Seiko - King Seiko [14K Gold Filled] - No reserve price - J14102KS - Men - 1963

Description: Presented for auction by Second Vintage An exceptional example of early 1960s Japanese horology, this first generation King Seiko represents the pinnacle of Seiko's internal rivalry to produce the finest chronometer grade timepieces. Crafted with a luxurious 14K gold filled case and featuring the iconic shield medallion on the caseback, this model embodies the elegant, sharp design language that would define the brand for decades. Brand: Seiko Model: King Seiko Reference Number: J14102KS Serial Number: 3613162 Movement: Manual wind, 25 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold tone faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition with minimal signs of aging Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 14K Gold Filled Production Year: June 1963 Condition: Stunning vintage condition with excellent preservation of case lines and dial Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a masterclass in mid century understatement, featuring a delicate radiant brushing that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with prominent applied gold tone faceted indices, including a distinctive double marker at the twelve o'clock position. The typography is crisp and perfectly preserved, showcasing the distinguished King Seiko branding alongside the Diashock 25 Jewels designation and the AD star logo, indicating an applique dial. The dial remains in exceptionally clean condition, free from significant spotting, moisture damage, or distracting blemishes, presenting an incredibly fresh appearance for its age. The sharp, gold tone dauphine hands are equally well preserved, complementing the indices perfectly and maintaining their highly polished bevels. Case and Crystal The 35 millimeter case is executed in rich 14K gold filled material, exhibiting the sharp, faceted lug profile that is highly characteristic of early King Seiko design. The transitions between the polished surfaces remain remarkably well defined, showing only honest, light handling marks consistent with careful vintage wear. The original factory lines are proudly intact, avoiding the softened look of over polishing. The prominent crown features the correct raised S signature. Turning the watch over reveals a beautifully preserved snap on caseback, highlighted by the deeply engraved King Seiko shield medallion which remains crisp and highly legible. The caseback also clearly displays the reference J14102KS and serial number 3613162. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that offers a warm, distortion free view of the dial beneath, showing no deep scratches or chips. Movement Inside beats the meticulously finished King Seiko 25 jewel manual wind caliber, clearly stamped with the movement serial number 290789. The movement presents beautifully, with clean bridges, polished screw heads, and bright jewels, reflecting a high standard of mechanical care. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show -10s-12s/day, confirming the robust health and precision of this historic caliber. Strap The timepiece is paired with a period correct black textured leather strap, detailed with contrasting yellow stitching that perfectly echoes the gold tones of the case and dial. It is secured by a polished gold tone buckle, providing a comfortable and highly complementary aesthetic for daily wear. Condition Graded in stunning vintage condition, this King Seiko stands out for its remarkable state of preservation. The dial is exceptionally clean, and the gold filled case retains its sharp architectural lines and crisp caseback medallion. It exhibits only minor, age appropriate micro scratches, presenting beautifully on the wrist. Dimensions The case measures 35 millimeters in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic and refined vintage presence on the wrist. Remarks This first generation King Seiko is a historically significant timepiece that captures the essence of Seiko's golden era of mechanical watchmaking. Its combination of a pristine sunburst dial, sharp gold filled case, and the iconic caseback medallion makes it a highly desirable acquisition for the discerning collector of premium Japanese horology. History Introduced in the early 1960s by the Daini Seikosha factory, the King Seiko line was born out of an intense internal rivalry with the Suwa factory's Grand Seiko. The objective was simple yet ambitious, to create the most accurate, beautifully finished, and reliable mechanical watch in the world. The first generation models, like this example, laid the foundational design principles of sharp faceted cases, elegant dauphine hands, and uncluttered dials that remain highly celebrated by vintage enthusiasts today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SKD-0003