Reference:

Model: Seiko “Winding Mark” 11A First Automatic Ref. 14015

Year Produced: October 1956

Timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/w0EBBzF

Album: https://imgur.com/a/01isxve

Features:

The Importance. One of the 14 most important Seikos ever made - according to Seiko. In 2021, Seiko published a revised list of their most significant releases. The 11A Winding Mark is hard to argue with, as it was the first automatic watch in Japan.

The Winding Mark. Despite the excitement surrounding the launch of their first automatic, Seiko worried that wearers wouldn’t trust the rotor to power the movement. Not wanting customers to abandon automatics in favour of their reliable hand-wound watches, Seiko equipped early models with winding mark indicators to reassure them something was indeed happening behind the mechanical curtain.

The Design. It’s a classically handsome watch, and very much of its time. The case is 14k gold-filled, a luxurious touch, and the dial features 12 applied indices with Seiko’s original S - the hebi (蛇, or snake). The case shape design is similar to the J14070 first Grand Seiko, released a few years later, and the dauphine hands certainly wouldn’t look out of place on a modern Grand Seiko. And despite being a historical piece from 1956, you might be surprised to learn it’s reasonably sized at 35.0mm wide and 42.0mm lug-to-lug. 

The Miniature. Just as a fun bonus, I’ll be including the commemorative miniature “First Automatic” pin Seiko produced to mark the company’s 120th anniversary. You can keep the miniature on your desk, ensuring your colleagues at work know what excellent taste you have - even if you’ve left your Winding Mark at home.

Details:

Condition: In very good condition overall. Just serviced. All original apart from the strap and buckle. The watch shows signs of aging and wear, but nothing unusual from a watch this old. Miniature pin included.

Scope: No box or papers. Miniature commemorative pin included. 

Movement: Seiko 11A

Dimensions:

• Case Width: 35.0mm
• Lug to lug: 42.0mm
• Case Thickness: 10.5mm
• Lug Width: 18.0mm

Price: Priced at $985 + shipping. I accept a variety of different payment methods (Credit Card, Wise, Bank Transfer), depending on your transaction history. Transaction fees paid by the buyer. Not looking for trades.

Of note: Nothing to report