Citizen Alarm 明断 (Meidan) ALO5300I-Y (1967)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This 1967 Citizen Alarm is a captivating example of Japanese horological ingenuity, featuring one of the most practical and interactive mechanical complications: the alarm. Produced during the brand's celebrated "Parawater" era, this timepiece combines robust engineering with a distinct mid-century design language. Its dual-crown silhouette and dedicated alarm indicator make it a conversation starter, offering collectors the tactile experience of a mechanical wrist alarm that rivals its Swiss contemporaries. Brand: Citizen Model: Alarm Reference Number: AL053001-Y Serial Number: 70903072 Movement: Manual Wind Alarm Caliber Dial: Silver sunburst with applied baton indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1967 Condition: Good vintage condition Dial and Hands The dial finishes in a silver sunburst texture that captures light dynamically. It features raised, polished block indices with dark inserts, a classic design trait of the late 1960s. The sharp dauphine hands are accompanied by a dedicated arrow-tipped pointer hand used to set the alarm function. There is visible patina and aging across the dial surface, most notably some spotting near the perimeter and between the six and nine o'clock positions, giving the watch an honest vintage character. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures a classic 36mm and is defined by its two crowns located at the two and four o'clock positions—one for winding and setting the time, the other for the alarm. The case lugs are thick and angular, showing surface scratches and wear marks consistent with the watch's age. The screw-down caseback remains well-preserved, clearly displaying the distinctive "Citizen Alarm" and "Parawater Star" engravings along with the serial and reference numbers. The acrylic crystal displays scratching visible under direct light. Movement Subject to recent testing on a timegrapher, the manual winding 21-jewel movement is running between -55 and -64 seconds per day. The movement features the complex hammer mechanism required for the alarm function. The alarm winds and engages properly, producing the characteristic mechanical buzzing sound that makes these watches so desirable. Strap The watch is presented on a dark brown leather strap with an embossed exotic grain pattern. It features a steel pin buckle and complements the silver tones of the case and dial, offering a dressy yet versatile look for daily wear. Condition This vintage timepiece is in Good vintage condition. While it wears the signs of its history through dial patina and case markings, the integrity of the design remains strong. It presents as an authentic, unmolested example of a 1960s tool watch. Dimensions With a diameter of 36mm excluding the dual crowns, the watch wears comfortably on the wrist, offering a presence that is substantial without being overpowering, typical of the vintage era. Remarks The Citizen Alarm is a significant model for collectors of Japanese watches, representing the golden age of mechanical complications before the quartz revolution. Finding one with the correct "Parawater" caseback and original dial configuration is becoming increasingly difficult. This piece offers both historical significance and the charming functionality of a wearable mechanical alarm. History Founded in 1918, Citizen has long been a rival to Seiko in the pursuit of Japanese watchmaking excellence. This specific model dates to 1967, a period when Citizen was heavily marketing its "Parawater" technology, the company's proprietary approach to water resistance. The Alarm line demonstrated Citizen's ability to mass-produce complex calibers that were durable enough for everyday use, solidifying their reputation as a manufacturer for the people. /Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CAX-0002