Seiko Cronos 貴銀 (Kigin) – Noble J13046 (1962)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage An exceptional example of early 1960s Japanese horology, this Seiko Cronos Water 50 Proof represents a significant chapter in the history of the Daini Seikosha factory. As a high-end manual wind timepiece produced just before the golden era of King Seiko and Grand Seiko, this reference J13046 combines the elegance of a dress watch with the robust specification of a "Water Proof" case. With its highly desirable Seahorse caseback and incredibly preserved dial, this watch offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of the lineage that established Seiko as a world-class manufacture. Brand: Seiko Model: Cronos Water 50 Proof Reference Number: J13046 Serial Number: 2013921 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 57B Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1962 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably clean dial and a legible caseback engraving. Timegrapher results show the movement running between -5 and -12 seconds per day with strong amplitude, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in stunning condition, retaining a bright and metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. It features faceted applied baton indices which are doubled at the 12 o'clock position, adding depth and sophistication to the face. The razor-sharp dauphine hands are polished to a high shine, complementing the applied "Seiko Cronos" script logo. The distinct "Water 50 Proof" text and the Daini factory lightning bolt logo above the six o'clock marker are crisp and fully intact. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case displays the classic design language of the early 1960s with tapered lugs that offer a comfortable fit on the wrist. The case remains sharp with well-defined edges, showing normal surface scratches and handling marks consistent with its age and history. The screw-down caseback is a highlight for collectors, featuring the iconic Seahorse logo and "Water Proof 50" text. While many examples from this era have these engravings polished away, this example retains a visible and distinct Seahorse motif alongside the reference and serial numbers. The crystal is clear and presents well. Movement Powering the watch is the robust Seiko Caliber 57B manual wind movement, featuring 21 jewels and Diashock protection. This high-grade movement was a flagship engine for the Daini factory. The movement is clean, aesthetically pleasing, and is currently offering reliable vintage performance. Timegrapher testing indicates the watch is running within vintage tolerances between -5 and -12 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the sporty yet dressy nature of the "Water 50 Proof" aesthetic. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean, free from significant spotting or staining often found on silver dials of this vintage. The case shows honest signs of wear with surface scratches but no signs of abuse. The movement is clean and functioning well with good amplitude. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The lug-to-lug length ensures a proportionate presence on a variety of wrist sizes, typical of classic vintage dress watches. Remarks Finding a Cronos "Water 50 Proof" with a dial this pristine and a caseback that still proudly displays the Seahorse logo is becoming increasingly difficult. This model serves as a direct ancestor to the legendary King Seiko 44KS, sharing similar movement architecture. It is a collector-grade piece that perfectly balances historical significance with wearable elegance. History Introduced in the late 1950s, the Seiko Cronos was the Daini factory's answer to the Suwa factory's Marvel. It was a high-performance manual wind watch that pushed the boundaries of accuracy and thinness for Seiko at the time. The "Water 50 Proof" designation signifies a move towards more durable, everyday watches that did not sacrifice style. The Cronos line is historically pivotal as the movement design eventually evolved into the calibers used in the first King Seiko models, cementing its place in the hierarchy of superior Japanese watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SCW-0001