If there’s a missing piece in your 6138 puzzle, chances are it’s shaped a lot like this… Only two references in the 6138 catalog had no export counterpart: the 8010 “Speed Timer,” and the 8000/1 “Baby Panda.” This all but guaranteed low production numbers, and 50 years later, a permanent position at the very top of every collector’s list. Though the allure of the 8010 is certainly undeniable, we all know what sells tickets to the zoo. Only nominally smaller than its 8020 parentage, the “Baby Panda” has a much tighter and more compact appearance due to the double chapter and smaller subregisters. And, like this example from March of ’72, it was also available in a reverse color way not afforded to the former. No matter your preference, getting your hands on either “Baby Panda” can be an exercise in frustration and futility. It should come as no surprise then that this is the very first opportunity we’ve had to offer a reverse 8000, and this one was worth the wait. The charcoal gray dial is finished in a matte sunburst and set with applied and polished baguette hour markers. The recessed sub registers are textured in tight concentric pattern, and finished in a soft silver with black printing. Framing the dial is a silver 60 minute chapter with 1/5th second hashing that seamlessly flows into a raised flat black tachymeter ring. The hour and minute hands are slender uniform batons with a polished and beveled finish, and the chronograph hands are a glossed black. The seconds sweep is long and tapered, and it’s contrasting yellow tip rides right along the line that separates the chapters. The day (Kanji/English) and date are framed in black, and either can be quickset via the crown in the second position. The case lines are smooth, sloping contours with an integrated lug design, and top is a canister bezel housing the original beveled hardlex. We’ve paired it with a premium oiled Sienna leather with copper stitching for a versatile and comfortable finish that coordinates beautifully with the dial. It’s unpolished and all original, and post service, the scarce 23j 6138B is keeping near perfect time. A true grail by any measure, it is the first and likely last like it we’ll be able to offer, and sure to be the highlight of any vintage Seiko roster.

Kvarnsjo Leather Premium Oiled Sienna with Copper Stitch

Serviced 4/26/22

Diameter- 40mm

Lugs- 19mm