Seiko - Crown - No reserve price - 0912244 - Men - 1960

Now available at auction from Second Vintage

A beautifully preserved example of Seiko's foundational early 1960s dress watch, this 1960 Seiko Crown stands out through its exceptionally clean silver sunburst dial. Featuring elegant cursive script and applied gold-tone faceted indices, the dial condition enhances this classic piece, offering a highly attractive presentation of a historically significant manual-winding caliber.

Brand: Seiko
Model: Seiko Crown
Reference Number: 0912244
Serial Number: 0912244
Movement: Manual-winding Seikosha caliber 560, 21 jewels
Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone faceted indices
Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: 14K gold-filled front, stainless steel back
Production Year: 1960
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +28+32s/day, running strong and steady.

Dial and Hands
Exceptionally clean and well-preserved, the dial features a radiant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. Applied gold-tone faceted indices provide depth and contrast against the bright surface, complemented by crisp cursive printed text that shows no visible loss. The matching gold-tone dauphine hands retain a handsome profile, displaying only minor surface oxidation and micro-scratches visible under magnification, resulting in a light age-appropriate patina.

Case and Crystal
The classic dress watch proportions are housed in a 14K gold-filled front with a stainless steel back, exhibiting honest vintage wear. Light surface scratches and wear are present along the case flanks and lugs, consistent with careful previous use. Some green oxidation, or verdigris, is visible around the inner caseback rim where it meets the case body, which is typical of gold-filled cases from this period. The gold-tone knurled crown features an unsigned face and shows some plating wear on its edges. A clear domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, free from major scratches, cracks, or crazing.

Movement
Inside beats the manual-winding Seikosha caliber 560, a 21-jewel movement that presents beautifully. The plates and bridges are clean, showing minimal signs of tool marks and no visible corrosion or heavy oxidation. Engravings reading Seikosha and 21 Jewels remain clear and sharp across the movement architecture. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a rate of +28+32s/day.

Strap
The watch is fitted with a black textured leather strap featuring brown contrast stitching. The material shows light wear and creasing consistent with use, presenting as an attractive accompaniment that complements the bright silver dial perfectly.

Condition
Excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally preserved with crisp printing and clean sunburst finishing, while the hands show only light, age-appropriate oxidation under magnification. The gold-filled case displays honest wear, including light scratches on the flanks and lugs, some plating wear on the crown, and typical green oxidation around the inner caseback rim. The movement is clean and visually well-preserved.

Dimensions
The case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown.

Remarks
This Seiko Crown offers a superb dial presentation paired with a historically important manual-winding caliber. The exceptional preservation of the sunburst finish and cursive script makes this a highly attractive example of a foundational 1960s dress watch.

History
Launched in 1959 as a high-end dress watch, the Seiko Crown succeeded the Marvel as the brand's flagship timepiece. It was engineered with a larger mainspring barrel and a refined balance wheel to deliver improved accuracy and stability. The robust architecture of the Seiko Crown movement proved so successful that it was chosen as the base for the very first Grand Seiko in 1960. This 1960 production year places the watch right at the heart of a pivotal era for Japanese watchmaking, representing a major step forward in mechanical precision.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination.
Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age.
We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description.
The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use.
If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: SEI-CXX-0028