# Reference: **Model:** Seiko “Laurel” LJAL600 & Seiko “Laurel” LJAK600 **Year Produced:** March 1995 **Timestamp:** [https://imgur.com/a/e6731m7](https://imgur.com/a/e6731m7) **Album:** [https://imgur.com/a/JxsLx5E](https://imgur.com/a/JxsLx5E) # Features: **The Theme.** Two of the more European looking Seikos that harken back to Seiko's pre-war European watch heritage. They both feature heat-blued hands, beautifully textured dials, 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, these pieces are 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 change 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 company in the world. **The Metals.** Despite its historical connections, both the LJAL600 and LJAK600 stand strong on their own merits. They’re 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.  # Details: **Condition:** In great condition. No noticeable marks of significance anywhere, apart from the caseback which is still in good shape. The LJAL600 is on an aftermarket leather strap, and the LJAK600 is on the original Laurel leather strap. Both straps are in wearable condition, but show signs of aging (not that aged leather is a bad thing!).  **Scope:** No box or papers **Movement:** 4S24 Manual Wind 28800bhp, 21 Jewels # Dimensions: **LJAL600:** Case Width: 37.0mm Case Thickness: 9.6mm Lug to Lug: 43.0mm Lug Width: 18.0mm **LJAK600:** Case Width: 34.0mm Case Thickness: 9.8mm Lug to Lug: 43.0mm Lug Width: 18.0mm **Price:** The **LJAL600** is priced at **$925** \+ shipping. The **LJAK600** is priced at **$975** \+ shipping. I accept PayPal (F&F/G&S), [Wise.com](http://wise.com/), and payment via Credit Card. Transaction fees paid by the buyer. Not looking for trades. **Of note:** Nothing to report.