The first Bell-Matics were released in November of 1966, and over the next 12 years a wide variety of styles and color combinations would guarantee that those looking for a robust wrist alarm with undeniable presence could find exactly that. Seiko’s 4005 and 4006 calibre movements were available in 17j export and 27j domestic market versions (there’s even short lived 21j variant), both of which offer incredible reliability and timeless design, now many decades after production began. From classic dress styles to colorful casuals, there’s a “Bell” to suit any collection. This 6060 reference from March of ‘76 couples low-key case architecture with a bold, sapphire blue sunburst dial for a combo too good to overstate. The case is a soft, sloping tonneau with hooded lugs and a sleek profile that’s contoured to hug the wrist. The polished bezel is a wide conical frame for the absolute light show beneath. The dial is a deep sapphire blue sunburst beneath a glossy lacquer finish that appears to have a light gradient from the center out. Depending on the light and angle, a range of blues and deeper greens glint across the surface with every movement. The hours are marked with applied monument markers with sharp beveling to separate the lower polished surface from the machined tops creating an almost faceted appearance. The hour and minute hands are simple polished batons with a center bevel and clean luminous windows. Framing the dial is a slick black alarm bezel with clean white print noting the minutes, and a cutaway cursor window that reveals a hidden minute chapter on the dial for accurate setting alignment. At the center of the cutaway is a subtle red triangular cursor with a neat round lume plot at center. The day and date reside in a shared window at three. The lug hoods are finished in a crisp vertical brush that flows seamlessly into the keyed “block” link Stelux/Seiko bracelet. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and post service, it’s keeping near perfect time. The alarm cursor has been carefully positioned for accurate setting, and the bell has a quick, bright tone. The date can be quick set by pressing the alarm toggle, and the day is semi-quick set. A scarce color way, this is the very first blue dialed variant I’ve seen, and it was certainly worth the wait. Rich color and tone paired with comfortable style will make this an easy “go to” in any rotation.

Stelux/Seiko Keyed Block Link Bracelet

Serviced- 12/25

Diameter- 39mm

Lugs- 18mm