Vintage Watch | Bell-Matic Seiko 4006-7010

Seiko Bell-Matic: The Quintessential Vintage Seiko Mechanical Alarm Watch

Introducing the Seiko Bell-Matic: A Vintage Treasure

Discover the allure of the Seiko Bell-Matic, a true classic in the history of mechanical watches and a shining example of Vintage Seiko craftsmanship. Unveiled in the Japanese market in late 1966, the Bell-Matic captivated collectors with its groundbreaking alarm function. The earliest models, released in November 1966, are especially sought-after for their distinctive dolphin marking on the case back.

Innovative Movements: The 4005 and 4006 Calibers

As the first-ever wristwatch to boast a rotor automatic alarm movement, the Seiko Bell-Matic stands out as the sole Japanese alarm watch with purely Japanese origins. The rarer 4005 movement, used only in 1968 and 1969, is a close relative of the more common 4006 movement, with the key difference lying in their calendar functions: a caliber ending in 5 is date-only, while a caliber ending in 6 includes both day and date. Collectors often refer to these movements as 400x.

The 27-jewel movement was a trailblazing innovation, marking the debut of an automatic winding rotor in a mechanical alarm watch. As high import tariffs on watches with over 17 jewels gradually diminished the jewel count of Bell-Matic watches, these timepieces finally made their way into the US market in 1969. However, some Seiko Bell-Matic 4006-701x models with the full 27 jewels count can still be found in Japan's domestic market from the mid-1970s.

Distinctive Design Elements of Seiko Bell-Matic Watches

All Seiko Bell-Matics share similar design features, such as a crown at 3 o'clock, an alarm button at 2 o'clock, and the "BELL-MATIC" name, jewel count, and SUWA logo displayed at 6 o'clock. The Day/Date window is located at 3 o'clock, with a few rare models housing the caliber 4005A featuring only a single Day window, rather than the Day/Date window found in most Bell-Matic watches with the caliber 4006A.

This Seiko Bell-Matic we are offering is in mint condition and has not been polished. All the original cash detail can still be found on the watch case. The mechanical alarm function and quick set date function are working fine as well. I personally love the red triangle used to indicate the alarm hour used in the Bell-Matic watch. The bold design is unique in Seiko's history especially on a dress watch from our view point now. 

If you want something to be a conversation starter in a watch gathering, this is it!

And of course, with an extra $15 you can choose to pair the Bell-Matic with our Grand Series Leather Straps to make the watch suit your personal taste.  Just let us know which one you like to pair the beauty up with.