Seiko Laurel Diashock 17 Jewels – N87003 – late 1950s, manual wind, serviced

Some watches are beautiful – this one is beautiful and bears perhaps the most historic name Seiko has to offer. The Seiko Laurel Diashock 17 Jewels offered here is an elegant hand-wound watch from the second half of the 1950s, whose simple, classic appearance perfectly captures the spirit of that pioneering era when Seiko was preparing to join the ranks of the world's best watchmakers.

The name "Laurel" – a piece of Seiko's early history: In 1913, "Laurel" was the name of the very first wristwatch launched by Seiko's predecessor, Seikosha (K. Hattori & Co.) – also the first wristwatch ever produced in Japan. When Seiko revived the "Laurel" model series in the late 1950s, it was a conscious nod to this foundational history. So, whoever wears this watch carries a name that stands at the very beginning of all Japanese wristwatch manufacturing.

Technical and historical context: This Laurel originated during a key phase. In 1956, Seiko had introduced its first movement, the Marvel, completely developed in-house from scratch – and with it, its proprietary shock protection system "Diashock," which also adorns the dial of this watch. It was precisely from this late Seikosha era of the second half of the 1950s that the high-quality hand-wound lines Cronos and Crown emerged shortly thereafter – and from their technical evolution finally, in 1960, the first Grand Seiko, and a little later, King Seiko. The Laurel is a contemporary and elegant sister to these foundational models: positioned more modestly than the top-tier lines, but born from the same spirit of craftsmanship.

About the watch itself: The silver dial bears the beautiful cursive signature "Seiko Laurel" as well as the lettering "Diashock 17 Jewels," along with applied, gold-framed faceted indices, delicate golden hands, and a central second hand. The movement is a Seikosha hand-wound caliber with 17 jewels and Diashock shock protection (appropriately signed on the movement bridge). The stainless steel screw-down case back is stamped with the Seikosha logo, "Stainless Steel," the reference N87003, and the case number 314014.

Condition and Service: The watch was professionally and completely serviced in Japan in spring 2026 (complete disassembly, cleaning, oiling, regulation) and acquired directly from the watchmaker – the service is even documented photographically in its disassembled state. It runs perfectly. The dial shows an honest, even age patina, but is clear and easy to read; the case shows minor, typical signs of wear. It comes with a new, original Seiko leather strap (underside embossed with "SEIKO").

Measurements: Diameter approx. 35 mm (without crown), lug-to-lug 42.3 mm, height 9.3 mm, lug width 18 mm. Weight including new Seiko leather strap approx. 35 g.

Technical data

• Brand: Seiko / Seikosha (セイコー)
• Model / Line: Seiko Laurel Diashock 17 Jewels
• Reference: N87003 (Case number 314014)
• Caliber: Seikosha hand-wound movement, 17 jewels, Diashock shock protection, central seconds
• Production period: late 1950s (approx. 1958–1960; no clear serial number dating scheme exists for this early Seiko generation – classification via model and Diashock era)
• Origin: Seikosha, Japan
• Case: Stainless steel, screw-down case back with Seikosha signature
• Case diameter: approx. 35 mm (without crown)
• Height: 9.3 mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 42.3 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Strap: New, original Seiko leather strap (brown)
• Weight: approx. 35 g (incl. strap)
• Dial: Silver, applied gold-framed faceted indices, gold hands, central seconds, honest age patina
• Crown: Original crown
• Crystal: Acrylic glass
• Water resistance: Not specified / not tested (no guarantee)
• Condition:
  • Movement professionally completely serviced in Japan in spring 2026 (documented), runs perfectly
  • Dial clear and easy to read, with honest patina
  • Case with minor, typical signs of wear

Warranty (used)
This is a used vintage watch, professionally serviced in Japan in spring 2026. We provide the statutory warranty for used goods of 12 months. Signs of age and use do not constitute a defect.

Note
As this is a vintage watch over 60 years old, no water resistance is guaranteed. To protect the movement and leather strap, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.