Seiko - Sportsmatic 榮環 – Eikan – Circle of Honor - No reserve price - 15017 - Men - 1962

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This early 1960s Seiko Sportsmatic is a masterclass in minimalist mid-century design, offering a sleek profile that remains timeless today. Featuring the distinct recessed crown at the 4 o'clock position, the case maintains a perfectly symmetrical and streamlined silhouette that sits elegantly on the wrist without protrusions. With its radiant silver sunburst dial and robust Seikosha automatic movement, this piece represents the golden era of high-quality Japanese horology, combining functional reliability with sophisticated dress watch aesthetics. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsmatic Reference Number: 15017 Serial Number: 214027 Movement: Automatic Caliber 2451 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1962 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch is very well preserved for its age with a clean dial and a sharp, attractive case, making it a collector-grade example. Dial and Hands The dial features a stunning silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with polished, applied baton indices, with a double marker at the 12 o'clock position for orientation. The polished dauphine hands are sharp and corrosion-free, complementing the minimalist aesthetic. The dial text is crisp, displaying the applied "Seiko Sportsmatic" logo with the signature spinning top emblem, along with "Diashock 17 Jewels" at the 6 o'clock position. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is approximately 36mm in diameter and features the signature Sportsmatic design with the crown recessed into the case at the 4 o'clock position, creating a seamless and uninterrupted round profile. The case retains strong lines and a high-polish finish, showing only minimal signs of handling consistent with careful preservation. The caseback features the original "Seiko Sportsmatic" and waterproof engravings, which remain legible. The acrylic crystal is clear and presents well, enhancing the visibility of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust Seiko Caliber 2451 automatic movement. The rotor is signed "Seiko Sportsmatic," and the bridge bears the historic "Seikosha" stamping, indicating early production. The 17-jewel movement is clean and is running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching and a stainless steel buckle. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the monochrome elegance of the dial and case. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean with no visible staining or damage. The case shows only very light surface marks typical of a watch of this era but retains its original geometry and shine. The hands and indices are bright and free of oxidation. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the hidden crown, providing a classic and versatile size that fits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This Reference 15017 is a prime example of the "Seiko 5" predecessor era, where the Sportsmatic line set the standard for daily-wear automatic watches. The hidden crown feature is a delightful design quirk that enthusiasts specifically look for in these early models, as it emphasizes the automatic nature of the watch—implying that manual winding is unnecessary. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Seiko Sportsmatic was designed to be a durable, practical, and stylish watch for the active individual. It played a pivotal role in Seiko's history, bridging the gap between their earlier manual wind watches and the forthcoming widespread adoption of automatic movements. This specific example, dating to 1962, hails from the foundational years of Seiko's dominance in automatic watch manufacturing. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSJ-0018