Seiko Laurel LHAM600 from 1995

Seiko Laurel LHAM600 – A Refined, Hi-Beat Tribute to Seiko’s Mountain-Worthy Legacy

Released exclusively for the Japanese domestic market in the mid-1990s, the Seiko Laurel LHAM600 is one of those rare pieces that quietly balances everyday refinement with true enthusiast substance. Its proportions are elegant, the finishing thoughtful, and beneath the surface ticks one of Seiko’s most technically advanced movements of its time. This is the kind of sleeper watch Seiko collectors hunt for—not because it's loud, but because it gets just about everything right.

While it draws inspiration from Seiko’s 1959 Laurel Alpinist—Japan’s first purpose-built mountain watch—the LHAM600 trades ruggedness for sophistication, with nods to heritage that are subtle rather than overt. The result is a beautifully wearable timepiece that embodies the ethos of refined Japanese design, powered by a high-beat movement that still turns heads among collectors today.

The stainless steel case measures a well-balanced 38mm in diameter, just under 11mm thick, and stretches 43.7mm lug to lug. The polished finish gives the watch a soft, dressy presence on the wrist, while the overall profile keeps it planted comfortably. A miniature onion crown at three adds vintage charm and tactile appeal, while the solid caseback is engraved with a laurel wreath motif—a nod to the original 1913 Laurel wristwatch.

The watch comes fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet, which integrates cleanly with the case. 

The dial is where this Laurel truly shines. Finished in a soft silvery-blue tone, it shifts subtly in different lighting, offering a serene and sophisticated backdrop for the sharply cut applied hour markers. Those markers, angular and pointed, echo the jagged peaks of a mountain range—a subtle tribute to the original Alpinist that only reveals itself on close inspection.

Polished dauphine hands anchor the look. The dial layout is clean, precise, and refreshingly free of clutter—just as a mid-90s Seiko should be.

Powering the LHAM600 is the Caliber 4S15, one of Seiko’s most celebrated mechanical movements of the 1990s. Running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it offers a smooth sweep and solid chronometry. More importantly, it features both hacking seconds and manual winding—features absent from many Seiko automatics of the same period.

The 4S15 was built on the architecture of Seiko’s 52-series movements—used in vintage Grand Seiko and King Seiko references—and was later deployed in collector-favorite models like the SCVF-series Alpinists. It’s durable, dependable, and packs a level of refinement that far exceeds what one might expect from a three-hand Seiko of this era.

The example we’re offering here is well-worn, with visible scratches on both the case and bracelet—evidence of its age and utility. That said, the dial and hands remain clean and free of patina or aging, preserving the crisp elegance of the original design. A brand new crystal has been professionally installed, restoring full clarity to the dial. The original stainless steel bracelet is included and fits wrists up to 7.25 inches.

Specifications

Movement: Seiko Caliber 4S15, automatic, 28,800 vph, hacking, hand-winding

Case Material: Stainless steel

Case Dimensions: 38mm diameter × 10.9mm thickness × 43.7mm lug-to-lug

A piece like the LHAM600 doesn’t come around often. It captures a moment in Seiko’s history where high-end mechanical engineering was quietly woven into understated, beautifully made watches—just for the domestic market. This is the kind of piece that doesn’t need fanfare—it simply rewards those who notice.