Seiko Crown 14036 (1960-1969)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A classic vintage Seiko Crown dress watch, this elegant timepiece centers on an exceptionally clean silver sunburst dial. The beautifully preserved face, paired with a reliable Seikosha manual wind movement, highlights the refined aesthetic of mid-century Japanese dress watch design. The crisp applied gold-tone indices and dauphine hands create a striking visual presence on the wrist. Brand: Seiko Model: Crown Reference Number: 14036 Movement: Manual wind, Seikosha caliber 560, 21 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 34mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-tone Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +3+5s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The dial presents an exceptionally clean silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light, radiating outward from the center. Crisp black typography clearly displays the Seiko Crown and Diashock signatures, complemented by bright, applied gold-tone indices that catch the eye. Time is indicated by lightly aged gold-tone dauphine hands, which show minor oxidation and spotting when viewed under magnification, adding a touch of natural character to the display. Case and Crystal The gold-tone case features a smooth, integrated bezel and exhibits honest wear, with light surface scratches visible throughout its profile. Some verdigris is present on the inner case lip where the caseback seats, a characteristic observation of its base metal construction. The unsigned knurled crown shows plating wear on its outer edges but remains highly functional for winding and setting. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, remaining clear with no significant scratches or crazing visible to obstruct the view of the beautiful dial beneath. Movement Inside beats the manual wind Seikosha caliber 560, featuring 21 jewels. The movement displays clean plates and bridges, with only minor marks visible on the screw heads. Engravings for Seikosha and the jewel count are clearly presented across the architecture. The timegrapher recorded a rate of +3+5s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap, accented by white and orange contrast stitching that adds a subtle touch of color. The strap appears entirely unworn and secures comfortably to the wrist. Condition Good vintage condition. The exceptionally clean dial remains a major highlight of the watch, while the hands show light, natural aging under magnification. The gold-tone case presents honest wear with light surface scratches and some verdigris on the inner case lip. The crown exhibits minor plating wear on its edges. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result, the movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 34mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Seiko Crown offers a highly appealing combination of an exceptionally preserved dial and remarkable mechanical performance. The crisp applied indices and classic proportions make it a highly wearable dress watch with genuine character. It represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a well-running piece of mid-century Japanese horology. History Introduced in the late 1950s and popularized throughout the 1960s, the Seiko Crown line represented a significant step forward in Japanese watchmaking. Designed to offer a larger, more robust movement than its predecessors, the Crown paved the way for the Grand Seiko line that followed. The Seikosha caliber 560 found within this model is celebrated by enthusiasts for its reliable architecture and elegant simplicity. These dress watches reflect a pivotal era when Seiko was refining its domestic production capabilities to compete on the global stage, focusing on precision and clean, legible design. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-CXX-0019