Now available at auction from Second Vintage
This sought-after 1959 Seiko Crown presents a remarkable opportunity for collectors of early Japanese horology. Featuring an exceptionally clean sunburst dial that remains stunningly preserved, this elegant dress watch showcases the refined aesthetic that would soon influence the foundational designs of the brand.
Brand: Seiko
Model: Crown
Reference Number: 1959
Serial Number: 980244
Movement: Seikosha caliber 560, 19 jewels, manual-winding
Dial: Exceptionally clean sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices
Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Gold-tone
Production Year: 1959
Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +50+52s/day, running in operational condition.
Dial and Hands
The dial is stunningly preserved, presenting beautifully with an exceptionally clean sunburst finish. The applied gold-tone indices are bright and intact, complementing the crisp printed text that reads "Seiko Crown" and "DIASHOCK 19 JEWELS". The original Dauphine hands retain their sharp shape and form, showing minor surface oxidation and micro-spotting under magnification, providing a light, age-appropriate patina.
Case and Crystal
The 34 mm gold-tone case features an elegant slim profile typical of late 1950s dress watches. The case exhibits honest wear consistent with age, including moderate surface scratches on the flanks and the thin integrated bezel, which also shows minor plating wear on its edges. On the reverse side, there is significant plating wear and brassing visible on the underside of the lugs, along with green oxidation present around the caseback seating area. The unsigned ribbed crown displays some plating wear on its outer edge. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, remaining clear with no significant scratches, cracks, or crazing visible.
Movement
Inside beats the classic manual-winding Seikosha caliber 560, featuring 19 jewels. The movement appears generally clean, displaying engravings for "SEIKOSHA", "19 JEWELS", and "560". There are some minor marks on the screw heads and light surface wear on the plates. The timegrapher records +50+52s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch.
Strap
The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring distinctive white and brown contrast stitching. The strap appears unworn or very lightly used.
Condition
Good vintage condition. The dial is stunningly preserved with crisp details, while the case exhibits honest wear consistent with its age. Notable wear includes significant plating loss and brassing on the reverse side of the lugs, green oxidation around the caseback seating area, and moderate surface scratches on the flanks and bezel. The hands display minor oxidation, and the crown shows plating wear on its outer edge. The movement is running in operational condition, recording +50+52s/day on the timegrapher.
Dimensions
The case measures 34 mm (excluding the crown).
Remarks
This early Seiko Crown offers a stunningly preserved dial that immediately draws the eye. Powered by the classic Seikosha 560 caliber, it represents a highly respected and historically significant lineage for the brand, making it a compelling addition for any collector.
History
Introduced in the late 1950s, the Seiko Crown is a foundational model that directly influenced the creation of the Grand Seiko line. Designed to offer high precision and elegant aesthetics, the Crown series showcased the rapidly advancing technical capabilities of the era. Early examples like the reference 1959 are sought-after by collectors who appreciate their historical significance and the refined, slim profile typical of mid-century dress watches.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: SEI-CXX-0017













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Seiko - Crown - No reserve price - 1959 - Men - 1959
Seiko • 1959
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