The Seiko Bell-Matic stands as one of the most innovative watches of its time — a mechanical alarm watch that embodies the golden era of Seiko’s mechanical mastery. Produced between the late 1960s and 1970s, the Bell-Matic was among the first automatic watches to feature a mechanical alarm function powered by its own mainspring. The model 4006-7002, seen here, houses Seiko’s in-house 4006A movement, a 17-jewel automatic calibre renowned for its durability and precision.
The design blends practicality and charm — a brushed steel case with crisp lines, inner rotating alarm ring, and day-date display at 3 o’clock. The mechanical alarm, set via the crown and activated by the pusher at 2 o’clock, emits a sharp buzz rather than a chime — a utilitarian sound that became its signature.