Seiko - Sportsman - No reserve price - 14091 - Men - 1960-1969

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This exceptional mid-century timepiece represents a beautiful intersection of elegant dress watch aesthetics and robust everyday engineering. The Seiko Sportsman line was designed to offer reliability and timeless style, and this particular example stands out entirely due to its mesmerizing deep blue dial. Paired with sharp stainless steel architecture and the highly collectible Seahorse caseback, this watch captures the ambitious spirit of Japanese watchmaking during the 1960s, making it a highly compelling acquisition for the discerning vintage enthusiast. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsman Waterproof Reference Number: 14091 Serial Number: 2403078 Movement: Manual Wind, Caliber 436, 17 Jewels Dial: Deep blue glossy dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean preservation Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial is the undeniable focal point of this timepiece, presenting a rich, deep blue surface that shifts beautifully under varying light conditions. It features applied, polished silver-tone dagger indices that are sharply faceted to catch the light from every angle. The typography is crisp and highly detailed, featuring an elegant mix of script and serif fonts for the Seiko Sportsman signature, alongside the prominent sans-serif "WATER PROOF" and script "Diashock" designations above the six o'clock marker. The factory dial code JAPAN SMS 4S-482-E is clearly printed at the very bottom edge. The time is indicated by a set of sharp, unlumed silver-tone dauphine hands and a sweeping center seconds hand. Upon close inspection, the dial is exceptionally preserved, remaining free of moisture stains, heavy spotting, or print loss, showing only the absolute faintest signs of natural aging visible strictly under macro magnification. Case and Crystal The 36 millimeter stainless steel case features a classic round profile with a smooth, polished bezel. The lug geometry remains highly attractive, with sharp, well-defined profiles and the practical addition of drilled lug holes for effortless strap changes. The case exhibits honest, light handling marks and micro-scratches entirely consistent with careful vintage wear, with no deep gouges or signs of heavy over-polishing. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that provides excellent clarity to the dial, showing only very fine, superficial hairlines under harsh lighting. The knurled, domed crown sits flush against the case flank. Turning the watch over reveals a snap-on caseback featuring the deeply engraved and highly sought-after Seiko Seahorse logo, surrounded by crisp text denoting its stainless steel construction and original waterproof designation. Movement Powering this timepiece is the beautifully preserved, manual-winding Seikosha Caliber 436, featuring 17 jewels and Seiko's proprietary Diashock shock protection system. Visual inspection of the movement reveals clean plates, bright ruby jewels, and clear factory engravings. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece at +16s to +21s/day. Strap The watch is presented on a black textured leather strap that complements the deep tones of the dial. The strap features distinctive, heavy white cross-stitching near the lugs and is secured by a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is a remarkable survivor, boasting an incredibly clean surface and vibrant color that is rarely seen in models of this era. The stainless steel case retains strong lines and sharp drilled lugs, displaying only normal, light superficial wear. The Seahorse caseback engraving remains deep and highly legible, and the movement is remarkably clean. Dimensions The case measures exactly 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks Finding a vintage Seiko Sportsman with a dial of this color and caliber is a rare occurrence. The combination of the vibrant blue face, the sharp dauphine hands, and the historically significant Seahorse caseback elevates this piece beyond a standard vintage dress watch. It wears beautifully on the wrist, offering a substantial 36 millimeter presence that feels highly relevant by modern standards while retaining its authentic mid-century charm. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Seiko Sportsman collection was created to bridge the gap between formal dress watches and the need for durable, everyday timekeepers. The inclusion of the "Water Proof" designation on the dial and the Seahorse emblem on the caseback were proud declarations of Seiko's advancing case technology. The Seahorse logo specifically became a hallmark of Seiko's early water-resistant models, predating the modern dive watch era and symbolizing the brand's commitment to creating robust, reliable watches for the active individual. Today, these models are celebrated for their clean design language and significant role in Seiko's historical catalog. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSW-0012