be provided instead.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and preserved for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none as beautifully aged and as well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in October 1974! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

This is a highly sort-after Seiko Chronograph Automatic 6138-0040 JDM Bullhead; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!