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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · LCD wristwatch movement

Seiko Quartz LC Wristwatch Movement

Partially verified

This object is an electronic watch movement identified by the German Clock Museum as the internal mechanism for a Seiko Quartz LC wristwatch, produced in 1977. It is built around the calibre 0139 and features an integrated liquid crystal display (LCD) designed to indicate the day of the week, the date, and a second time zone. The museum notes that this specific specimen is exhibited as a movement isolated from its original watch case. The assembly includes a gold-toned setting crown attached to the lateral aspect. Dimensions recorded by the institution are 4.10 cm in height, 4.10 cm in width, and 1.10 cm in depth.

The movement of the Seiko Quartz LC wristwatch, featuring the LCD display and setting crown.
The movement of the Seiko Quartz LC wristwatch, featuring the LCD display and setting crown. — German Clock Museum via Europeana. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Component · LCD wristwatch movement
Maker / attribution
Seiko
Reference
0139
Catalogue / lot identifier
/1406/Museu_ProvidedCHO_museum_digital_29876__technical_number_
Source-reported date
1977
Source-reported place
Japan

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Movement and Functionality

The object is a calibre 0139 quartz electronic movement, designed and manufactured by Seiko in Japan. This movement was specifically engineered to power a liquid crystal display (LCD) system. Unlike traditional mechanical movements that utilize gears and springs to drive analog hands, this unit functions through an electronic quartz-regulated circuit intended for digital output.

The digital interface features an LCD panel capable of presenting chronological data including the day of the week, the date, and a secondary time zone. The display panel shows the seven-day week sequence permanently etched or printed across the top of the liquid crystal area, with space provided for specific time or calendar indicators to appear below. The presence of a side-mounted setting crown allows for the adjustment and configuration of these electronic functions.

Evidence for this section
  • “calibre 0139”
  • “LCD display with day of the week, date and second time zone”

Physical Construction

The movement is presented as an exposed assembly, mounted within a white molded plastic or polymer carrier. This structure protects the sensitive electronic components while providing a mounting frame for the LCD module. The dimensions of the unit are recorded as 4.10 cm by 4.10 cm by 1.10 cm, consistent with the form factor of digital wristwatches produced by the manufacturer during the late 1970s.

The lateral aspect of the movement features a protruding setting crown with a gold-toned finish. The primary view of the movement shows a dark, rectangular display area with specific markings for day-of-the-week tracking.

Evidence for this section
  • “height: 4.10 cm, width: 4.10 cm, depth: 1.10 cm”
  • “Only movement exhibited.”

Documentation and Provenance

This object is part of the collection held by the German Clock Museum in Furtwangen. It is catalogued as a specific example of the Seiko Quartz LC line from 1977.

The provenance and technical details are verified through the museum's digital archive and linked through the Europeana network. The museum record provides the base identification, dating, and physical specifications.

Evidence for this section
  • “Wristwatch Seiko Quartz LC with LCD display”
  • “Only movement exhibited.”
  • “German Clock Museum”

Open research questions

  • What is the material composition of the housing surrounding the LCD module?
  • Are there secondary internal markings on the movement confirming the production date or factory origin beyond the source's date of 1977?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Seiko Quartz LC Wristwatch Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Calibre0139“calibre 0139”
Dimensions4.10 cm x 4.10 cm x 1.10 cm“height: 4.10 cm, width: 4.10 cm, depth: 1.10 cm”
FunctionsLCD display with day, date, and second time zone“LCD display with day of the week, date and second time zone”
Holding InstitutionGerman Clock Museum“German Clock Museum”
Object StatusMovement only“Only movement exhibited.”

Visible details

  • The LCD panel clearly displays the days of the week from 'SUN' to 'SAT'.
  • A gold-colored crown is attached to the right side of the mechanism.
  • The movement is housed in a white plastic or polymer carrier structure.
  • There are two visible dark circular spots on the display surface.

Research qualifications

  • The source confirms only the movement is displayed, not the complete cased watch.
  • The physical composition of the movement carrier and display frame is not explicitly detailed in the source.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Wristwatch, Seiko, Japan, 1977

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 97e41879e4

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.