Seiko - Crown 王華 (Ōka) – Royal Splendor - No reserve price - 572990 - Men - 1965

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Crown represents a pivotal moment in Japanese horological history, serving as the direct predecessor and technical foundation for the very first Grand Seiko. With its oversized 36mm profile and precise manual-winding movement, this 1965 example offers collectors a chance to own the flagship model that elevated Seiko to world-class status. Its clean aesthetic and significant historical lineage make it a standout choice for enthusiasts of mid-century design. Brand: Seiko Model: Crown Serial Number: 572990 Movement: Manual Wind, Seikosha 21 Jewels Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Chrome Plated with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1965 Condition: Good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally preserved, while the case shows honest signs of age and handling consistent with its history. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the highlight of this timepiece, presenting in excellent condition with a crisp radial finish. It features polished, multi-faceted applied baton hour markers that catch the light beautifully. The dauphine-style hands are sharp and legible, complementing the minimalist aesthetic. The text "Seiko Crown" and "Diashock 21 Jewels" remains sharp and distinct, with the small "Japan" text visible at the bottom edge. Case and Crystal The case measures 36mm, a "jumbo" size for the era that offers a contemporary presence on the wrist today. The case is stamped "STP" on the back, indicating a plated construction with a stainless steel caseback. There is visible vintage wear to the plating on the lugs and bezel edges, revealing the base metal underneath, which adds to the honest character of the watch. A gold-tone winding crown provides a subtle contrast to the silver-tone case. The acrylic crystal is clean and offers a clear view of the dial. Movement Powering the watch is the robust Seikosha manual-winding movement with 21 jewels. This caliber was renowned for its stability and was the base architecture for the first Grand Seiko movement. The watch is currently running with a timegrapher reading of +42 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high quality brown leather strap with contrasting stitching. The texture of the leather complements the vintage nature of the case and makes for a comfortable wear. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case shows evident plating wear and patina typical of a 60-year-old plated watch, the dial remains in stunning condition, free from significant spotting or damage. It is a running example that balances cosmetic history with mechanical reliability. Dimensions With a diameter of 36mm excluding the crown, the watch wears larger than many dress watches of the 1960s, making it suitable for modern tastes while retaining its classic proportions. Remarks The Seiko Crown is an essential piece for any serious Seiko collector, bridging the gap between the Marvel and the Grand Seiko. This specific example, with its high jewel count and remarkably clean dial, offers a beautiful entry point into high-end vintage Japanese watchmaking. History Introduced in the late 1950s, the Seiko Crown was developed to be the company's most accurate wristwatch, improving upon the previous Marvel series. Its success in domestic chronometer trials paved the way for the creation of the Grand Seiko in 1960, utilizing the Crown's movement architecture as its base. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SCD-0012