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Seiko “Laurel” LJAL600

Seiko “Laurel” LJAL600

£600.00 GBP
£600.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
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Model: Seiko “Laurel” LJAL600 / 4S24-0030

Year: July 1995

Features:

The Theme. One of the more European looking Seikos that harkens back to Seiko's pre-war European watch heritage. Elegant Breguet-style, heat-blued hands, ripple-wave dial, applied Arabic numerals, solid 925 silver case, and 18kt gold bezel. I wouldn’t blame you for double and triple-checking it says Seiko on the dial. Despite its vintage appearance, this piece is actually neo-vintage, having been released in the mid-’90s

The History. In the early 1910s, K. Hattori & Co. began importing Swiss calibres, likely from A. Schild, and fitting them with their own enamel dials and cases. These Swiss-Japanese hybrids bore the Laurel name for a decade, until a devastating earthquake in 1923 destroyed Kintarō Hattori’s Seikosha factory. When the factory was rebuilt a year later, Hattori honoured its workers by changing the name of the watches to Seiko.

The Influence. Hattori’s 1913 Japanese-made enamel dial is dripping with Swiss influence, because, frankly put, it’s all the world knew at the time. Your choice of watch was Swiss or Swiss. But Hattori hoped to changed that, and piece by piece he did. It would take 43 years, but Seiko eventually produced their own in-house movement, and now they’re arguably the most vertically integrated, or “in-house” across all sectors, watch company in the world. They grow their own quartz crystals - what more do you want? 

The Metals. Despite its historical connections, the LJAL600 stands strong on its own merits. It’s a deep-value piece that is granted an affordable price point due to its relative obscurity. The case is 925 Silver, and the bezel is 18kt Gold. Is precious metal plating really that impressive? No, which is why I’m happy to report the case is solid silver, and the bezel is solid gold. 

The Hands. They’re heat-blued, and having spent hours filming them in macro for the upcoming video, I can confirm the finish is absolutely flawless.

The Movement. The looks of a sixty year old watch, but powered by one of Seiko’s most famously reliable modern, hi-beat, movements - the 4S Calibre. The perfect package!

Specifications:

Condition: In very good condition overall. Just serviced. A scratch on the crystal can be seen near 2 o'clock. The rest of the watch has no significant marks. 

Scope: No box or papers.

Movement: 4S24 Manual Wind 28800bhp, 21 Jewels

Dimensions:

  • Case Width: 37.0mm
  • Lug to Lug: 43.0mm
  • Case Thickness: 9.6mm
  • Lug Width: 18.0mm
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FAQs

Are your watches authentic?

Everything we sell is 100% authentic.

All of our watches are inspected and verified for authenticity - both inside and out. We have over 15 years of sourcing and collecting rare watches in Japan, which is often considered to be one of the best markets for authentic and fully original vintage watches.

Do you ship globally?

We are based in Japan and regularly ship all over the world. We typically use FedEx and it takes:

  • 3-7 business days to reach North America
  • 3-7 business days to reach Europe
  • 3-7 business days to reach Asia and Oceania.

All of our packages are securely shipped, fully insured, and trackable door-to-door.

What condition are your watches?

Due to the vintage and neo-vintage nature of the watches we typically sell, the condition varies from watch to watch. However, our photos are high resolution and our descriptions are accurate. You can buy with confidence knowing there won't be any nasty surprises.

If the condition of a watch is ever misrepresented, we would offer a full refund.

Are all of your watches serviced?

Most but not all of our watches are serviced. The "Condition" section of each watch will confirm if the watch has been serviced.

All of our watches are tested by an independent watchmaker - if a service is needed, the watch will be serviced. If a service hasn't been conducted, it's because the watch itself is too new to need a service, or there is evidence of a recent service.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept payment by all major Credit Cards and Wise.com

Do I have to pay customs or taxes?

It depends on so many factors, including but not limited to the cost of the watch, the type of watch you've bought (vintage or new), and the import laws of your country. If you're unsure we recommend checking the import laws that relate to your country before ordering.

Are your watches water resistant?

Our serviced watches are typically tested to their original water resistant specifications, but we would never recommend pushing vintage or neo-vintage watches to their depth limits.

What is your returns policy?

Due to the vintage and neo-vintage nature of most of our watches, we do not offer returns under normal circumstances. All sales should be considered final.

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