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Rare Vintage Seiko 1st Generation Sportsman J14004 Men’s Classic Watch JDM 1950s
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► SELLER'S DESCRIPTION
Up for sale is a rare vintage Seiko 1st Generation Sportsman J14004 men’s 15 jewel classic dress sports watch from the 1950s, produced for the Japan Domestic Market (JDM). The Sportsman series marked an important chapter in Seiko’s postwar development, and this J14004 reference is among the earliest known Sportsman models ever produced.
Based on the watch’s serial number, this example was manufactured in December 1959, making it an early first-generation Sportsman from the inaugural period of the model line. The watch is powered by its original Seikosha 15 jewel manual wind movement and features the clean, understated styling that has made these early Sportsman models increasingly desirable among collectors of vintage Japanese watches.
The watch is being sold for parts or repair as it is currently not running and will require service before it can be used reliably. The issue has not been diagnosed, and I am unsure what repairs may be needed.
The watch is fitted on an aftermarket stainless steel mesh bracelet.
The watch is in very good physical condition for its age and has developed a very attractive vintage aesthetic over the decades. The photos best describe its physical condition and should be reviewed carefully prior to purchase.
Key Details:
• Brand: Seiko
• Model: Sportsman J14004
• Era: 1950s
• Year: December 1959
• Market: Japan Domestic Market (JDM)
• Movement: Manual Wind
• Jewels: 15
• Features: Early Seikosha Movement, First-Generation Sportsman Design
• Condition: For parts or repair; currently not running; service required; issue not diagnosed; very good physical condition for its age
A historically important early Seiko and one of the earliest Sportsman references produced. These first-generation examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find and make excellent restoration projects for collectors of vintage Japanese watches.
Ships carefully. Feel free to message me with any questions.
► ARCHIVE FILE: SEIKO — BRAND HISTORY
Seiko begins with Kintaro Hattori, who opened a shop selling and repairing clocks in Tokyo's Ginza district in 1881, at the age of twenty-one. He founded the Seikosha factory in 1892 to manufacture wall clocks, built Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913, and put the Seiko name on a dial for the first time in 1924. By mid-century his successors ran one of the most vertically integrated watch companies on earth, making everything from hairsprings to cases under its own roof.
Read the full Seiko story — and shop all Seiko watches ►► RELATED TIMEPIECES DETECTED (4)
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