Seiko Crown 14036 (1959)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Discover a significant piece of Japanese horological history with this exceptional Seiko Crown, a model revered for paving the way for the legendary Grand Seiko. Produced in 1959, this reference 14036 stands as a testament to Seiko's dedication to precision and elegance during the mid-century era. With its sophisticated silver sunburst dial, applied gold-tone accents, and the iconic "Tsuru" (crane) engraved caseback, this timepiece offers a perfect blend of dress watch refinement and historical collectibility. Brand: Seiko Model: Crown Reference Number: 14036 Serial Number: 970785 Movement: Seikosha Manual Wind 19 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1959 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and sharp case lines. Dial and Hands The dial is the highlight of this timepiece, presenting a stunning silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It features sophisticated applied gold-tone baton hour markers that add depth and contrast against the silver background. The gold-tone dauphine hands are sharp and elegant, perfectly complementing the indices. The "Seiko Crown" and "Diashock 19 Jewels" text is printed in a classic script font, remaining crisp and legible. The overall presentation of the dial is exceptionally clean, showing minimal signs of aging for a watch of this era. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 33mm and sits comfortably on the wrist with a classic dress watch profile. The lugs are well-defined and sharp, retaining their original geometry. The case shows light surface wear consistent with honest vintage use but remains very attractive. The snap-back caseback is a detail of particular interest to collectors, featuring the deeply engraved "Seiko Crown" script on the exterior and the cherished "Tsuru" (crane) logo on the interior, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. The crystal is clear and offers an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Seikosha manual winding movement with 19 jewels. This caliber is historically significant as a high-grade movement that set the standards for future Seiko chronometers. The movement appears visually clean and well-maintained. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of +40s to +47s/day, which indicates a healthy movement with a strong heartbeat for a vintage mechanism of this age. Strap The watch is fitted with a new brown leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern and contrasting yellow stitching. This choice of strap compliments the gold tones on the dial and adds a warm, vintage character to the overall aesthetic. It is ready to wear immediately. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is stunningly preserved, which is rare for Seiko models from the late 1950s. The stainless steel case retains its structural integrity and finish quality. The movement is running with strong amplitude. Dimensions The case diameter is 33 mm excluding the crown. The lug-to-lug length ensures a refined presence on the wrist, typical of classic dress watches from the 1950s. Remarks The Seiko Crown is more than just a dress watch; it is a cornerstone in the brand's evolution toward high-end watchmaking. Finding a 1959 example with the early caseback engravings and such a pristine dial is becoming increasingly difficult. This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a wearable piece of history that exudes mid-century class. History Introduced in the late 1950s, the Seiko Crown was developed as a higher-performance successor to the Seiko Marvel. It represented the pinnacle of Seiko's technical ability at the time and served as the direct base for the first Grand Seiko released in 1960. The Crown series demonstrated that Seiko could compete with Swiss manufacturers in terms of accuracy and design, making it one of the most important product lines in the company's archives. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SCD-0013