Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable opportunity to acquire a piece of significant Japanese horological history. The Seiko Crown was the flagship of the brand's lineup in the late 1950s and served as the direct technical predecessor to the very first Grand Seiko. This particular example from 1959 is a collector's dream, featuring a breathtakingly preserved dial that defies its age, housed in a robust stainless steel case. It represents the pinnacle of Seiko’s "Marvel" era technology and offers a sophisticated dress watch aesthetic that remains timeless today. Brand: Seiko Model: Crown Reference Number: 15002 Serial Number: 9014069 Movement: Seikosha Manual Wind Caliber 560 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1959 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The dial is in spectacular preservation, while the case shows honest signs of age. Timegrapher results indicate a healthy movement running between +35 and +40 seconds per day, which is acceptable for a vintage mechanism of this period. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the absolute highlight of this timepiece, presenting in nearly flawless condition with a radiant finish that catches the light beautifully. It features elegant, faceted gold-tone applied baton indices that provide a striking contrast against the silver background. The gold-tone dauphine hands are sharp and free of corrosion, maintaining their original luster. The "Seiko Crown" script logo and "Diashock 19 Jewels" text are crisp and legible. This is a non-date layout, which provides perfect symmetry and a clean, uncluttered aesthetic highly prized by dress watch enthusiasts. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 35mm in diameter and features the classic round profile associated with high-end Seikos of the late 1950s. The lugs are tapered and elegant, showing normal wear consistent with the watch's age but retaining their definition. The reference number 15002 is clearly stamped on the exterior caseback. Inside the caseback, the serial number 9014069 confirms the production date, alongside the iconic "Crane" symbol which denotes Seiko's manufacturing origin. The crystal is clear and free of distracting marks, allowing an unobstructed view of the pristine dial. Movement Powering this watch is the reliable Seikosha 19-jewel manual wind movement, caliber 560. This mechanism was a high-performance engine for its time, featuring Seiko's Diashock shock protection system. The movement bridges show the Seikosha stamping, and the mechanism appears honest and unmolested. Timegrapher testing indicates the watch is running between +35 and +40 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch has been fitted with a new, high-quality black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching near the lugs. The strap complements the stainless steel case and silver dial perfectly, giving the watch a versatile look that works well for both casual and formal occasions. It is soft, pliable, and ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is rated in excellent vintage condition. The most critical component for a collector, the dial, is exceptionally well-preserved and elevates the entire standing of the watch. The case shows surface scratches and wear typical of a 60-year-old object but has not been over-polished, retaining its original character. The movement is functioning correctly and winding smoothly. Dimensions The case diameter is 35mm excluding the crown, which was a standard men's size for the era and serves as a classic unisex dress size today. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes, while the slim profile of the manual-wind movement allows it to slide easily under a shirt cuff. Remarks The Seiko Crown is often undervalued in the vintage market despite its historical importance as the foundation for the Grand Seiko. Finding one with a dial this clean is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the stainless steel case and gold indices creates a sophisticated two-tone effect that is very stylish. This is a watch that offers tremendous value and history for the discerning collector. History Introduced in 1959, the Seiko Crown was developed to be an improvement over the Seiko Marvel, featuring a larger balance wheel and higher precision. It was the top-tier manual wind watch in Seiko's catalog and demonstrated the company's ability to compete with Swiss chronometry. The technology developed for the Crown directly paved the way for the release of the first Grand Seiko in 1960, making the Crown an essential chapter in the story of high-end Japanese watchmaking. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1-3 days after purchase. The watch will be securely packaged and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. Please review the pictures carefully before bidding. We strive to showcase the watch from multiple angles for an accurate representation. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. The watch will be delivered in fully functional working condition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SCJ-0012