Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

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rockmastermike
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Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by rockmastermike » Mon Aug 28, 2017 6:54 am

Vintage seiko "quirkiness" and just cool things to see

Main Crown at 3:00 - in the normal/resting #1 setting the crown winds the Alarm - not the movement. The movement is wound only be shaking/wearing

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One click out (or #2 position) the crown moves the internal rotating alarm bezel around the dial counter clockwise.

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Last crown position #3 shows the gasket and will move the hands for time setting - non hacking. Semi-quickset day by rotating the hour hand to 15:30 and then backwards to 21:00 and then back again will move the DAY forward.

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The Alarm crown at 2:00

"Normal" position the alarm is inactive and will not "bell" while the crown is closest to the case. Pressing the crown inward to the case from this position will advance the DATE - pretty cool...pretty crisp action, too.

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The Alarm pulled out - again, easy and satisfying click - will make the alarm active. Once the alarm time is set using the main crown, pull the alarm crown out - set and forget until the alarm sounds. Then re-wind the alarm via the main crown and you're good for when you need it again.

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One more thing about the alarm - it's set by the hour hand, not the minute hand. Setting for 4:00 for example is straight forward and easy. Setting for say 4:45 means moving the alarm pip so the hour hand hits the marl 3/4 between 4:00 and 5:00.

Just a couple comments about the dial.....

The Applied Seiko Logo actually sits up on pegs and it not flush with the dial - this gives a really cool 3-D look. And the applied markers are Tall adding great depth to the dial.

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The polished bezel against the brushed case is a lie touch and looks fantastic in normal light and stunning in bridge outdoor light

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The dial is a deeeeep navy blue sunburst but changes from a flat navy in normal light to a dazzling sunburst in bright day light and everything in-between

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For those who like seiko numbering on casebacks:

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Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed wearing this Bell-Matic - and a shout out to Jordan at Retrowatchguy for funky vintage watches.

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james80
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Re: Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by james80 » Mon Aug 28, 2017 7:38 am

Great post, thank you Mike. I love vintage Seikos and should start looking for a Bell-Matic.

What size is the case?

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james80
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Re: Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by james80 » Mon Aug 28, 2017 7:38 am

Great post, thank you Mike. I love vintage Seikos and should start looking for a Bell-Matic.

What size is the case?

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rockmastermike
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Re: Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by rockmastermike » Mon Aug 28, 2017 7:50 am

Case is 39 wide (41 with the crown) x 42 tall x 13.5 thick

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Joeprez
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Re: Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by Joeprez » Sun Sep 03, 2017 8:03 am

That's a very nice watch Mike, congrats!
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Omega / Tudor / Rolex / Sinn / Doxa / Seiko

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jimyritz
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Re: Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by jimyritz » Sun Sep 03, 2017 8:11 am

cool watch and write up--looks sweet on that grey perlon. Thanks for posting.

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dukerules
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Re: Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by dukerules » Sun Sep 03, 2017 8:16 am

That is a cool watch. Seiko killed it back in the day.

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aikiman44
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Re: Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by aikiman44 » Sun Sep 03, 2017 8:18 am

Cool Seiko and review.
"We'd better synchronize our watches."

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Re: Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by T. Wong » Sun Sep 03, 2017 1:21 pm

The Bellmatics have always been underrated. Yours being made in 1973, the Bells were advertised as more expensive than the now iconic diver 6105! Here is my sienna brown dial version...
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Jeep99dad
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Re: Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by Jeep99dad » Mon Sep 04, 2017 8:07 am

Wow. It's a looker and also has a a major cool factor with the alarm. I love and would definitely wear it. Looks like it wears pretty solid too for a 39mm
Thanks for sharing
Merde Alors! Et Vive Les Francais! :)

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rockmastermike
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Re: Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by rockmastermike » Mon Sep 04, 2017 8:14 am

Thanks, everyone

not shy on the wrist for sure and looks good an a variety of strap options

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dnslater
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Re: Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by dnslater » Mon Sep 04, 2017 9:27 am

Love the attention to detail on these. Any idea how these were priced when new?

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sierra11b
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Re: Random thoughts on the 4006-6031 Bell-matic

Post by sierra11b » Mon Sep 04, 2017 10:57 am

Love it.

Wearing my '74 Pogue now which brings me joy every time I strap her on... Damn, Seiko sure made some cool stuff back in the day.

Guessing this is a '73 and not an '83.

How hard are these to service now?

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