Seiko Crown watch J15003E Vintage 1962

SPECIFICATION

Reference : Seiko Crown J15003E
Movement : cal. 560 18,000bhp 
Age : April 1962
Case Size : 36.5mm
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 44mm
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : used Seiko watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

 POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with some wear from use
• Case and bezel have some light scratches
  
• Dial has mark by 2 o'clock indies and below the hands
• Fully serviced movement
  
• Paired with an unworn suede leather strap

Seiko’s Crown line, along with the Marvels, evolved into the Kings and Grands that put the brand on the map as a top tier manufacturer. In the early 1960’s the Crown was just that; a representation of Seiko’s technical prowess packed neatly into a crisp mid-century package

The Seiko Crown was Suwa’s 1959 replacement for the 1956 Seiko Marvel which was their first fully in-house movement. The first Grand Seiko, the revered 3180, released in 1960 was developed directly from the Crown, and occupies its own important place in Seiko history. 

The Crown was fitted with Caliber 560, a large movement that was developed for enhanced accuracy. In order to improve isochronism, a large 12mm balance wheel was adopted, and the mainspring barrel was enlarged for higher torque. The shock absorption system was Diashock, and Diafix was used in the wheels for retention of lubrication. It was an elegant dress watch with sleek hands and hour markers, a case with a gentle profile, and narrow lugs. This large movement watch showed that Seiko was breaking new ground in exterior design as well as in movement manufacture.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

The 1958 Lord Marvel had a movement that featured an easily adjustable, movable stud, but had a small diameter balance wheel. In pursuit of greater accuracy, the balance wheel was enlarged and isochronism improved in the 1959 Crown, but the stud remained fixed. Soon after, a new generation caliber, 3180, with a 12mm balance wheel and movable stud, was developed and it was this caliber that was used in the first Grand Seiko watch in 1960, Caliber 3180 was the first movement created for Grand Seiko. It combined the advantages of the Lord Marvel and the Crown with a movable stud and large balance wheel, as well as the latest shock-resistance system.

OUR THOUGHTS

The late 50 early 60s vintage Seiko's are some of my favourites that were produced from the Japanese powerhouse, they tend to be simple, classy and well made. The manual winding movement is robust and accurate, the case design is delightful, and the dial on this J15003E fills the case giving the illusion that the watch is a lot bigger than it is, not that its small being that its 36.5mm. I would recommend an early Seiko to any collector whether seasoned or new.