Seiko King Seiko J14102 KS (1963)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This early King Seiko reference J14102 presents a highly sought-after chapter in Japanese watchmaking, distinguished by its exceptionally clean silver sunburst dial and classic manual-wind 25-jewel movement. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Reference Number: J14102 KS Serial Number: 3311858 Movement: Manual wind, 25 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 14K Gold Filled Production Year: 1963 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -2-5s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The exceptionally clean and well-preserved silver sunburst dial is a standout feature of this timepiece. It is accented by bright, applied gold-tone indices and crisp, intact printed text, showing minimal signs of aging or spotting. The sharp, gold-tone dauphine hands remain bright with minimal oxidation. Consistent with its dress watch design, there is no luminous material present on the dial or hands. Case and Crystal The 35 mm 14K gold-filled case displays honest wear, featuring a smooth, integrated gold-tone bezel. There are moderate wear and scratches across the surfaces, with some plating wear visible on the lug edges and case flanks. The unsigned gold-tone crown shows significant plating wear and oxidation. On the reverse, the interior of the caseback is marked "14K GOLD FILLED J14102 KS"; however, the exterior caseback medallion is missing, leaving a recessed circular footprint. The domed acrylic crystal shows some light surface scratches consistent with use, but no major cracks or chips, ensuring clear visibility of the dial. Movement Inside beats a very clean manual-wind 25-jewel movement. The plates and bridges show a bright finish with no visible corrosion or significant scratches, while the jewels and screws appear in good condition. The caliber is engraved with "KING SEIKO", "25 JEWELS", and "220372". The recorded timegrapher result is -2-5s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring an alligator pattern and contrast beige stitching. It shows light wear and appears relatively new, complementing the vintage character of the watch. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch displays honest wear throughout the gold-filled case, including moderate scratches and visible plating wear on the lug edges, flanks, and crown. The caseback medallion is missing. The domed acrylic crystal bears light surface scratches. Conversely, the dial and hands are exceptionally well-preserved, remaining remarkably clean and bright. The movement is performing brilliantly, supported by the strong timegrapher results. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This 1963 King Seiko offers an excellent opportunity to acquire an early J14102 reference. The remarkable preservation of the silver sunburst dial and the strong mechanical performance make it a compelling choice for collectors of early Japanese watchmaking. History The early King Seiko J14102 is a highly regarded collector favourite, representing the genesis of one of Seiko's most prestigious lines. The reference number's "J14" prefix denotes a dial diameter of 14.5 lignes. The 35 mm case diameter of the J14102 is smaller than the later 15034 reference. Inside, the unnamed 25-jewel movement in these first-generation King Seiko models was based on the Daini 54A caliber, which was previously utilized in the Cronos and Champion lines. Though unnamed during this initial production run, this manual wind movement was later designated as the caliber 44A. Gold-filled versions of the first-generation King Seiko originally featured an attached caseback medallion with an engraved shield. 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-KJX-0002