Seiko Crown Special 15021 (1960-1969)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A highly sought-after vintage dress watch, this Seiko Crown Special offers a striking silver sunburst dial paired with a sharp 14K gold-filled case. This specific example stands out for its well-preserved lug geometry and visually pristine Seikosha 341 manual-wind movement, presenting a highly compelling acquisition for enthusiasts of mid-century Japanese watchmaking. Brand: Seiko Model: Crown Special Reference Number: 15021 Serial Number: D211745 Movement: Seikosha Caliber 341, manual wind, 23 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 14K Gold Filled, Stainless Steel Caseback Production Year: 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: 39+41s/day, running in operational condition. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is exceptionally clean, presenting an immaculate surface with sharp applied gold-tone indices that remain bright and unoxidized. The printed text, reading "SEIKO CROWN", "Special", "DIASHOCK 23 JEWELS", and "JAPAN", is crisp and fully intact. There is no visible spotting, staining, or moisture damage on the dial. The gold-tone dauphine hands feature sharp edges and a consistent finish, remaining clean with minimal to no oxidation. Case and Crystal The 36 mm case features a 14K gold-filled front and a stainless steel back, retaining crisp geometry and well-defined lug edges. The thick gold-filled layer shows no significant plating loss or deep dents, exhibiting only light superficial scratches consistent with careful wear. A thin, integrated gold-filled bezel surrounds the dial, remaining clean with only light handling marks. The watch is fitted with an unsigned knurled crown that retains its plating. A clear domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, showing no significant scratches, crazing, or cracks. Movement Inside beats the Seikosha caliber 341, a 23-jewel manual-wind movement. The caliber is visually very clean, with crisp gold-filled engravings reading "CROWN SPECIAL", "SEIKOSHA", "23 JEWELS", and "341". There is no visible corrosion, oxidation, or damaged screw heads. 39+41s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch. Strap The timepiece is paired with a brown textured leather strap featuring thick contrast stitching. The strap shows moderate wear and creasing. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The dial is stunningly preserved with bright indices and clean hands. The gold-filled case retains sharp edges with only light superficial scratches, while the crystal is clear. The leather strap exhibits moderate wear. Dimensions The case size is 36 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Crown Special offers an exceptionally clean dial and a wonderfully preserved gold-filled case. The sharp dauphine hands and pristine Seikosha 341 movement make it a superb example of a sought-after vintage Seiko dress watch. History The Seiko Crown Special is a highly regarded vintage model that served as a precursor to the Grand Seiko line. Introduced in August 1961, the caliber 341 was created by incorporating improvements developed during the first Grand Seiko project back into the Crown series. These models were typically housed in cases featuring a substantial 80-micron layer of 14K gold, offering significant presence and durability. Finding a Crown Special in this state of preservation provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate a pivotal era in Japanese watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-CSX-0002