With a production run of almost 12 years, Seiko’s “Bell-Matic” line offers every imaginable style and layout. One could easily amass a collection of “Bells” that would allow for weeks of rotation without repeating. There are, however, a few pieces in this line up that a true collector could spend years trying to track down, and still come up empty handed. The undisputed grail is the “Dolphin” case back/“Diashock” Dial from 1966. The Bell-Matic was introduced in November of that same year, and this case back design was phased out the following December. This means that there was only one month in history in which they were produced, and only for the Japanese domestic market. I have only ever witnessed one other example. It belongs to a private collector, and I doubt it will ever be available. Having had the privilege of servicing it, I felt assured it was as close as I’d ever get to bringing one to HCV. My excitement when discovering this one from November of 1966, was immeasurable. The dial is a silvery white linen with a “north to south” grain, and it has aged beautifully. There are only a few very minor blemishes in the lacquer finish that are really only visible when magnified. The raised minute track shows some light scattered color, and a single break in the finish near the one o’clock marker, but presents beautifully overall.  The fluted alarm cursor ring is free of oxidation or corrosion, and the original red indicator is still present and complete. The case corners are razor sharp, and the original finishes are still clearly visible. It appears as though portions of it may have been lightly hand polished at some point, but it’s difficult to say for sure. Unique to only the “Dolphin Bells,” there is a cutaway along the case edge surrounding the alarm/date toggle. A clear point to look for if you’re ever presented with a similar opportunity. The case back bears a few light tool marks, and its worth noting that the wrench notches are along the top corner rather than at the edge as seen in later examples. The “Dolphin” motif, and other case back etchings are crisp and complete. Only lightly etched into the surface of the case back, this and many other models have seen this embossing fade from wear over the decades since production. As provenance of it’s exceptional rarity, I quickly applied a cling film cover to protect the delicate markings from further wear. The crown and alarm toggle are original, and all functions are operating smoothly. It’s completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and post service, its keeping near perfect time. We’ve paired it with a soft gray suede that works nicely against the dial and provides versatile comfort on the wrist. This is the first, and undoubtedly last time we will ever be able to offer this rare “Bell,” and especially in such fine condition. It’s the ultimate in exclusivity for any vintage Seiko enthusiast

Kvarnsjo Leather Stone Gray Suede Leather with Silver Stitch

Serviced 2/23/21

Diameter- 38mm

Lugs- 18mm