Seiko introduced the Bell-Matic, their alarm wristwatches, in 1966 but the history of the mechanical alarm wristwatch begins in in the early 19th century when two different watchmakers attempted to produce alarm wristwatch, but these projects were failures. It was until 1942 when Vulcain began production of a prototype alarm movement, later named the 120. Finally, released to the public in 1947, the Vulcain Cricket: the first alarm wristwatch.
It was until 1966 that Seiko developed its own alarm watch, the Bell-Matic, containing either the 4005 or 4006 movement. The The caliber 4005 (date only variety) used just for two years in 1968 and 1969, and the caliber 4006 is the day/date variety.
How it works:
As the Vulcain, the Seiko utilizes two separate barrels for storing power. This ensures that the power required to ring the bell does not detract from the power reserve for timekeeping.
Seiko took a different approach and dispensed with hand winding the watch entirely. The Bell-Matic relies solely on its magic lever mechanism to wind the watch mainspring when the wearer moves the wrist. This frees up the crown to wind the alarm spring.
With a unique design, for sure one of the most popular timepieces from the 1970s. This is a vintage Seiko Bell-Matic, an automatic alarm wristwatch, reference 4006-6027 and dated from April 1973.
It is a self-winding alarm watch powered by an original Seiko automatic movement caliber 4006A, automatic, manual wind alarm, 17 jewels, day/date indicator (day sets by changing 22:30-1:00 / date quicksets with button at 2 o’clock), 10 second alarm, 42 hours power reserve, 19,800 A/h, Japan made.
This watch still has the original dark blue dial featuring silver baton hour markers, luminous dots, white minute/second track, silver/luminous sandwich hands and a red sweep second hand. For the alarm, the brushed blue internal rotating bezel ring with the red/luminous alarm indicator.
Cased in a robust 39mm cushion case, all in stainless steel. Radial brushed finish case and the super nice blue enamel bezel insert. Water resistant, screw-down case back. This watch also comes with the original Seiko all stainless-steel fold over clasp bracelet, it will fit a wrist up to 6 3/4” (17.2cm).
It is a very good looking watch. Runs very well and keeps great time!
Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any question, or respectful offers.
Movement: Seiko Time Corp. SEIKO 17 Jewels Cal. 4005A Unadjusted Japan
Case Back Signed: Seiko Time Corp. SEIKO Stainless Steel 4006-6027 Water Resistant 340178 Japan A
Measurements (mm): Case Diameter 39 Case w/Crown 41.3 Case Lug to Lug 43 Case Thickness 13.4 Lug Width 19 Band Width 20
Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust lighting when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.
The condition is pre-owned. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended. Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
It will be carefully packed.
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