Seiko has some pretty incredible “firsts” under their belt, and without question, we jump on every opportunity to offer you tangible connections to their amazing history. A simple digital LCD watch may not seem impressive by today’s standards, but in 1973, it was the type of ground breaking technology that could upend the entire watchmaking industry. The very first six-digit LCD display the world had ever seen was Seiko’s 06LC. It garnered attention the world over as a breakthrough technology. It marked the first time that the electrical pulses from a quartz movement could be sent straight to a liquid crystal display and converted to digits so efficiently that the time, and even the seconds, could be constantly displayed. Production was limited, and it was only available for the Japanese market, but Seiko immediately set out to refine the design further, and begin exporting LC technology to the rest of the world. Just one year later would see the release of Seiko’s first commercially available LCD watch available in the US, the 0624-5009. Known to collectors as the “Lemon Drop,” so named for the lemon yellow gel screen between the display and the crystal, they have become highly sought after pieces approaching “grail” status for many. And like the 6139, less than a decade prior, the next step was another chronograph world first; the Seiko 0634. The original digital chronograph, it was cutting edge technology that not only commanded a premium price (almost $1200 today), but was delivered in a “space age” design dripping in mid-70’s funk. Early advertising served it up wrapped around the wrist of the “Funky Junky” himself, Mr. Issac Hayes. As this is also an HCV first, we wanted to offer up the best example we could find, and believe we have found it in this stellar specimen from April of 1976. The case is a sloping block of stainless steel with razor sharp corners, and two pushers protruding just beneath the display. There is very little wear, and the factory finishes are still clearly visible. I was able to track down a NOS replacement crystal that truly showcases the clarity of the display, and clean framing surrounding it. The left pusher activates the incandescent bulb just left of the screen that still lights up the time in the dark. The display itself shows the time, the date in the upper right, and AM/PM on the upper left. A toggle on the right side of the case can be pulled to bring the watch into time setting mode, or pressed to bring up the chronograph display. The right pusher is the start/stop, and the left is used for lap timing and reset. All functions are operating correctly, and I removed and carefully cleaned all of the internal components before installing the new crystal and battery. Attached is the brushed steel and PVD bracelet that’s another standout feature of this piece. The links are keyed and beveled so that the PVD creates a shadowing effect in the negative spaces. Though some of the plating has worn away on the clasp, it’s in overall phenomenal condition and a highlight addition to this piece. Opportunities to own a 0634 in this condition are truly rare, and for any Seiko historian, this is one you won’t want to miss.  

Original Seiko Tapered Brushed Steel/PVD Bracelet in Stainless Steel

Serviced 7/6/21

Diameter- 37mm

Lugs- 24mm