Though the Swiss often get all the glory for producing the first automatic chronograph in 1969, Seiko quietly released the Calibre 6139 — a rugged automatic chronograph unit — as early as May of the same year.

In 1970, it made a few tweaks, adding an hour totalizer and a new quickset system, and released the Calibre 6138. Like its predecessor, the 6138 could be found in a number of unique dial and case configurations that have maintained collector interest through the years. Models such the Yachtsman and Kakune, often known better by their nicknames as the “UFO” and “Big Blue,” respectively, are particularly popular.

One of the most distinctive executions of the 6138 is this particular model, the 6138-0049 — or as it’s more commonly known, the “Bullhead.” In this execution, the movement was turned 90 degrees, resulting in subsidiary dial placement at 9:00 and 3:00 and the crown and pushers on top of the case. Sporting a large, thick steel case and unique brown and gold color patterning to the dial, the Bullhead has a truly unmistakeable profile and stands out amongst vintage chronographs of the era. Complemented by its rugged automatic chronograph movement, it makes a compelling addition to any collection.

This particular ref. 6138-0049 features a 44mm stainless steel case with an unsigned crown and barrel pushers at 11 and 1 o’clock; an acrylic crystal; a luminous brown vignette dial with gold sub-registers and a framed day-date window; a matching handset; a brown tachymeter bezel; and a stainless steel multi-link bracelet with signed blade clasp. For a watch from 1977, the dial, case and bracelet are in outstanding condition. Amazingly, this 6138-0049 comes with its inner and outer boxes, books, undated warranty card and hangtag.

It’s one thing to find an important vintage watch with much of its original ephemera. It’s quite another to find one that’s still so affordable over 50 years later!