Citizen Alarm 15708 (1960-1969)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The mechanical alarm represents one of the most interactive and charming complications in mid-century horology. During an era when practical, wrist-worn functionality was paramount for the traveling professional, Japanese watchmakers stepped forward with elegantly engineered solutions. This Citizen Alarm combines a highly sophisticated dual-crown architecture with an exceptionally refined dress watch aesthetic. Offering the tactile pleasure of winding and setting a mechanical bell directly on the wrist, this timepiece stands as a brilliant example of mid-twentieth-century innovation housed within a classic and enduring design. Brand: Citizen Model: Alarm Reference Number: 15708 Serial Number: 30810403 Movement: Manual Winding Alarm Caliber Dial: Silvery-white sunburst with applied gold-tone indices, showing some light wear Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (20 Microns) with Stainless Steel back Production Year: 1960s Condition: Stunning vintage condition with well-preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Citizen Alarm displays a silvery-white base with a fine sunburst texture that catches the light beautifully. The crisp black print features the distinctive "4H" logo above the elegant, cursive "Citizen Alarm" script, and "17 JEWELS PARASHOCK" above the lower center. Applied gold-tone rectangular hour markers are sharply faceted with grooved, ribbed upper surfaces. Gold-tone dauphine hands and a solid gold-tone arrow hand indicate time and set the alarm, respectively. While overall quite attractive, the dial presents some light wear consistent with age, free from major spotting or localized damage, and retains an intact outer minute track. Case and Crystal The 36 millimeter case is executed in 20-micron gold plating, with a smoothly thin bezel and sweeping lugs offering excellent wrist presence. The case flanks retain good shape with normal, honest handling marks consistent with its age. The signature twin-crown configuration provides intuitive control of alarm and time functions; both crowns show visible brassing and wear on their domed caps, reflecting purposeful use over decades. The domed acrylic crystal remains clear and provides an unobstructed view of the dial. The snap-on stainless steel caseback is clearly stamped with the factory "STAR" hallmark, reference 15708, serial number 30810403, and confirms the "20 MICRONS C.G.P." case construction. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Citizen 17-jewel manual winding alarm caliber. The movement plates are finished with straight linear brushing, accented by crisp, red-filled "CITIZEN 17J." engravings. The visible jewels are clean, and the regulator and wheel train elements present well under inspection. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance (see timegrapher). Timegrapher results indicate a performance of +41s to +50s/day, reflecting current mechanical functionality. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-appropriate dark leather strap with striking contrast stitching in alternating rows of white and gold-tone thread. This detail complements the dial furniture and gold-plated case. The strap is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle and is in excellent condition, showing minimal signs of wear. Condition This Citizen Alarm is graded in stunning vintage condition. Its most compelling attribute is the well-preserved sunburst dial, which stands out among similar era examples. The gold-plated case is handsome and structurally sound, bearing only honest surface wear and the expected brassing on the crowns. Together, the lightly worn dial and characterful case create a highly appealing vintage presence. Dimensions The watch measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the dual crowns. The proportions are universally wearable, offering the elegant slenderness of a mid-century dress watch and enough diameter for a substantial presence on the wrist. Remarks A mechanical alarm is among the most engaging complications for collectors, providing a physical, auditory interaction with the watch. Finding an early Japanese alarm watch with its dial in this condition is uncommon. The grooved indices and the sharp arrow hand elevate the piece from function to refined mid-century design. History During the mid-twentieth century, the drive to miniaturize the alarm complication for wristwatches brought out some of the era’s most creative horological engineering. Citizen was at the forefront of Japanese watchmaking, proudly competing with domestic and Swiss makers to offer premium, highly functional timepieces. Their Alarm models were celebrated for robust construction, reliable Parashock anti-shock systems, and sophisticated style. Today, these early mechanical alarms endure as important milestones in utilitarian watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CAX-0003