Seiko Crown J14096ED (1962)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A beautifully preserved example of the classic Seiko Crown. This 1962 timepiece is distinguished by its exceptionally clean silver sunburst dial and sharp stainless steel case, offering classic mid-century dress watch proportions. Retaining crisp caseback engravings and powered by the respected Seikosha 560 manual-winding movement, this watch presents collectors with a highly attractive and historically significant model in pristine visual condition. Brand: Seiko Model: Seiko Crown Reference Number: J14096ED Serial Number: 2551648 Movement: Manual winding Seikosha Caliber 560, 21 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 34mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1962 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +30+35s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The pristine and highly attractive dial features a silver sunburst finish that remains exceptionally clean. All printed text, including the Seiko Crown, Diashock 21 Jewels, and Japan signatures, is crisp with no visible loss. The applied indices are bright and free of significant oxidation, complementing the dial perfectly. The dauphine hands are well preserved, showing only minor surface dust or micro-oxidation that is visible strictly under macro inspection. Overall, the hands are clean and match the dial's excellent preservation. Case and Crystal The 34 mm stainless steel case is in honest vintage condition, showing minimal signs of heavy polishing. It is well preserved with light superficial scratches consistent with careful wear. The lugs retain good geometry and sharp inner edges, while the smooth polished bezel shows only light handling marks and integrates cleanly with the case. The caseback engravings are crisp and fully legible. The watch is fitted with an unsigned knurled crown, with its plating and knurling remaining in good condition. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and is clear, with no significant scratches, crazing, or cracks visible. Movement Powering the watch is the manual winding Seikosha Caliber 560, configured with 21 jewels. The movement is visually very clean, with plates and bridges showing no significant scratches or corrosion. The screw heads are in good condition, and the Seikosha, 21 Jewels, and 560 engravings are clear and prominent. Recording +30+35s/day on the timegrapher, the movement is performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is paired with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching and an unsigned clasp. The strap appears lightly used or new, providing a classic pairing that beautifully complements the bright silver dial. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents a stunning, exceptionally clean silver sunburst dial and well-preserved dauphine hands. The stainless steel case retains sharp inner lug edges and crisp caseback engravings, displaying only light superficial scratches. The domed acrylic crystal is clear and free of significant wear. The 21-jewel manual winding movement is visually clean and, supported by the timegrapher results, is running strong and steady. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This Seiko Crown stands out for its pristine silver sunburst dial and sharp case geometry. The crisp caseback engravings and clean 21-jewel Seikosha 560 movement further enhance its appeal, making it a highly attractive acquisition for enthusiasts of mid-century Japanese horology. History Introduced in 1959, the Seiko Crown was strategically positioned in the brand's lineup between the Seiko Marvel and the Grand Seiko. The model holds significant historical weight, as the manually wound Seikosha Caliber 560 movement that powers the Crown served as the mechanical foundation for the very first Grand Seiko. Produced in both 19-jewel and 21-jewel configurations, the Caliber 560 also featured a hacking function known as a Second Setting complication, allowing the user to synchronize the watch to the exact second. The J14096 reference in particular has a notable heritage, having been specifically produced for and utilized by the Japanese National Railways during the 1960s. 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-CJX-0026