Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A significant piece of Japanese horological history, this Seiko Crown represents the pinnacle of Seiko's mid-century dress watch design immediately prior to the Grand Seiko era. Known as the technical foundation upon which the first Grand Seiko was built, this specific example features a stunningly preserved dial and the robust Seikosha manual wind movement. It combines mid-century elegance with genuine historical importance, making it a highly desirable acquisition for the discerning collector of vintage Japanese timepieces. Brand: Seiko Model: Crown Reference Number: J14066 Serial Number: 032909 Movement: Manual Wind Cal. 560 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Gold Plated (EGP 20 Microns) Production Year: 1960 Condition: Good vintage condition. The movement runs well with timegrapher results between -10s and -15s/day, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The highlight of this timepiece is the exceptional silver sunburst dial, which remains in stunning condition for its age. It features applied gold-tone baton hour markers that catch the light beautifully, complemented by sharp gold-tone Dauphine hands. The "Seiko Crown" script is crisp and elegant, accompanied by the "Diashock 19 Jewels" text at the lower half. The dial surface is remarkably clean with virtually no signs of aging, offering a bright and sophisticated presentation that contrasts warmly with the gold-tone accents. Case and Crystal The case is finished in 20-micron Electro Gold Plating (EGP), as stamped on the caseback, giving it a rich and warm luster. Measuring 35mm excluding the crown, it sits prominently on the wrist with the classic proportions of a 1960s dress watch. As expected with an honest vintage piece of this era, the case shows signs of character, with visible wear and brassing to the gold plating on the lug tips and edges. The snap-back caseback is stainless steel and retains its original engravings, including the crane logo associated with Seiko's high-grade movements of the period. The acrylic crystal is domed and clear, providing an undistorted view of the dial. Movement Powering this watch is the manual wind Seikosha Caliber 560, a 19-jewel movement that is renowned for its reliability and role in Seiko's development of high-precision calibers. The bridge is signed "Seikosha" and "19 Jewels," showcasing the high level of finishing standard for the Crown line. The movement winds smoothly and is running within vintage tolerances, with a timegrapher reading of -10s to -15s per day, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a new brown leather strap featuring contrast stitching. The rich tone of the leather complements the gold plating of the case and the silver sunburst dial, enhancing the overall vintage dress aesthetic. Condition This example is in good vintage condition. While the case shows honest wear to the gold plating consistent with its age and history, the dial has been preserved in excellent condition, appearing fresh and attractive. The movement is clean and functioning correctly, making this a wearable piece of history. Dimensions The case measures 35mm in diameter excluding the winding crown. The lug-to-lug length creates a balanced profile suitable for most wrist sizes, maintaining the classic dress watch silhouette of the mid-20th century. Remarks The Seiko Crown is often cited by experts as one of the most important models in the brand's history, bridging the gap between the Marvel and the first Grand Seiko. Finding one with such a pristine dial is becoming increasingly difficult. This watch offers a unique opportunity to own a pivotal reference in Japanese watchmaking history that can still be worn elegantly today. History Introduced in the late 1950s, the Seiko Crown was developed to be the company's flagship high-precision timepiece. It utilized a large balance wheel and a newly designed movement architecture that allowed for greater accuracy than its predecessors. The success of the Crown directly paved the way for the launch of the Grand Seiko in 1960, utilizing the same base movement architecture. As such, the Crown is considered the father of the Grand Seiko line. 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-SCD-0008