Seiko Bellmatic 4006-7010 Skyline 88 Deluxe

A mechanical alarm on your wrist, wound by your wrist. In 1966, that was a world first.

Seiko introduced the Bell-Matic in November 1966, and it holds a special place in the brand's history as the world's first automatic alarm watch with a central rotor. The idea was simple and ambitious at the same time: a watch that would wake you, remind you and keep its own power, all from the movement of your wrist.

The way it works is pure mechanical theatre. A turn of the crown winds the alarm, a separate inner ring sets the alarm time with its small triangular marker, and when the moment comes a tiny hammer strikes a curved metal spring inside the case. The result is a soft, unmistakable buzz you'll recognise the moment you hear it. Powering it all is the 27-jewel automatic Cal. 4006A, which also adds a quick-set date.

This one carries a story of its own. Its dial is marked "Skyline 88 Deluxe", and it belongs to a small run of Bell-Matics understood to have been presented to employees of the Prince Motor Company, the maker of the original Skyline, around its merger with Nissan in August 1966. Prince engineers gave Japan one of its most celebrated car names, and the Skyline lived on under Nissan. Watches like this are a rare, quiet link between two great names of 1960s Japanese engineering, and they seldom surface outside Japan.

Today's offering is an early example from December 1967, barely a year after the Bell-Matic first appeared. It has evidently been worn and enjoyed, but the case retains all of its original shape, and the silver dial and hands are immaculate. It has been serviced and runs at 0s/day, with the alarm ready to do what it was built for.

Ships from Tokyo, Japan.

Condition report
Overall, this Bell-Matic is in good condition. The case shows signs of wear but retains all of its original shape and lines.

The silver dial, with its "Skyline 88 Deluxe" marking, and the handset are immaculate.

The watch comes on navy blue leather straps.

Specifications
BRAND: Seiko
MODEL: Bellmatic "Skyline 88 Deluxe"
REFERENCE: 4006-7010
DIAL: Original silver dial with "Skyline 88 Deluxe" marking
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIMENSIONS: Approx. 38mm diameter, 13mm thickness, 19mm lug width
CRYSTAL: Mineral Crystal
CASE BACK: Screw-in Stainless Steel
MOVEMENT: Automatic Cal.4006A, 27 jewels, mechanical alarm, date
Manufacturing date: December 1967
Service History: Serviced, 0s/day
Bracelet/Strap: Navy blue leather straps