Seiko 6138-0030 JDM Speedtimer Japan Automatic Chronograph Original Bracelet

The 1970’s were a golden era for mechanical chronographs. From the iconic motor sports Chronographs produced by Heuer to the austere military Chronographs produced by Hamilton, Precista and CWC, the decade produced an incredible amount of unique vintage pieces.

Chronographs of this era are defined by their intricate dials with colorful accents, daring angular case shapes, and innovative mechanical movements. There is just something about the funky designs of the 1970’s that tick a lot of boxes for vintage collectors.

Yet some of the coolest vintage chronographs currently on the second-hand market came from Japan, most notably from Seiko. During the 1970’s Seiko released dozens of automatic chronograph models, most notably their 6138 (dual subregister) and 6139 (single subregister) line. Out of this group came several watches that have since become cult collector classics, with memorable nicknames like the “Pogue”, “Bullhead”, and “Kakume”.

Today I’m focusing on the 6138 series of vintage Seiko watches – the much-loved dual subregister Japanese chronograph that has accrued many fans and admirers worldwide.

The “Kakume” is a highly collectable model in the 6138 range, and is named for its two square subdials (“Kakume” is Japanese for “Square Eyes”). It can be found in two colors, blue and a champagne colored dial (which is the rarer of the two options). There is also a JDM version that is branded with “5 Sports Speed-Timer”, while the exported versions were labeled with “Chronograph Automatic”. The champagne dial has a radial brushed satin finish with an orange outer track and black subdials, whereas the blue version has white subdials and a blue outer track. Both variants have solid orange hands on the main dial and subdials.

It has a large 43mm case, with short and narrow lugs (only 18mm), which can look a bit strange when compared to the proportions of modern sport watches of that size. It’s a beautiful combination of brushed and polished finishes, with many facets and curves that were a hallmark of Seiko design at the time.

Seiko was (and still is) one of the few distinguished watch companies in the world to produce their movements and parts in-house. From the proprietary alloys used to strengthen the mainsprings to the lubricating oils used to keep the parts moving freely, everything in this watch was produced by Seiko. 

Not many companies can do this, even today, putting Seiko on-par with Rolex for achievements in technical manufacturing. In fact, it is speculated that Rolex adapted the layout of the column/wheel and vertical clutch mechanism in this movement for the Daytona, a watch that was released 30 years later.

Extremely Nice Vintage Seiko 6138 JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Speedtimer. If you read the article above then you know how rare and how well made this watch is. Exceptional vintage condition and comes on the very Rare Seiko Stainless Steel Bracelet!! This is the 6138 you want to have in your collection!

BRAND: Seiko

MODEL: 6138 Automatic Chronograph

MOVEMENT: Automatic- Japanese Cal 6138

CASE: Stainless Steel

CROWN: Non Screw Down 

SIZE: 43mm

LUGS: 18mm

DIAL: Blue dial with contrasting chrono sub dials

BEZEL: Non rotating tachometer 

CONDITION: Vintage – Excellent

BOXES/PAPERS: Watch only

WATER RESISTANCE: – 70m

STRAP/BRACELET: – Very Rare Seiko Stainless Steel Bracelet with all original links.