RESTORED! Collectible! Birthday Watch April 1964! Seiko Crown Special Cal 341 J15020 Seikosha JDM 23J 14K Gold-Filled Mechanical Watch (OH)

BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH / AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Crown Special
Year of Production: April 1964
Movement: 341 (5760) Special
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D 14K Solid Gold Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Brand-New Hi-Quality Bambi Genuine Leather Strap with Gold Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most legitimate online information available, the Seiko Caliber 560 movement found in the Seiko Crown SUWA made its debut in 1959. This watch was in response to Seiko DAINI's Cronos debut in 1958.

The 560 movement is based on the Seiko Marvel / Gyro Marvel and is also the father of the first hand winding mechanical Grand Seiko (Cal 3180).

The Seiko Crown was initially introduced with 17 Jewels in 1959. Improvements were made almost immediately and 19, 21 and 23 Jewel models soon followed in 1960 and 1961. The 23J was renamed Seiko Crown Special. Its upgraded movement was renamed 341, and it was given a 14K solid gold indices and hands, and 14K gold-filled case and crown.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a highly sort-after April 1964 Seiko Crown Special, Model Caliber 341 23 Jewel 14K Gold-Filled SUWA mechanical wrist watch in near-mint condition.

After a careful clean-up, this super rare Crown Special reveals a beautiful and immaculately preserved stunning ivory white dial, 3D 14K solid gold baton indices and dauphine hands.

This J15020 model 14K gold-filled case was cleaned and buffed as best as possible albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The mineral glass is also in pristine condition. The crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 23 July 2023; hence, it underwent an overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate without servicing for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the improved 341 movement, it has an impressive 23 Jewels that operate at 18,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent longevity and accuracy. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows superb readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 275 with a centered straight line! Such readings are truly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 36mm (without crown) and 42mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the leather strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand new Bambi Brand dark brown vintage tapered leather strap with matching stitching and gold buckle is chosen to emphasize the gold case and butterscotch dial, and is extremely comfortable to wear.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified thereby it is considered in near MINT condition.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in pristine condition (no dents and major scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided instead.

Seldom can one find a vintage watch that offers this and more. Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none are as well-kept and maintained as what you see here, and with an attractive price to boot. So, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in April 1964! Another no-brainer is the fact that its value will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for an overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean and polish including tightening of bracelet links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a truly magnificent April 1964 Seiko Crown Special SUWA 14K Gold-Filled Watch in near-mint condition with a beautifully preserved and stunning vintage dial, immaculate indices, hands, movement, case, and brand new genuine leather strap; so, be unique and use something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan or any vintage watch fan for that matter!