Model: Seiko “Laurel” LJAL600 / 4S24-0030
Year: March 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 great condition. No noticeable marks of significance anywhere, apart from the caseback which is still in good shape. The silver and gold are free from patina which probably means they were cleaned up before the watch got to me. Removing patina isn’t a reductive process, unlike polishing scratches out of stainless steel, so the original case shape remains beautifully intact.
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
