Seiko Crown 14036 (1959)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A foundational piece of Seiko's dress watch history, this 1959 Seiko Crown features a beautifully preserved silver sunburst dial accented by crisp gold-tone indices. A personalized Japanese presentation engraving on the caseback adds a distinct layer of character to this historically significant precursor to the Grand Seiko line. Brand: Seiko Model: Crown Reference Number: 14036 Serial Number: 962641 Movement: Manual wind Seikosha caliber 560 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1959 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +39+42s/day, running in operational condition. Dial and Hands The dial is exceptionally clean and vibrant, showcasing a very well-preserved silver sunburst finish. Applied gold-tone indices remain bright, providing excellent contrast against the silver background. All printed text, including "Seiko Crown", "Diashock 19 Jewels", and "JAPAN", is crisp and fully intact with minimal to no visible spotting or staining. The gold-tone dauphine hands complement the indices but display visible oxidation and fine spotting on their surfaces under macro inspection. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a polished finish and displays honest vintage wear, with moderate surface scratches consistent with its age. The lugs retain good shape without signs of heavy over-polishing. A smooth stainless steel bezel surrounds the dial, showing light surface scratches that align with the wear on the case. The watch is fitted with an unsigned knurled crown, exhibiting a finish consistent with the rest of the metalwork. The caseback bears a specific Japanese presentation engraving alongside the serial number 962641. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, with no major scratches, cracks, or crazing visible. Movement Powering the watch is the manual wind Seikosha caliber 560, clearly engraved with "SEIKOSHA", "19 JEWELS", and "560". The movement displays visible spotting, tarnish, and light surface oxidation on the plates and gears, while the screws show some wear. The timegrapher records +39+42s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch. Strap The watch is paired with a black leather strap featuring distinctive thick white and orange contrast stitching. The strap presents bold styling and shows light wear. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial is excellently preserved with a bright sunburst finish, while the hands show light oxidation. The stainless steel case and bezel exhibit moderate scratches and honest wear, retaining good overall lug shape. The movement plates and gears show visible spotting and tarnish. The timegrapher records +39+42s/day, confirming the watch is running in operational condition. Dimensions The case measures 33 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Seiko Crown offers a compelling combination of historical significance and visual charm. The exceptionally clean sunburst dial provides a striking presence on the wrist, while the personalized Japanese presentation engraving offers a unique connection to its past ownership. History Introduced in 1959, the Seiko Crown was developed as a direct improvement over the earlier Marvel line. Its refined architecture and elevated design language heavily influenced the creation of the first Grand Seiko. The reference 14036 was produced between 1959 and 1969, serving as a prominent model in Seiko's mid-century dress watch catalog. The watch is powered by the manual-wind Seikosha caliber 560, a reliable movement produced in both 19-jewel and 21-jewel variants during this important era of Japanese watchmaking. 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-0027