Citizen - Center Second "14K Gold Filled" - No reserve price - 1407083 - Men - 1950-1959

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This elegant mid-century Citizen perfectly encapsulates the refined design language of the 1950s, a pivotal era when Japanese watchmakers were rapidly advancing their mechanical prowess. Proudly bearing the "Center Second" designation on its dial, this timepiece represents the industry's shift away from traditional sub-second registers toward the cleaner, more modern sweeping center second hand. Encased in a warm 14K gold-filled shell and featuring an exceptionally well-preserved dial, this watch offers collectors a beautiful and historically significant slice of Citizen's early post-war catalog, combining mid-century dress watch proportions with dependable mechanical performance. Brand: Citizen Model: Center Second Reference Number: 1407083 Movement: Citizen 9-Jewel Manual Wind Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 14K Gold-Filled Top, Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1950s Condition: Good vintage condition with an exceptionally preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Citizen is a masterclass in mid-century restraint and elegance, presenting in stunningly preserved condition. The silver surface features a delicate sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully, showing only the faintest signs of warm, even aging and remaining free from disruptive spots, moisture damage, or heavy patina. The typography is crisp and intact, from the applied "C" logo at twelve o'clock to the "CENTER SECOND" and "JAPAN" print on the lower half. The applied gold-tone indices are particularly striking, utilizing a mix of traditional batons at the cardinal hours and intricately faceted shield or kite shapes for the remaining markers, adding wonderful depth to the dial. The original gold-tone dauphine hour and minute hands remain sharp, accompanied by the slender sweeping center second hand that gives the model its name. Case and Crystal The 33 mm case features a classic dress watch profile with elegantly curved lugs and a smooth bezel. The top case is crafted from 14K gold-filled material, while the snap-on caseback is stainless steel, clearly stamped with the Star case maker hallmark, indicating high-quality Japanese case production of the era. The case remains in good vintage condition, displaying honest signs of wear consistent with its age. There are visible surface scratches and localized areas of brassing or plating wear, particularly along the sharp edges of the lugs and the periphery of the bezel, which is entirely typical for vintage gold-filled cases that have been enjoyed over the decades. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, presenting a clear and distortion-free view of the pristine display beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is a beautifully decorated Citizen manual-wind caliber, proudly stamped with 9 jewels and adjusted to 3 positions, an impressive specification for a standard dress watch of this period. The movement presents cleanly, with the distinctive bridge architecture characteristic of early Citizen engineering. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher readings indicate a healthy +10 to +15 seconds per day, confirming that the mechanical heart of this vintage Citizen remains robust and ready for continued enjoyment. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct brown leather strap featuring a subtle alligator-grain texture and matching stitching. The strap is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle that perfectly complements the warm tones of the gold-filled case, providing a comfortable and traditional wearing experience. Condition This Citizen Center Second is presented in good vintage condition. The absolute highlight of the piece is the near-flawless dial, which has survived the decades with remarkable clarity and charm. The gold-filled case shows expected honest wear, including surface marks and edge rubbing that reveal the base metal in select areas, authenticating its vintage journey without detracting from its overall wrist presence. The movement is remarkably clean and running with exceptional precision for its age. Dimensions Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding an early Citizen Center Second with a dial in this state of preservation is a rare delight. The combination of the faceted indices, the warm gold-filled case, and the historically significant center-sweeping seconds makes this a highly compelling acquisition for enthusiasts of mid-century Japanese horology. History During the 1950s, the transition from the traditional sub-second dial layout to a center-mounted sweeping second hand was a significant technological and aesthetic milestone for watchmakers globally. In Japan, Citizen embraced this modernization, releasing models specifically branded as "Center Second" to highlight this new, cleaner, and more dynamic way of displaying time. These watches were aimed at professionals and stylish individuals who desired a modern dress watch that looked toward the future. Today, they stand as beautiful testaments to Citizen's dedication to continuous improvement and timeless design during the golden age of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CXX-0004