The "Seiko Crown Special" that arrived today is a high-end model that appeared in 1961.
It's a masterpiece with features equivalent to Grand Seiko.
Following the Grand Seiko, which appeared in 1960, the King Seiko, a high-end model, appeared in 1961.
It was released at the same time as the King Seiko,
and was a new product bearing the Crown name, which is synonymous with Seiko.
However, among the high-end models, there was a wide variety, and it was thought to be an evolved version of the Crown, which formed the basis of the first GS movement.
At the time, Grand Seiko was too expensive, and only a limited number of people could afford it,
so it seems to have been positioned as a "budget version" of Grand Seiko.
Even though it's a budget version, the finishing in various places is among the most beautiful at Seiko.
Although the movement's finishing may not be as good as GS,
it is equipped with a "second hand regulating function," which is only seen in luxury watches of that time,
making it a wonderful item that conveys an extraordinary passion.
This Cal.341 is a movement dedicated to the Crown Special,
a masterpiece with very high accuracy and durability.
Although it's a slightly overlooked presence among the many movements Seiko has produced,
if you look at the details, you'll find that it's surprisingly on par with Grand Seiko in some respects.
The dial is a "fat index" with thick bar indexes, which are popular in the series.
Compared to the delicate impression of the first GS, the King Seiko has a sharp, edgy impression.
And the Crown Special has a strong, rugged, masculine impression.
Each has its own appeal,
and this Crown Special has particularly prominent thick indexes,
and it's an "SD dial" (Special Dial) that uses precious metals for its material,
equipped with the details of Seiko's high-end models.
The Crown Special case has an all-stainless steel model, which was not available in the first GS lineup.
The main models are 14-karat gold-plated cases, and there are several variations in shape,
this one features impressive multi-faceted lugs.
It also pairs very well with the masculine impression of the dial,
and the rugged details are another charm of the Crown Special.
However, when it comes to price, the first GS, which is highly regarded worldwide, has soared,
and the current market price is around 700,000 yen,
but perhaps because the Crown Special receives less attention, for better or worse,
the fact that it can be purchased at a very affordable price should not be overlooked.
The world of watches is not all about price,
Seiko's appeal is not that expensive is good and cheap is bad,
but rather the excellence of products that don't feel shoddy even if they are inexpensive.
The Crown Special has functions comparable to Grand Seiko,
yet it's a great option that can be bought for about a tenth of the price.
It's one of my personal favorite watches, and I highly recommend it!
