Exquisite Vintage Seiko Crown - Caliber Seikosha 560 (February 1960) A Rare Piece of Horological History: The Predecessor to Grand Seiko For the discerning collector, this Seiko Crown represents more than just a vintage timepiece; it is the direct DNA donor to the legendary First Grand Seiko (3180). Produced in February 1960, this model comes from the Suwa Seikosha factory during an era when Seiko began its quest to beat the Swiss at their own game. History & Significance The Seiko Crown was introduced in 1959 and was a revolutionary leap forward for Seiko. It featured the newly developed Caliber 560, a movement significantly larger and more refined than its predecessors. This extra space allowed for a larger balance wheel, drastically improving stability and accuracy. It was the success and precision of the Crown 560 movement that gave Seiko the confidence to launch the Grand Seiko line later that same year. Owning a Crown is owning the foundation of Seiko’s luxury legacy. Condition Report • Dial: A stunning original silver sunburst dial with a soft, warm patina that speaks to its 60+ year history. Features the iconic "Seiko Crown" cursive script and elegant "Diashock 21 Jewels" markings. • Case: Elegant 14K Gold Filled (KGF) front with a robust Stainless Steel back. The lugs remain sharp, maintaining the classic mid-century profile. • Movement: The heart of this watch is the Seikosha 560 movement. It has been recently professionally serviced, is running perfectly, and keeps excellent time. The bridge is beautifully signed "SEIKOSHA 21 JEWELS" in the characteristic copper-toned engraving. • Crystal: High-domed acrylic crystal, clear and highlighting the faceted gold hour markers. (After market) • Caseback: Correct markings for the era, including the serial number 0211864, which dates this specific unit to February 1960.