Seiko Crown 15002 (1961)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This 1961 Seiko Crown presents a beautifully preserved dial with a strong sunburst effect, offering a quintessential vintage Seiko dress watch experience. The exceptionally clean silver face and classic proportions highlight the elegance of this early Suwa Seikosha design, while the visually clean manual-wind movement inside connects directly to the foundation of the Grand Seiko lineage. Brand: Seiko Model: Seiko Crown Reference Number: 15002 Serial Number: 1171739 Movement: Manual wind, Caliber 560, 19 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated (20 microns), stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1961 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -6-8s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is beautifully preserved, displaying an exceptionally clean finish with a strong sunburst effect. Bright and well-preserved applied gold-tone indices complement the crisp, fully intact printed typography. The time is indicated by original gold-tone dauphine hands, which show light age-appropriate oxidation and minor spotting on the minute hand visible under macro inspection. Case and Crystal The 20-micron gold-plated case features a thin integrated bezel and a stainless steel caseback bearing clear engravings, including the Crane logo on the interior. The case presents honest vintage wear, with light surface scratches on the flanks and bezel. Expected plating degradation and visible plating loss are present on the reverse side of the lugs. An unsigned knurled crown with intact plating completes the case profile. The domed acrylic crystal remains clear, showing no significant scratches or crazing. Movement Inside beats the Seikosha Caliber 560, a 19-jewel manual-wind movement. The plates and bridges feature a neat brushed finish and are visually clean, showing no obvious signs of corrosion or damaged screw heads. Clear engravings read Seikosha, 19 Jewels, and 560. Recording -6-8s/day on the timegrapher, the caliber is exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic black leather strap featuring contrast stitching. The strap appears lightly used or new, complementing the traditional dress watch aesthetic beautifully. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial stands out for its exceptional preservation and striking sunburst finish. The hands display minor, natural oxidation. The gold-plated case shows honest wear, with light scratching and visible plating loss confined primarily to the reverse side of the lugs. The domed acrylic crystal is clear and well-preserved. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result, the movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This Seiko Crown offers an outstanding opportunity to acquire a foundational model in Japanese watchmaking with an exceptionally clean silver sunburst dial. The classic dress watch proportions and visually clean manual-wind movement make it a highly compelling addition to any vintage collection. History Introduced in 1959, the Seiko Crown was originally produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory and quickly became a highly successful model for the brand. The Crown is historically significant as it served as the direct mechanical and philosophical foundation for the prestigious Grand Seiko line. The hand-wound Caliber 560 housed within this model acts as a vital evolutionary link between the earlier Seiko Marvel and the very first Grand Seiko 3180. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-CXX-0030