My wife and daughter went to Japan a few years ago. They said the amount of watches for sale in mom and pop shops around Tokyo was off the charts. They told me I wouldn’t know where to begin and there were vintage watches everywhere. Great video Mark. 👍🏻
I bought one last year. The watchmaker in my area said he has services these before, but they are much more complex than a standard watch. He cleaned it and got the date to function once again. I love it. I was given one by my father and the alarm woke me up to attend many classes. It was one of Seiko 's most unique watches.
Marc, As a Serviceman in Vietnam; I owned a Goldtone Dial "BELL- MATIC". But in late April,1972, It was Ripped-Off my Wrist by a "Professional" (Spring Bars FIying !), on the Saigon Pier near the PAN AM AirlInes Office. I still miss it.
Younger folks who think the Bell Canto is a marvel of engineering in the 21st century, need only look at this watch and see that it was already done decades ago. Awesome watch.
I have the exact same model, bought it from a collector on the Seiko forum about a year ago, absolutely fantastic piece of history and I love it, wearing it as I type!
My dad got his gold bell matic with a white dial in 1972 or 73. He passed it on to me in 1975, and almost 50 years later, the watch still works. The case back looks different than yours. The characters go around in a circle saying SGP Stainless Steel and then 4006-6040 and Water Resistant. I guess the 6040 refers to the case design. My dad wasn't very gentle with this watch - he almost never took it off, even while playing tennis. I'm surprised it still works, really. It's definitely a tough little walnut. Congratulations on getting your own, Marc. I'm sure it will give you decades of enjoyment.
I have two bellmatics in my vintage collection, the 6021 ufo with original bracelet, and the 6011 with silver satin dial and original bandolier bracelet, both in immaculate condition. I inherited both from a relative who was the only owner. Don't often hear people talking about them so thankyou for the video.
@@Butters-s4i the 6021 is unusual looking but I agree the 6011 is beautiful, more like a dress bellmatic, if you have the original bandolier bracelet don't lose or damage it I hear they're very rare to come across now.
I inherited this exact model from my late father, it’s been serviced at least twice at Seiko in Mahwah New Jersey, congrats on a very cool vintage watch
An alarm has to be the 2nd most useful complication behind a date. I always liked the Tudor Advisor, especially the brown dial. That watch never got enough attention. PS Still would love a 38mm normal blue aventurine dial Brookville. Dream watch that would be. Thanks!
I really, really hope for an Alarm resurgence. Especially Mechanical calibers. I stay on eBay looking up Seiko 7T-series chronographs because there are a lot of vintage alarm options there, but the mechanical type are a whole different beast. Would love to see a new mech alarm offering in 37-39mm.
I can’t wait for the Islander Republic traveler GMT! I have the original version and love it. Can’t wait to have one for home use to track traveling friends and family and one for my travels to track home time.
I wore a Victorinox Maverick alarm watch for 10 years. It was battery powered, so maybe not as cool as an automatic, but I love that watch. This was pre-smart phones, so it was so helpful to be able to set that alarm.
Great technical video. The Bellmatic is one of the best kept vintage Seiko secrets. I own a restored 17j white dial watch. These movements are extremely robust and well designed. There are also up-jeweled JDM variants that are even better designed.
CONGRATS! It funny, just earlier this summer i picked up a '69 Citizen Alarm Date. Phenomenal piece with very clear aesthetic that reminds me of older King Seiko's from late 60's. One thing that always kept me away from Bellmatic was the day of the week.
Awesome seiko marc! I got a vintage russian poljot alarm watch that has such character for under $100! I love the alarm complication. I also inherited a vintage jlc memodate (memovox with date) which also has an alarm function. It seems my great grandfather also had the same affinity for alarms!
Wow…I could be mistaken, but for me at least, this is the *very* first proper online reveal of the BellMatic's operation. Watch looks in great shape as well. Thanks for this, Marc!
Still have my Bellmatic ! Bought it at the PX when on duty at Fort Bragg in 1970. Still runs but does need a service. Any recommendations on who to send it to? Kind Regards, FMR Intelligence Officer
I own a Cricket which I was I was lucky enough to pick up at a good price from an AD who was leaving the brand. Given the revival of Vulcain recently Seiko could do very well to reissue this watch. I'm sure they could do it for a lot less than the cost of a modern Cricket. The Poljot alarms you mentioned are still available new from sellers in Eastern Europe, though the supply is dwindling. I don't think the movements are manufactured now. I'd love to pick up a Bellmatic in good condition but I've had nothing but bad experiences with vintage watches so I made a vow to stay away. Might be time to snag a Poljot while I still can. Very interesting video, thanks Marc.
Wow, it never occurred to me that I may have purchased my Poljots from Marc many years ago. I still have my Poljot alarm watch (the alarm crown is at the 5 o’clock position). Small world.
I have two of these. The blue dial bellmatic was my very first Seiko from the 70s when I was a chlld. And I inherited my dad's white dial one. I just checked and my dad's one still runs, mine needs to be repaired. I can't get it going. My second Seiko was the 6138-0011 chronograph. Sadly it too needs to be repaired. One of the chronograph buttons doesn't work. I've been a Seiko fan boy since those days, most of my watches are Seikos. In fact for Halloween I just got the SRPK11 from you.
That’s very cool. Never knew such a watch existed. Maybe Seiko can make a less expensive version of the Bel Canto, and the Orient can make an even less expensive version. 🤔. Always enjoy learning something new. Thanks!
Are Islander going to do any retro inspired pieces, Marc?. Was thinking of this or the old quartz SQ100 as they have a lovely case shape. With a modern HAQ movement, I think they'd be a killer addition to the Islander line, especially with a Pogue coloured dial option (I can dream at least!). 😁
I am not sure how old I was when my Grandfather died I think I was 6.5 years old but I remember he had a watch with an alarm that had to be from the 1960s. I remember thinking how cool that was. I don't know any watches he had. He was born in 1907 and my grandmother could not remember as she did not care about watches. It would have been interesting to know what he liked in his lifetime.
I have this exact watch, alarm stopped working though. Brought it to a watch repair shop and they didn't even want to look at it. Money wasn't an issue.
Given that it’s 17 jewels it’s a later version. The US imposed a tariff based on jewels so seiko lowered the jewel count a couple of times through the years. Bellies are very cool. Check out the 4005 cushion case versions from around 1967 or so. So cool. Maybe more rare but not that much more expensive.
Great complication, and it’s quite a looker too IMO. Not keen on the watch’s folded link bracelet though 😬 but I suppose that was par for the course with timepieces of that era.
I love retro watches from that era and the alarm complication is too cool for school. Beautiful dial, too. Does Seiko offer a current Bellmatic? If not, I can see a market for one.
I got a dark blue dial version with a red accent around the alarm indicator in a cushion case from my dad. Always thought it was a inner rotating bezel and never knew about the alarm component. Loved the look of it compared to modern seiko's, but I got scared away at the thought of having to get it serviced. How much would something like that cost?
Some parts are really hard to find now and expensive when you do , it’s a complicated watch with 135 parts in the 27 jewel movement alone , there great watches mind .
My wife and daughter went to Japan a few years ago. They said the amount of watches for sale in mom and pop shops around Tokyo was off the charts. They told me I wouldn’t know where to begin and there were vintage watches everywhere. Great video Mark. 👍🏻
*Marc
japan is too overwhelming
Sounds like a wonderland!
@@redastrachan8978 *Morc
I bought one last year. The watchmaker in my area said he has services these before, but they are much more complex than a standard watch. He cleaned it and got the date to function once again. I love it. I was given one by my father and the alarm woke me up to attend many classes. It was one of Seiko 's most unique watches.
That's sweet, they have a bunch of parts.
Marc, As a Serviceman in Vietnam; I owned a Goldtone Dial "BELL- MATIC". But in late April,1972, It was Ripped-Off my Wrist by a "Professional" (Spring Bars FIying !), on the Saigon Pier near the PAN AM AirlInes Office. I still miss it.
Oh no, sorry to hear that!
I can feel the pain. Several of my watches have been stolen. Thanks to eBay I was able to replace mine.. Hope you have the same good fortune.
Younger folks who think the Bell Canto is a marvel of engineering in the 21st century, need only look at this watch and see that it was already done decades ago. Awesome watch.
Islander Bellmatic ??? 😁 would be a cool Marc and Tristano colab. engineering the bell and adding the Design elements from TGV
LOL
I am an engineer and I support this message
I have the exact same model, bought it from a collector on the Seiko forum about a year ago, absolutely fantastic piece of history and I love it, wearing it as I type!
Love how you took it to the next level and opened the back to show us how it works! Appreciate that!🎉🎉🎉
You are so welcome!
My dad got his gold bell matic with a white dial in 1972 or 73. He passed it on to me in 1975, and almost 50 years later, the watch still works. The case back looks different than yours. The characters go around in a circle saying SGP Stainless Steel and then 4006-6040 and Water Resistant. I guess the 6040 refers to the case design. My dad wasn't very gentle with this watch - he almost never took it off, even while playing tennis. I'm surprised it still works, really. It's definitely a tough little walnut. Congratulations on getting your own, Marc. I'm sure it will give you decades of enjoyment.
I have two bellmatics in my vintage collection, the 6021 ufo with original bracelet, and the 6011 with silver satin dial and original bandolier bracelet, both in immaculate condition. I inherited both from a relative who was the only owner. Don't often hear people talking about them so thankyou for the video.
I hva the 6011. I love it.
@@Butters-s4i the 6021 is unusual looking but I agree the 6011 is beautiful, more like a dress bellmatic, if you have the original bandolier bracelet don't lose or damage it I hear they're very rare to come across now.
super cool
Oh wow the live footage of the alarm happening was awesome!!!! Definitely surprised me!
I inherited this exact model from my late father, it’s been serviced at least twice at Seiko in Mahwah New Jersey, congrats on a very cool vintage watch
Well that’s something you don’t see every day. Pretty cool! Thanks Marc. Have a great weekend! 🙏🏼
thanks for checking it out! Same to you.
Marc, I have been lusting after a Bellmatic for ages. Thanks for this video! You got a great piece!
thanks!
An alarm has to be the 2nd most useful complication behind a date. I always liked the Tudor Advisor, especially the brown dial. That watch never got enough attention. PS Still would love a 38mm normal blue aventurine dial Brookville. Dream watch that would be. Thanks!
I really, really hope for an Alarm resurgence. Especially Mechanical calibers. I stay on eBay looking up Seiko 7T-series chronographs because there are a lot of vintage alarm options there, but the mechanical type are a whole different beast. Would love to see a new mech alarm offering in 37-39mm.
Very true. Actually does something!
The Bellmatic is what got me into watches!
I really like this; I would definetely buy a watch with that function ( and the overall design).
very useful
Damn you Marc! Now there's ANOTHER watch I want to add to the collection!
I have a Belmatic from ~60s that a friend gifted to me. I love that mechanical alarm sound. Super cool. Great video.
thanks for checking it out.
I own my father’s from the 70s still works perfectly doesn’t hack but it’s a beautiful bit of seiko workmanship.. 36mm nice upload
Did they ever hack? Didn't check.
Awesome little piece of engineering there! I love it.
Besides that unique complication, that is a very aesthetically pleasing/good looking watch in a great size!
I can’t wait for the Islander Republic traveler GMT! I have the original version and love it. Can’t wait to have one for home use to track traveling friends and family and one for my travels to track home time.
I wish there was something like this still on the market, even quartz with beeps
Marc, you never fail to entertain me...thanks!
Enjoyable video. Love that cool vintage watch. Actually looks very much in style with watches being today.
I wore a Victorinox Maverick alarm watch for 10 years. It was battery powered, so maybe not as cool as an automatic, but I love that watch. This was pre-smart phones, so it was so helpful to be able to set that alarm.
this is super cool
Cool piece!
Reminds me of those old soviet watches indeed that we can still find
The Poljot, yeah. I think it was a Buran
Great technical video. The Bellmatic is one of the best kept vintage Seiko secrets. I own a restored 17j white dial watch. These movements are extremely robust and well designed. There are also up-jeweled JDM variants that are even better designed.
thanks for checking it out
Yes they were also made with 27 Jewels
I have about ten of these. I better grab some more before prices go up.
Nice review/showcase.
LOL, good idea.
Cool. I have the Poljot that you mentioned, black dial
CONGRATS!
It funny, just earlier this summer i picked up a '69 Citizen Alarm Date. Phenomenal piece with very clear aesthetic that reminds me of older King Seiko's from late 60's.
One thing that always kept me away from Bellmatic was the day of the week.
gotta get the 4005 then, rarer.
I love vintage Seiko content, thanks Marc.
Really cool piece
Thanks Marc. This was cool
An Islander Bellmatic would be awesome .
Any chance of seeing that someday ?🤤
Awesome seiko marc! I got a vintage russian poljot alarm watch that has such character for under $100! I love the alarm complication. I also inherited a vintage jlc memodate (memovox with date) which also has an alarm function. It seems my great grandfather also had the same affinity for alarms!
Very nice! The Poljot is cool
Wow…I could be mistaken, but for me at least, this is the *very* first proper online reveal of the BellMatic's operation. Watch looks in great shape as well. Thanks for this, Marc!
Really? It's not too complicated to figure out.
Very cool watch / thanks for the video
Still have my Bellmatic ! Bought it at the PX when on duty at Fort Bragg in 1970. Still runs but does need a service. Any recommendations on who to send it to? Kind Regards, FMR Intelligence Officer
Super cool. I'm honestly not sure. Fortunately, this one was working when I got it so I didn't have to seek anyone out.
A mechanical alarm watch. Very interesting. Good find
thanks
I own a Cricket which I was I was lucky enough to pick up at a good price from an AD who was leaving the brand. Given the revival of Vulcain recently Seiko could do very well to reissue this watch. I'm sure they could do it for a lot less than the cost of a modern Cricket. The Poljot alarms you mentioned are still available new from sellers in Eastern Europe, though the supply is dwindling. I don't think the movements are manufactured now. I'd love to pick up a Bellmatic in good condition but I've had nothing but bad experiences with vintage watches so I made a vow to stay away. Might be time to snag a Poljot while I still can. Very interesting video, thanks Marc.
I LOVE this watch! Great vid as always...
You should do an Islander special edition with such an alarm
Love it! I've looked at them in the past on eBay but they are always in bad shape. Maybe I'll find one I like for a decent price one day.
hopefully!
... Классные часики. Интересно сейчас Сэйко выпускает подобное?
Спасибо! 👍🤝👋
They do not.
Very cool piece!
Excited for the 9075 powered Republic! My second chance for the blue.
:)
Darnit Marc, I own three Bellmatics! Lovely little watches, but a swine to service. They were throwaway cheap 10 years ago and i scooped them up.
Crazy, isn't that?
Love bellmatics very underrated seiko
Agreed!
Definitely louder than The Cricket a very nice piece for your collection Be well and Wheels up my friend 👍
Nice video. Informative like you watch and learn ones, which I've been making my way through.
thanks! Enjoy
Very cool! Beats wearing an old school alarm clock Flavor Flav style. 😁
LOL, but more style
Very cool. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
That's a cool one. Thanks for sharing.
Squale 1521 Ocean 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Bellmatic is nice too!!
Totally awesome! Thanks for sharing!
thanks for watching.
That was pretty cool, Thanks for showing Marc.
thanks for watching.
Wow, it never occurred to me that I may have purchased my Poljots from Marc many years ago. I still have my Poljot alarm watch (the alarm crown is at the 5 o’clock position). Small world.
Cool watch! Thanks for the show and tell!
You are welcome.
Wow that squale is stunning 🥰🥰🥰🥰
yeah, bracelet makes it.
I need this.
I have two of these. The blue dial bellmatic was my very first Seiko from the 70s when I was a chlld. And I inherited my dad's white dial one. I just checked and my dad's one still runs, mine needs to be repaired. I can't get it going. My second Seiko was the 6138-0011 chronograph. Sadly it too needs to be repaired. One of the chronograph buttons doesn't work. I've been a Seiko fan boy since those days, most of my watches are Seikos. In fact for Halloween I just got the SRPK11 from you.
Get them fixed up!
@@islandwatch Any recommendation as to where? (I'm in the Bronx)
That's really cool! Thanks Marc!
You bet!
Really cool, sharp looking little watch 👍.
thanks!
Awesome find! Thanks for the vid.
thanks!
So cool! Did not know of this watch. Excellent video
Thanks for watching!
Very cool!
Nice find!
thanks!
I missed the part that this was your personal watch and hastily began searching Long Island Watch for a Seiko Bellmatic. 😅 That’s a great watch, Marc.
LOL, thank you. Sorry about that.
Love it
"I think I will open the back. I'm an engineer, what else do we do...." 😝🤣😜
Great line ....!
This was so awesome, could you do a video comparing the mechanical alarm clock (your new seiko) vs a chiming watch like the CW Bel Canto?
Wow I love it!
so do I :)
That’s very cool. Never knew such a watch existed. Maybe Seiko can make a less expensive version of the Bel Canto, and the Orient can make an even less expensive version. 🤔. Always enjoy learning something new. Thanks!
I'm not sure people would enjoy it.
Very nice 👍
thanks!
Nice 👍
Would love to see you make some 70s cushion case style of watches. Timex seems to be the only one these days with their 36mm case.
thanks
76 birth year would be a cool add to the box
I found a Pjot alarm on UA-cam. Very cool watch
Wow! The striker is as fast as my hand when I…*cough*...NICE WATCH! 🤣
Are Islander going to do any retro inspired pieces, Marc?. Was thinking of this or the old quartz SQ100 as they have a lovely case shape. With a modern HAQ movement, I think they'd be a killer addition to the Islander line, especially with a Pogue coloured dial option (I can dream at least!). 😁
I am not sure how old I was when my Grandfather died I think I was 6.5 years old but I remember he had a watch with an alarm that had to be from the 1960s. I remember thinking how cool that was. I don't know any watches he had. He was born in 1907 and my grandmother could not remember as she did not care about watches. It would have been interesting to know what he liked in his lifetime.
These seem to not be that common currently.
@@islandwatch Do they make mechanical watches with alarms similar to what you have any more?
I have this exact watch, alarm stopped working though. Brought it to a watch repair shop and they didn't even want to look at it. Money wasn't an issue.
Given that it’s 17 jewels it’s a later version. The US imposed a tariff based on jewels so seiko lowered the jewel count a couple of times through the years. Bellies are very cool. Check out the 4005 cushion case versions from around 1967 or so. So cool. Maybe more rare but not that much more expensive.
Mark, any chase we get the Manhasset ISL-147 (the cream dial) back?
Those are done, sorry.
it's good looking too
Great complication, and it’s quite a looker too IMO. Not keen on the watch’s folded link bracelet though 😬 but I suppose that was par for the course with timepieces of that era.
Interesting watch. Any chance the Calabro 'Pogue' will come back in stock?
Whoo!!! That is cool to the 12th degree.
thanks!
This is a very cool Seiko for sure. I'd love to own one. Question: Can you feel the vibration of the alarm while wearing it on your wrist?
I love retro watches from that era and the alarm complication is too cool for school. Beautiful dial, too. Does Seiko offer a current Bellmatic? If not, I can see a market for one.
They do not, unfortunately.
I got a dark blue dial version with a red accent around the alarm indicator in a cushion case from my dad. Always thought it was a inner rotating bezel and never knew about the alarm component. Loved the look of it compared to modern seiko's, but I got scared away at the thought of having to get it serviced. How much would something like that cost?
Does the alarm on the Bellmatic and Vulcain Cricket only chime in the designated hour or can you set an alarm with hour and minutes?
noooo!!! that sound! i reminds me of my medicine student years!
LOL
Looking forward to the Republic with the 9075.
Some parts are really hard to find now and expensive when you do , it’s a complicated watch with 135 parts in the 27 jewel movement alone , there great watches mind .
agreed! Super cool
U can hear it and feel.it ..its not a low tone ..yea in a loud setting I could see not hearing it .. But it's not that low of a tone ..cool watch
nice
thank you
Love the Bell Matic. Kinda wish you hadn’t made the video so prices remain low 🤣
Are you hinting that Seiko may do a reissue.