Seiko Hi-Beat 2406-3020

Seiko Hi-Beat from 1973 — First impression

At first glance, this Seiko Hi-Beat 2406-3020 stands out as a sharp, architectural expression of 1970s Japanese horology heritage. The rectangular case frames a deep green fumé dial that fades almost to black at the edges, giving the watch a cinematic sense of depth despite its compact dimensions. Slim baton markers and razor-fine hands keep the layout clean and purposeful, while the day-date window at three o’clock adds useful daily practicality. The “23 Jewels Hi-Beat” script on the dial hints at the fast-beating automatic calibre inside, promising refined mechanical performance. On the wrist, the watch feels more like a carefully engineered design object than a simple accessory, offering collectors a distinctive alternative to conventional round dress pieces from the same era.

Green fumé TV-screen Dial

The dial design is the visual centrepiece of this timepiece. Its green fumé finish transitions from a rich, saturated tone at the centre to a near-black perimeter, accentuating the TV-screen shape of the display. Applied baton hour markers, executed in polished metal, catch the light with just enough brilliance to remain legible in varied lighting without overwhelming the gradient surface. A printed minute track hugs the outer edge, allowing precise reading of the fast-moving seconds hand that reflects the hi-beat character of the movement. The Seiko signature and “AUTOMATIC” at twelve, balanced by “23 JEWELS HI-BEAT” above six, clearly position this as a serious mechanical watch rather than a simple fashion piece.

Hands

The hands are deliberately restrained to let the dial do the talking. The hour and minute hands are slim, faceted batons with polished surfaces that mirror the applied indices, ensuring strong contrast against the dark green background. Their lengths are carefully judged: the minute hand reaches right to the printed minute track, while the hour hand stops just short of the markers for easy orientation. The central seconds hand is a fine, needle-like pointer that reveals the high-frequency character of the calibre through its smooth, tightly stepped sweep. Together, the three hands express the precision timekeeping focus of a hi-beat automatic movement while preserving the minimalist aesthetic.

Seiko Hi-Beat 2406-3020 - Brushed geometric Stainless Steel Case

The stainless-steel case of this Seiko Hi-Beat is a confident example of 1970s geometric design. Its rectangular “tank” profile features a broad, horizontally brushed upper surface that emphasises the watch’s width, contrasted by sharply polished chamfers and case flanks for visual dynamism. At 28.0 mm across and approximately 38.0 mm lug to lug, the watch offers compact footprint yet presents substantial visual presence thanks to the angular architecture. The case integrates smoothly with the straight end links of the mesh bracelet, reinforcing the linear, almost industrial character of the design. A flat or very slightly curved crystal sits proud of the case, acting like a clear window to the fumé dial and further enhancing the TV-screen impression. Despite its dress-watch intentions, the solid steel build feels robust enough for regular wear.

Crown

Positioned traditionally at three o’clock, the crown is proportioned to complement the narrow case band. It features a fine coin-edge texture that provides secure grip for setting the day, date and time. The crown appears unsigned, which is consistent with many period Seiko dress and design-forward models, allowing the strong rectangular silhouette to remain visually uninterrupted. Its operation is positive and precise, reflecting the competent engineering behind the 2406 calibre and making routine adjustments straightforward for the wearer.

Seiko Hi-Beat Stainless Steel Mesh Bracelet

Paired with the watch is a finely woven stainless-steel original Seiko signed mesh bracelet that matches the case in tone and character. The tight Milanese-style weave gives the bracelet a smooth, flexible feel on the wrist while maintaining a distinctly technical appearance. It tapers subtly towards the clasp, which helps to balance the angular case and makes the watch comfortable for extended daily wear. The bracelet’s reflective surface echoes the polished accents of the case and hands, reinforcing the cohesive, monochrome aesthetic. Whether original or a carefully chosen period-correct pairing, this mesh bracelet suits the hi-beat character of the watch, underscoring its identity as a refined yet slightly avant-garde 1970s automatic timepiece.

Seiko Cal. 2406 hi-beat automatic movement

Inside the case beats Seiko’s Calibre 2406, a compact automatic movement with 23 jewels and day-date complication. Operating at 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz), it qualifies as a high-beat design by Seiko’s own standards, offering a smoother seconds-hand motion and improved stability compared with lower-frequency movements. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} The calibre features central seconds, quick weekday and date indication, and shock protection, making it a robust choice for everyday use. Developed within Seiko’s Daini division, the 2406 belongs to a family of efficient mid-size automatic movements that helped the brand compete strongly against Swiss rivals in the early 1970s. When properly serviced, these movements are known for dependable accuracy and solid power reserve, giving this vintage mechanical watch real-world practicality alongside its collectable status.

Heritage of the Seiko Hi-Beat in 1970s rectangular design

During the early 1970s, Seiko pushed two parallel frontiers: high-frequency mechanical calibres and bold case geometries. While Grand Seiko carried the flagship ten-beat hi-beat movements, Seiko-branded watches like this 2406-3020 democratised the concept by combining 28,800 bph calibres with accessible but forward-thinking designs. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} The rectangular “TV” case profile seen here echoes the era’s fascination with modernist architecture and consumer electronics, translating those influences into a compact dress watch for the international market. For collectors exploring Japanese horology heritage, this reference provides a compelling counterpoint to more familiar round Seiko models. To compare it with other pieces from the same era, you can explore additional Seiko 1970s automatic and Hi-Beat vintage watches in our curated Seiko collection and trace how the brand experimented with shapes, frequencies and dial finishes.

Seiko Hi-Beat — 12-month warranty and worldwide shipping Condition, Originality, trust signals

This Seiko Hi-Beat 2406-3020 is offered as a used vintage watch that has been fully serviced and is described as fully operational, backed by a 12-month warranty. The dial retains its attractive green fumé gradient and crisp applied markers, with light, honest ageing consistent with a carefully worn 1973 timepiece. The stainless-steel case presents sharp transitions between brushed and polished surfaces, with wear that reflects preservation rather than abuse. According to the specification, all key watch components are original, including the case, dial, hands and movement, ensuring the piece remains true to its period. Worldwide shipping makes this historically interesting hi-beat automatic accessible to collectors in all major markets, and those wishing to build a broader collection of mechanically driven pieces can explore our wider selection of automatic vintage watches from the 1970s and beyond for complementary additions.