Seiko - Crown - No reserve price - J14066 - Men - 1960

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This historically significant Seiko Crown presents an exceptionally well-preserved dial from the foundational era of Japanese watchmaking. A sought-after model that served as the mechanical precursor to the legendary Grand Seiko line, this piece offers a remarkably clean silver sunburst display that contrasts wonderfully with its honest, worn-in gold-plated case. The combination of a pristine dial and visible exterior patina creates a compelling aesthetic for those who appreciate authentic mid-century character. Brand: Seiko Model: Crown Reference Number: J14066 Serial Number: 033607 Movement: Manual wind Seikosha Caliber 560, 19 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (EGP 20M) / Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1960 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +51+56s/day, running in operational condition. Dial and Hands The dial is exceptionally clean and well-preserved, featuring a radiant silver sunburst finish that reflects light beautifully. Applied gold-tone indices remain bright and sharply defined, complementing the crisp, fully intact printed typography. The display is entirely free of significant spotting or moisture damage, presenting a remarkably clear face that defies its age. Time is indicated by original gold-tone dauphine hands, which display age-appropriate patina in the form of light oxidation and micro-spotting visible under close magnification. Case and Crystal The gold-plated case features a stainless steel back and exhibits moderate, honest vintage wear, displaying visible plating degradation. Tarnishing and plating loss are evident on the lug edges and case flanks, alongside surface scratches present throughout the metal. The integrated gold-tone bezel mirrors the case condition with matching plating wear and light scratches. An unsigned gold-tone crown shows significant plating wear on its fluted edges. The domed acrylic crystal remains clear, with no major scratches, cracks, or crazing visible to obscure the dial. Movement Inside beats the original Seikosha Caliber 560, a 19-jewel manual wind movement. The plates feature clear engravings denoting the caliber, jewel count, and Seikosha origin. The movement shows some light surface scratches and minor marks, maintaining a generally clean appearance with no heavy corrosion visible. +51+56s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown patterned leather strap featuring contrast stitching. The strap shows light wear and pairs handsomely with the gold-tone case, offering a comfortable and classic presentation on the wrist. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial stands out in excellent condition, remaining exceptionally clean and bright. The case and bezel show honest, moderate wear with noticeable plating loss, tarnishing, and surface scratches consistent with decades of use. The hands exhibit light oxidation under magnification, while the crystal remains clear and well-preserved. The movement is running in operational condition. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Seiko Crown offers a highly attractive dial condition paired with the authentic character of a worn vintage case. Powered by the foundational Seikosha 560 caliber, it represents a pivotal era in Japanese horology and remains a highly desirable acquisition for vintage enthusiasts. History Introduced in 1959, the Seiko Crown holds a highly significant place in the brand's timeline. It was developed to improve upon the Marvel and ultimately served as the mechanical foundation for the very first Grand Seiko in 1960. The Crown established new standards for accuracy and reliability in Japanese watchmaking, utilizing a larger mainspring barrel and balance wheel within its Seikosha caliber. Today, the Crown is a sought-after model for collectors who appreciate the transitional and foundational designs that paved the way for Seiko's modern prestige. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-CXX-0022