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 the first iteration 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. This 5001 reference was the follow up to the “Hayes” model, and shows Seiko’s efforts to somewhat streamline construction and deliver a tighter package with a smaller profile on the wrist. The case is a sloping block of stainless steel with sleek corners, and two pushers protruding just beneath the display. There is very little wear, and the factory polished and brushed finishes are still visible. The mineral crystal is the original, and with only a few blemishes, we opted to leave it in place. The left pusher activates the incandescent bulb just to left of the display that provides ample light for legibility in the dark. The display itself shows the time, the date in the upper right, and an AM/PM indicator 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 toggle between the chronograph and time displays. 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 module components before installing a new battery. Attached is the original flat five link bracelet with an almost integrated design that’s very comfortable on the wrist. The signed clasp is a slider style that can be adjusted to comfortably accommodate most wrist sizes. These 0634 chronographs were feats of engineering and represented the future in the mid 70’s, and now, almost 50 years later are still a fun and functional addition to any roster

Original Seiko Flat Five Link Bracelet with Adjustable Clasp

Serviced 12/23

Diameter- 36mm

Lugs- 20mm