My Seiko Crown Special 18K - real or not

mseamaster · Nov 11, 2024

So I pulled the trigger on this:

How do I find out if it's really 18K?

I have another 14GF Crown Special. I am thinking of comparing the weight. I need however to get a tool to remove the strap.

Feeling it in my hand, I can't really tell if it's heavy. It doesn't feel heavy.

Canuck · Nov 11, 2024

And what do you suppose you might learn by comparing the weight of an (apparently) 18 karat gold item, with a different 14 karat gold filled item? You’ll only learn that the two items are different weights! If you are unsure that the Seiko Crown is 18 karat gold, I don’t think that you have any choice but to have it tested. The case back exterior is marked K18 which could well be correct. But are there markings inside the case back as well? I’ve heard that there are instruments that can give you that information without damaging the item (as in cutting into the surface and doing a nitric acid test). Let us know what you do.

If you plan on doing a comparative test, you’ll need to remove the bracelets or straps, remove the movement from the case, and take the crystals out. I suggest you have the 18 karat case tested.

mseamaster · Nov 11, 2024

Canuck
And what do you suppose you might learn by comparing the weight of an (apparently) 18 karat gold item, with a different 14 karat gold filled item? You’ll only learn that the two items are different weights! If you are unsure that the Seiko Crown is 18 karat gold, I don’t think that you have any choice but to have it tested. The case back exterior is marked K18 which could well be correct. But are there markings inside the case back as well? I’ve heard that there are instruments that can give you that information without damaging the item (as in cutting into the surface and doing a nitric acid test). Let us know what you do.

If you plan on doing a comparative test, you’ll need to remove the bracelets or straps, remove the movement from the case, and take the crystals out. I suggest you have the 18 karat case tested.

The movement on this watch is not working atm(not a big deal since I can just take the movement from my GF one) so I will be taking it to a watchmaker soon anyway. Maybe when it's disassembled there will be visible markings inside.

However I am wondering about this 70198 text. I couldn't find any info on it. It's not the serial number.

ghce · Nov 16, 2024

mseamaster
The movement on this watch is not working atm(not a big deal since I can just take the movement from my GF one) so I will be taking it to a watchmaker soon anyway. Maybe when it's disassembled there will be visible markings inside.

However I am wondering about this 70198 text. I couldn't find any info on it. It's not the serial number.

I don't think there is any rarity when it comes to Seiko movements, you should be able to pick up a donor movement easily if your watchmaker can not easily repair.
I wouldn't be sacrificing a perfectly good one ( case and movement) just to get this one functional again.

50kopek · Nov 18, 2024

When I google that model number it brings up other Crown Specials in 18K that look exactly like yours. Seems to me there is little to worry about. The caseback will be marked with a little (Japanese?) flag on the inside and '750' (for 18K) in a diamond. You can have your watch maker open it up (or do it yourself) to make sure.

My Seiko Crown Special 18K - real or not

mseamaster

Canuck

mseamaster

ghce

50kopek

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