SEIKO Disney Time Bongo and Lulubelle 5000-8000 - Hand-Wound - 7 Jewels - Character Dial - JDM This is a vintage SEIKO Disney Time hand-wound wristwatch, reference 5000-8000, featuring the Disney characters Bongo and Lulubelle. The watch is powered by a Japanese SEIKO Calibre 50C mechanical movement with 7 jewels. SEIKO introduced the Disney Time line in 1961 through an official licensing agreement with Disney. According to the Seiko Museum, Disney Time was the first character watch sold in the Japanese domestic market, beginning a long association between SEIKO and Disney character watches. Bongo and Lulubelle appear in the Bongo segment of Disney's 1947 film Fun and Fancy Free. Bongo is a circus bear who falls in love with Lulubelle, and the affectionate scene on this dial reflects their romantic story. Compared with the more familiar Mickey Mouse Disney Time watches, this Bongo and Lulubelle design has a particularly unusual and charming personality. The white dial features a colourful illustration of Bongo and Lulubelle touching noses, surrounded by pink hearts. Bongo is shown in a red costume and small hat, while Lulubelle is depicted in yellow with a large pink bow. The playful romantic scene fills much of the dial and gives the watch the appearance of a miniature piece of vintage Disney artwork. The hour and minute hands are also specially designed to complement the dial. They have arrow-shaped forms with pink and white details, including heart-shaped decoration. These unusual hands create a strong visual connection between the time display and the romantic character illustration. Black Arabic numerals are arranged around the dial from 1 to 12, providing clear readability without overwhelming the artwork. The lower part of the dial is marked: Disney Time Bongo and Lulubelle The lower edge also carries the WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS copyright marking and the dial code: JAPAN 50-8000T The dial remains colourful and visually appealing, with the brown, yellow, red and pink character colours clearly preserved. The watch has a broad, angular silver-coloured case with a strong 1970s appearance. Its faceted shoulders and wide polished bezel frame the character dial effectively, while the recessed-style crown keeps the case profile relatively clean. The case measures approximately 36.1 mm excluding the crown. This is a substantial size for a vintage character watch and gives the dial illustration a strong presence on the wrist. The case material is not clearly marked, so it is described conservatively as a silver-coloured metal case rather than being identified as stainless steel. Inside is the SEIKO Calibre 50C hand-wound mechanical movement. The movement is marked: 50C SEVEN 7 JEWELS JAPAN The Calibre 50C is a compact Japanese mechanical movement with central seconds, and its presence gives the watch an additional mechanical interest beyond its Disney character design. The watch is fitted with an original SEIKO Disney Time fabric strap in blue with two red longitudinal stripes. This distinctive strap design can also be seen on other surviving SEIKO Disney Time watches from the period. Its vivid blue and red colours complement the character dial particularly well and form an important part of the watch's original vintage appearance. Estimated production period This watch is estimated to date from the 1970s, based on the reference, movement and design style. A readable conventional serial number is not visible on the case back, so an exact production year and month cannot be determined. The case back retains its original orange Japanese Bell Mark educational-support sticker marked: SEIKO 48 The number 48 indicates that this product carried 48 Bell Mark points. The Bell Mark was part of a Japanese educational-support programme. Marks printed on participating products could be collected by schools and related organisations, and the accumulated points were used to help obtain educational equipment and support educational activities. For buyers outside Japan, the number 48 is not a model number, serial number, production year or inspection code. It represents the number of Bell Mark points assigned to the product when it was sold. The survival of the original paper sticker is an attractive period retail detail. It also reflects the watch's original connection with the Japanese domestic market and adds to its collectible character. The number 48 is not used as evidence of a specific production year. Specifications Brand: SEIKO Collection: Disney Time Characters: Bongo and Lulubelle Reference: 5000-8000 Dial code: 50-8000T Estimated production period: 1970s Movement: Mechanical, hand-wound Calibre: SEIKO 50C Jewels: 7 Functions: Hours, minutes and central seconds Case material: Silver-coloured metal Case shape: Angular cushion-style case Case diameter: Approximately 36.1 mm, excluding the crown Dial: White character dial Dial design: Bongo and Lulubelle with pink hearts Hour markers: Black Arabic numerals Hands: Decorative arrow-shaped hands with pink and white heart details Strap: Original SEIKO Disney Time blue and red fabric strap Case-back label: Original Japanese Bell Mark educational-support sticker, 48 points Buckle: Silver-coloured buckle Box and papers: Not included Condition This is a vintage character watch with visible signs of age and previous use. The white dial remains attractive, colourful and clearly legible. The Bongo and Lulubelle illustration, pink hearts, Arabic numerals, Disney Time wording and WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS copyright marking remain clearly visible. There are small spots, marks and age-related imperfections on the dial and around the outer minute track. The character printing remains strong overall, but the dial should not be considered unused or flawless. The crystal has scratches, scuffs and small surface marks from previous use. The silver-coloured case has scratches, scuffs, small marks and general wear. Wear is visible across the polished bezel, faceted case surfaces, sides and lugs. The crown also has discolouration and signs of age. The case back has scratches and wear and retains its original orange Japanese Bell Mark educational-support sticker marked 48 points. The paper sticker shows age-related discolouration, rubbing and surface wear, but the SEIKO name, Bell Mark design and point value remain clearly recognisable. The original blue and red SEIKO Disney Time fabric strap shows age-related wear, fraying, marks and wear around the adjustment holes and buckle area. The strap is an important original component of the watch and remains suitable for display or careful use, although its future durability cannot be guaranteed. The movement has visible age-related marks, discolouration and traces of previous use. Its external appearance should not be interpreted as evidence of recent servicing. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description. Movement and running condition The watch contains a SEIKO Calibre 50C hand-wound mechanical movement with 7 jewels. The watch is currently running at the time of listing. Accuracy and exact power reserve have not been measured, and the service history is unknown. This watch is offered primarily as a vintage collectible. As with many vintage mechanical watches, inspection and maintenance by a qualified watchmaker are recommended if the watch is intended for regular daily use. Water resistance Water resistance has not been tested and cannot be guaranteed. Due to the age of the watch and the unknown condition of its internal seals, please treat it as having no water resistance. This SEIKO Disney Time is much more than a conventional vintage character watch. It combines SEIKO's Japanese mechanical watchmaking with an unusual Disney illustration featuring Bongo and Lulubelle, two characters connected with the classic 1947 film Fun and Fancy Free. The colourful romantic dial, heart-themed hands, bold Arabic numerals, angular vintage case and original blue-and-red SEIKO Disney Time fabric strap give the watch a joyful and immediately recognisable personality. The surviving Japanese Bell Mark educational-support sticker is another appealing period detail, preserving part of the watch's original retail presentation in Japan. Its appeal extends beyond ordinary Disney merchandise. It is also an interesting example of the long history of licensed character watches produced by SEIKO for the Japanese market. An attractive collection piece for enthusiasts of vintage SEIKO watches, mechanical character watches, classic Disney animation and unusual Japanese pop-culture design. Running at the time of listing. Please study all photographs carefully before bidding.