Citizen - Homer 555 - No reserve price - I 51361 - Men - 1965

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional mid-century timepiece exemplifies the ambitious and highly creative era of Japanese watchmaking during the 1960s. Boasting an incredibly intricate textured dial and powered by the renowned manual-wind Homer caliber, this Citizen 555 Waterproof represents a fantastic intersection of robust engineering and avant-garde design. The striking visual depth of the dial, paired with a substantial 37mm stainless steel case, gives this watch a commanding presence on the wrist that rivals much more expensive Swiss counterparts of the era. It is a brilliant find for the astute collector of vintage Japanese horology seeking unique character and reliable mechanical performance. Brand: Citizen Model: Homer 555 Waterproof Reference Number: I 51361 Serial Number: 5011959 Movement: Manual Wind, 21 Jewels Dial: Black concentric guilloché texture, applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean preservation Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: January 1965 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The absolute focal point of this timepiece is its mesmerizing deep black dial, which features a dense, concentric circular texture resembling the grooves of a vinyl record. This dynamic surface plays brilliantly with the light, creating a radiating effect that changes with every angle. The dial furniture is equally impressive, featuring applied silver-tone markers with a unique configuration: prominent faceted diamond-style indices at the twelve, six, and nine o'clock positions, interspersed with applied double-conical studs for the remaining hours. A sharp, metallic-framed date aperture sits cleanly at three o'clock. The crisp white printed typography for the Citizen logo, jewel count, and "Waterproof" designation remains fully intact with no visible print loss. The silver-tone dauphine hands exhibit a handsome, even oxidation and light surface spotting, providing an authentic vintage character that contrasts wonderfully against the remarkably clean and blemish-free textured dial beneath them. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel case offers a surprisingly modern wearing experience for a vintage piece, characterized by its smooth polished bezel and gently sweeping lugs. A close inspection reveals honest, age-consistent surface scratches and light handling marks across the polished flanks and bezel, indicative of normal wear over the decades without any heavy gouges or signs of over-polishing. The case retains its fundamental geometry and soft, elegant lines. The prominent winding crown is correctly signed with the vintage Citizen "C" emblem. The screw-down caseback is sharply engraved with all factory specifications, including the reference and serial numbers, remaining highly legible. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that presents beautifully, offering a clear and distortion-free view of the textured dial with only the faintest micro-abrasions visible under harsh magnification. Movement Inside beats the robust and historically significant Citizen Homer manual-wind movement, proudly stamped with its 21-jewel count. The movement presents in excellent visual condition, with clean bridges, bright gears, and ruby jewels set neatly into the plates. The regulating pins and balance assembly appear well-maintained and undisturbed. This caliber was celebrated for its durability and precision, serving as the foundation for many of Citizen's most reliable mid-century timepieces. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct stainless steel beads of rice bracelet. The multi-link construction provides excellent drape and comfort on the wrist, complementing the elegant mid-century aesthetic of the case and dial. The bracelet shows expected light stretching and surface wear consistent with the age of the watch, securing with a standard vintage folding clasp. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case remains thick and well-proportioned, displaying honest and entirely normal surface wear for a watch of this vintage. The textured dial is the standout element, remaining exceptionally clean and free of moisture damage, staining, or discoloration. The hands display an attractive, age-appropriate oxidation that validates the watch's history without detracting from its striking visual appeal. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a substantial 37 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. Remarks It is increasingly difficult to find vintage Japanese dress watches that combine a generous case size with such an ambitious and flawlessly executed dial design. The concentric black texture elevates this piece from a standard vintage daily wearer to a true conversation starter. It is a highly compelling offering for those who appreciate the nuanced details of mid-century horology. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Citizen Homer line was designed to be the ultimate reliable workhorse for the brand, eventually becoming the official issued watch for the Japanese railway system due to its outstanding durability and accuracy. While many Homers were simple, utilitarian dress watches, Citizen occasionally utilized the robust Homer platform to experiment with more daring and luxurious designs. The "555 Waterproof" variants represented a step up in case construction, offering better protection against the elements, while textured dials like the one seen here were reserved for pieces meant to showcase the brand's evolving aesthetic capabilities. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CJW-0001