Seiko - Seikomatic - No reserve price - 15031DE - Men - 1962

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This is a beautiful example of early 1960s Japanese watchmaking, embodying the elegant and innovative spirit of Seiko’s golden era. The Seikomatic line was designed to showcase the brand's advancements in automatic winding technology, famously hiding the crown at the four o'clock position to emphasize that manual winding was no longer necessary. With its classic proportions, sophisticated dial layout, and robust Seikosha movement, this timepiece offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire a mechanically significant and visually charming mid-century dress watch. Brand: Seiko Model: Seikomatic Reference Number: 15031DE Serial Number: 2510303 Movement: Automatic Seikosha Caliber 603 Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exhibiting honest, scattered age-related spotting and patina Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1962 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and characterful dial aging Dial and Hands The watch features a classic silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully, providing a dynamic backdrop for the elegant dial furniture. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton hour markers, with a prominent double marker at the twelve o'clock position. The elegant dauphine hands provide sharp, legible timekeeping. The dial displays the cursive "Seikomatic" script below twelve o'clock, and "Diashock 30 Jewels" above six o'clock, accompanied by the distinctive star logo indicating a special dial variant. Upon close inspection, the dial exhibits a scattered, age-consistent patina with light spotting and subtle discoloration visible across the surface. This honest aging imparts a distinct vintage character to the watch without detracting from the crisp, well-preserved printed typography. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case boasts a timeless, well-proportioned silhouette with smoothly sweeping lugs. A defining feature of this model is the recessed crown positioned at four o'clock, a design choice intended to highlight the automatic nature of the movement. The case presents in good vintage condition, showing honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and softening of the edges consistent with decades of use. The snap-on caseback displays the reference number 15031DE and "Automatic Winding" text, though the central emblem has faded significantly over time from normal wear. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that remains clear, providing an undistorted view of the vintage dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the impressive Seikosha Caliber 603, a 30-jewel automatic movement known for its durability and engineering quality. The movement is beautifully finished with gold-toned plates and a rotor proudly signed "Seikomatic 30 Jewels Seikosha." The caliber designation "603" is clearly stamped on the base plate. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a performance of +60 to +66 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile pattern and contrasting reddish-brown lining. It is secured with a classic stainless steel pin buckle, complementing the dressy aesthetic of the timepiece perfectly. Condition This Seikomatic is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains its fundamental shape but shows expected overall surface wear, fine scratches, and handling marks typical of a watch from the early 1960s. The dial displays noticeable, even spotting and patina throughout, which adds a layer of authentic vintage charm for collectors who appreciate an untouched aesthetic. The movement is clean and fully operational. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Seikomatic 15031DE is a highly wearable and historically interesting piece that captures the essence of mid-century Japanese horology. Its combination of a refined dial layout, the quirky hidden crown, and a high-jewel count automatic movement makes it a compelling addition to any vintage watch collection. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Seikomatic line represented a major step forward for Seiko in the realm of automatic timepieces. Designed for the modern businessman, these watches were marketed on the premise of convenience, utilizing Seiko's highly efficient "Magic Lever" winding system. To boldly communicate that the watch wound itself on the wrist, Seiko designers intentionally recessed the crown at the four o'clock position, creating a perfectly symmetrical case profile. The Seikomatic family laid the groundwork for many of Seiko's future premium lines, including the early automatic Grand Seiko and King Seiko models, making it a pivotal chapter in the brand's storied manufacturing history. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SMJ-0022