Citizen - Alarm - No reserve price - 11100765 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Mechanical alarm watches hold a special place in mid-century horology, offering a highly practical and charming complication that brings a timepiece to life. This Citizen Alarm is a superb example of Japanese watchmaking prowess from the era, featuring a beautifully balanced dual-crown design and a remarkably crisp silver dial. Combining elegant mid-century aesthetics with the engaging functionality of a mechanical striking mechanism, this timepiece represents a compelling opportunity for collectors seeking a well-preserved and historically significant vintage alarm watch. Brand: Citizen Model: Alarm Reference Number: 11100765 Serial Number: 1507062 Movement: Manual-winding mechanical alarm, 17 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst center with concentric grooved outer track, applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an exceptionally preserved dial and strong case geometry. Dial and Hands The dial of this Citizen Alarm is a masterclass in mid-century texture and layout, presenting in exceptionally clean condition. The center features a radiant silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light, surrounded by a distinct concentric grooved outer ring that houses the applied hour markers. The furniture consists of faceted stainless steel baton indices, enhanced with black central inserts at the cardinal positions and a prominent double baton at twelve o'clock. The typography is crisp and fully intact, featuring the distinctive "4H" logo above the elegant "Citizen Alarm" script, with "17 JEWELS PARASHOCK" printed cleanly in a sans-serif font along the lower hemisphere. The dial is incredibly well-preserved, showing no visible spotting, staining, or moisture damage, maintaining a bright and fresh appearance. Time is indicated by sharp stainless steel dauphine hour and minute hands, which display light, honest oxidation visible under magnification, entirely consistent with their vintage nature. The alarm function is set via a dedicated thin steel arrow hand, complemented by a slender sweep seconds hand. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a classic round profile with elegantly downward-sloping lugs that ensure a comfortable presence on the wrist. The case is entirely polished, including the smooth bezel and the lug tops, exhibiting honest signs of vintage wear in the form of light surface scratches and handling marks, yet it remains thick and retains strong overall geometry without any deep gouges. The watch is equipped with its characteristic dual domed crowns, which operate the time-setting, winding, and alarm functions. The caseback is a specialized snap-on design, featuring the necessary acoustic resonance holes to amplify the sound of the internal alarm hammer. The caseback is clearly stamped with the Star case maker logo, "STAINLESS STEEL", and the serial and reference numbers. The dial is protected by a domed acrylic crystal that remains clear and free of any significant scratches or visual distortions. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Citizen manual-winding mechanical alarm caliber. The movement is cleanly finished and prominently marked "CITIZEN 17J." across the central bridge. Close inspection reveals the intricate alarm mechanism, including the hammer designed to strike the caseback to produce the auditory alert. The movement components present well, with normal signs of age on the plates and screw heads. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher results show a deviation of -65 to -70 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring an embossed faux-alligator grain and contrasting white stitching. The strap is supple and pairs handsomely with the silver dial and polished steel case, securing with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Citizen Alarm is in excellent vintage condition. The primary value driver, the dial, is outstandingly preserved and free of the typical degradation often found on mid-century alarm watches. The stainless steel case displays appropriate, honest wear while maintaining its structural integrity and classic lines. The movement is clean and fully operational, making this a highly wearable and attractive vintage complication. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crowns, providing a classic and highly versatile mid-century footprint that wears beautifully on the modern wrist. Remarks Vintage mechanical alarm watches are highly sought after for their interactive nature and historical charm. This Citizen example stands out due to its incredibly clean dial, sophisticated textured outer track, and the sheer practicality of its dual-crown layout. It is a fantastic entry into the world of mechanical alarms, offering robust Japanese engineering and timeless design. History During the mid-twentieth century, the race to produce reliable and loud mechanical alarm watches was fiercely competitive. While Swiss brands like Vulcain and Jaeger-LeCoultre popularized the complication, Japanese manufactures like Citizen quickly developed their own sophisticated calibers to meet the demand for these practical "wrist alarms." Citizen's alarm watches were celebrated for their durability, accuracy, and elegant styling, often incorporating proprietary shock resistance systems like Parashock. Today, these early Japanese mechanical alarms are highly respected by collectors for their historical significance and enduring charm. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-AJX-0004