With a production run of almost 12 years, Seiko’s “Bell-Matic” line offers every imaginable style and layout. One could easily amass a collection of “Bells” that would allow for weeks of rotation without repeating. There are, however, a few pieces in this line up that a true collector could spend years trying to track down, and still come up empty handed. The most sought after is the “Dolphin” case back/“Diashock” Dial from 1966. The Bell-Matic was introduced in November of that year, and that case back was phased out the following December. This means that there was only one month in history that they were in production, and then it was only for the Japanese domestic market. The second rarest Bell-Matic is pictured above. The 21j 4006-7019. There are a couple of factors that contribute to its rarity. 27 jewel movements were considered luxury items in the US, and this meant that importing them came with expensive tariffs that rendered them too expensive to get to market. Seiko maneuvered around this by creating a 21j version of the 4006 strictly for the North American market. Shortly after, the jewel count was dropped even further to 17, which became the standard for all export “Bells.” Two case styles were available for the 21j variant: the 7019, and the more common 7029. Either would be a prize for any collector, and we were fortunate enough to get our hands on this exquisite 7019. Other rare “Bells” include the latter 7000 “Diashock” Dial, which are the continuation of the first one we mentioned here, just with the “horseshoe” case back in place of the “dolphin, the ‘67 4006-7010 “Business Bell,” and lastly, any of the 4005 calibre “date only” models. Owning any of these comes with obvious bragging rights, not to mention jaw dropping style, and versatile wearability. This example from October of 1967 embodies all three of those attributes. The flawless dial is a silver sunburst beneath a glossy lacquer finish that has developed a subtle uniform patina with copper undertones. Applied baguettes striped in black mark the hours, and small luminous plots dot the recessed alarm track. Framing it is a satin silver cursor ring with a black indicator. The hands are polished and tapered batons with the original luminous intact, and along with the hour markers, have developed an even khaki patina. The case features elements of Tanaka’s “Grammar of Design” architecture, featuring flat planes and polished surfaces that give it an almost faceted appearance. The “horseshoe” case back has retained all of its original markings, and is free of any tool marring. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and post service it’s keeping excellent time. The “bell” has a bright, metallic tone that will certainly get your attention should you need a reminder. Unbelievably, it comes attached to the original nine link “beads of rice” bracelet for a complete, seamless fit and elegant finish. A truly rare collectible, this is likely the only example available anywhere, and is sure to garner the attention it deserves.

Original Seiko Nine Link “Beads of Rice” Bracelet in Stainless Steel

Serviced 6/23

Diameter- 38mm

Lugs-19mm