1978 Seiko Automatic Chronograph (Ref. 6138-0049) "Bullhead"

This is the classic 6138-0049 Seiko Bullhead chronograph, produced between 1975 and 1978. The 6138 line of Seiko watches are highly collectible for two reasons: the Seiko designed 6138B movement is very precise and highly accurate, and they are a blast back into the iconic design trends of the 1970s.

The name Bullhead comes from the unique ergonomic shape of the case that features an asymmetrical thickness, being thicker at the top and slimmer at the bottom. Rather than having the crown and chronograph pushers on the right side of the case, like traditional chronographs, the movement has been rotated so the crown and pushers are at the top of the case, at the 12 o'clock position, giving the chronograph pushers a resemblance to the horns of a bull. The theory behind this unique design is that you’re less likely to engage or disengage the chronograph with the pushers at the top, as opposed to the side. The design of the Seiko Bullhead was built around the active sporting lifestyle.

The Seiko Bullhead came in two dial variants: a copper dial with gold sub-dials like the one we have here and a black dial with light blue subdials. Brown bullheads also come in additional SpeedTimer variants. SpeedTimer Bullhead variants were produced for the Japanese Domestic Market and were sold exclusively in Japan and surrounding areas. The Bullheads produced for the rest of the world wore the standard "Chronograph Automatic" markings.