Most iconic Seiko 6138

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dsio

·Feb 19, 2021·Ash @ ΩF

So I’ve got an A386 which I never wear but love because of the history there, and the race for the first auto chronograph. I’ve often wanted an ideal example of a 6138 to go with it and I’m thinking the 6138-8020 is probably the one I’m after with the panda dial and elegant modern design.

Judging by Bill’s dad’s 6138 they look like they hold up relatively well, and I haven’t heard of the movement being an unreliable / difficult to supply parts for mess like the Heuer Chronomatic. Are there any significant issues these watches have, anything to look for in particular originality or replacement parts wise, and what’s the pricing to expect on a 6138-8020?

Added a couple of example photos since these things are remarkably pretty on bracelet.

 

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bradurani

·Feb 20, 2021

The Seiko 6139 was the first automatic chronograph, released in early 1969. The 6138 is the better movement, because it hand winds, but it came a year later, in 1970

Here are my two and 1969 6139s, from September and August. Notice the 2 piece sweep hand, which was only '69 and '70

If you want a 6138, IMO, the Champagne Kakume is the most iconic. That Panda would be a close 2nd though.
Here's my September 1976 JDM 6138-0030 Kakume

Both the 6139 and 6138 are sturdy, reliable movements. While spare parts are scare, cheap donor watches abound in less desirable refs. The 6138 chrono wheel is a notoriously difficult part to find. I don't think it's particularly fragile or anything, just hard to find a replacement if you need one.
Be careful out there, 90% of the most desirable refs, like the Kakumes, Pandas and Pogues are frankens, mostly with fake dials, so do your homework.

 

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JimInOz

·Feb 20, 2021·Melbourne Australia

I echo @bradurani comments. In addition to the attractive designs available, they are relatively easy to work on, and should parts need replacing, there is a lot of donor movements floating around, some in excellent condition in "unloved" designs.

I also echo the "be careful out there".

And to keep you interested, some variations.

6139.

6138

 

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NT931

·Feb 20, 2021

Used to have a blue 6139, on that rattly (but comfortable) bracelet.

Someone told me it was better to leave the chrono hand running all the time, though I have no clue why and I'm not sure if it's substantiated by any logical or mechanical reasoning. But it was great fun to see that orange hand sweep around the dial!

 

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nickgr

·Feb 20, 2021

Beautiful Panda and yes it looks great on this bracelet👍 I have this Seiko 6139-7060 and its bracelet suits it just right. 6138 and 6139 movements are pretty solid and accurate, mine is from 1973 and keeps going strong😉

 

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NT931

·Feb 20, 2021

nickgr

Beautiful Panda and yes it looks great on this bracelet👍 I have this Seiko 6139-7060 and its bracelet suits it just right. 6138 and 6139 movements are pretty solid and accurate, mine is from 1973 and keeps going strong😉

Lovely green dial!

 

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High Hope

·Feb 20, 2021

dsio

So I’ve got an A386 which I never wear but love because of the history there, and the race for the first auto chronograph. I’ve often wanted an ideal example of a 6138 to go with it and I’m thinking the 6138-8020 is probably the one I’m after with the panda dial and elegant modern design.

Judging by Bill’s dad’s 6138 they look like they hold up relatively well, and I haven’t heard of the movement being an unreliable / difficult to supply parts for mess like the Heuer Chronomatic. Are there any significant issues these watches have, anything to look for in particular originality or replacement parts wise, and what’s the pricing to expect on a 6138-8020?

Added a couple of example photos since these things are remarkably pretty on bracelet.

That was my first real watch, my dad gave it to for my 15th birthday in 1975, following a business trip to Nagoya, Japan. I wore it everyday, everywhere for twenty years, until it all failed in 1995. The clasp had a stress crack, it broke unexpectedly, and the impact with sidewalk finally ended her long, loyal life.

It seems that I had it serviced by Seiko in NY at least two times, maybe three. They would give it a complete service, replace the acrylic, and leave everything else as-is, IIRC about $600. By its 20th year she was one banged up, dented, scratched, lovely thing.

This is me living in Rome painting watercolors for a year, 1986. Left wrist:

 

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Dan S

·Feb 20, 2021

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, one thing that I really like about the champagne Kakume is the black surround on the day-date window, which makes it less prominent IMO.

 

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fibonacci

·Feb 20, 2021

I don't own any of these but I've always liked the grey reverse panda version. I think it's 6138-8000 or 6138-8001.

But as far as iconic goes, I think that's the 6138-0040 bullhead:

 

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nickgr

·Feb 20, 2021

NT931

Lovely green dial!

Thank you, this dial is fantastic indeed👍

fibonacci

I don't own any of these but I've always liked the grey reverse panda version. I think it's 6138-8000 or 6138-8001.

But as far as iconic goes, I think that's the 6138-0040 bullhead:

Yes the bullhead is one of the most iconic 6138s that exist.

 

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TexOmega

·Feb 20, 2021

I was happy to find the JDM 6138 in blue.

And a radiant blue it is.

my WM had no issues, just needed basic service.

Edited: Feb 20, 2021

 

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sxl2004

·Feb 20, 2021

I cannot decide ....

 

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loniscup

·Feb 20, 2021

I agree with the 6138-8000 baby (reverse) panda. Beautiful watch

 

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bardamu

·Feb 21, 2021

I often wear both 6139s and 6138s and to be honest I have a slight preference for the latter, because of manual winding options and quickset date. I agree with Panda and Bullhead being maybe the most iconic, but I like also very much wearing my UFO, 6138-0011, so bulky and cool

 

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JimInOz

·Feb 21, 2021·Melbourne Australia

fibonacci

I don't own any of these but I've always liked the grey reverse panda version. I think it's 6138-8000 or 6138-8001.

But as far as iconic goes, I think that's the 6138-0040 bullhead:

Oh yeah, I forgot I have one of them too.

😁

 

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bardamu

·Feb 21, 2021

Forgot to mention I’ve never had a Kakume so far but I’d like to, champagne dial always caught my eye.

 

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JamesTYO

·Feb 23, 2021

I'd probably pounce on a Panda if it was in good nick, but for me the Yachtsman is in the same league.
Wish the case still had the brushing on mine, and a new crystal is in order but it works a treat.

 

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R3D9

·Feb 23, 2021

The thing to be aware of about the 8020 is that a great many of them that come up for sale have aftermarket dials.

What is worse, the AM dials are extremely difficult to identity... they are very close to the real thing. Buying the seller, in the case of the panda, is extremely important.

Cases are often over-polished, so looking for a well-defined case is also important.