Citizen - Phynox "14K GOLD-FILLED" - No reserve price - 1407085 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This elegant mid-century Citizen represents a beautiful era of Japanese watchmaking, combining refined dress watch aesthetics with robust internal engineering. During the mid-twentieth century, Citizen introduced proprietary technologies like the Para Shock anti-shock system and the Phynox mainspring to ensure their elegant timepieces could withstand the rigors of daily life. Encased in a warm 14K gold-filled shell and featuring an exceptionally clean dial, this reference 1407085 survives as a stunning example of vintage Japanese horology, offering a sophisticated presence on the wrist and remarkable mechanical preservation. Brand: Citizen Model: 1407085 Para Shock Phynox Serial Number: 1407085 Movement: Citizen Manual Wind, 17 Jewels, 3 Adjustments Dial: Matte silver with applied gold-tone faceted indices, exceptionally clean with minimal signs of age Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 14K Gold Filled with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an outstanding dial and well-preserved case Dial and Hands The dial of this Citizen is a masterclass in mid-century minimalism, featuring a smooth, matte silver surface that has been exceptionally well-preserved. It is adorned with applied gold-tone faceted baton indices, doubled at the twelve o'clock position to anchor the visual symmetry. The applied "C" logo sits proudly above the crisp, black serif typography denoting the brand and its 17-jewel movement. In the lower half, "PARA SHOCK" and "PHYNOX" are printed with perfect clarity, alongside the "JAPAN" designation at the very bottom edge. The gold-tone dauphine hands are sharp and free of oxidation, sweeping smoothly across the dial. A thorough visual inspection reveals an incredibly clean presentation, with only the absolute faintest microscopic speck near the eight o'clock position visible under intense magnification. Otherwise, the dial is free of moisture marks, spotting, or discoloration, presenting a brilliantly fresh face that is rare for a watch of this era. Case and Crystal The 33 mm case is crafted from 14K gold-filled material, offering a warm, luxurious tone that contrasts beautifully with the stark silver dial. The case architecture features a slim profile with elegant, straight lugs that retain sharp, well-defined edges. The transition between the polished bezel and the case flanks remains distinct, showing only honest, light surface hairlines consistent with careful vintage wear. There is no visible brassing or wear-through of the gold layer on the primary visible surfaces. The stainless steel snap-on caseback is sharply engraved with "14K GOLD FILLED", the "STAR" case maker mark, "CENTER SECOND", and the reference number 1407085. Remarkably, a red protective stripe is still present on the caseback, suggesting the watch was handled with extreme care or stored for extended periods. A clear, domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, showing no deep scratches or distracting scuffs. Movement Powering this timepiece is a beautifully finished Citizen manual-wind caliber. The movement bridges are clean and bright, stamped clearly with the Citizen signature, "17 JEWELS", and notably, "3 ADJ 163", indicating that this caliber was adjusted to three positions for enhanced chronometric performance. The ruby jewels are set cleanly, and the gear train components show no signs of corrosion or mishandling. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show +2 to +5 s/day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile-grain texture. The dark leather provides a striking contrast to the 14K gold-filled case and the bright silver dial, completing the formal, vintage dress aesthetic. The strap is supple and in excellent condition, finished with a classic gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This Citizen is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable highlight, surviving in a near-flawless state with crisp printing and brilliant applied furniture. The 14K gold-filled case remains sharp and structurally sound, exhibiting only minor, superficial handling marks without any heavy polishing or detrimental wear. The presence of the red caseback stripe further underscores its careful preservation. Mechanically, the adjusted manual-wind movement is exceptionally clean and running with impressive precision. Dimensions Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a mid-century Japanese dress watch with this level of dial preservation and case sharpness is a delight for any collector. The combination of the adjusted movement, the proprietary Para Shock and Phynox branding, and the 14K gold-filled case makes this a highly compelling alternative to Swiss dress watches of the same period. It offers immense charm and undeniable elegance for formal occasions or refined daily wear. History During the 1950s and 1960s, Citizen Watch Co. was rapidly innovating to establish itself as a global horological powerhouse. To prove the durability of their watches, they developed proprietary systems like the Para Shock anti-shock mechanism and the Phynox unbreakable mainspring alloy. Citizen famously demonstrated the Para Shock system by dropping watches from helicopters in front of the public, proving that their elegant mechanical timepieces were built to survive real-world impacts. This reference beautifully encapsulates that era of Japanese watchmaking, hiding tough, innovative engineering beneath a highly refined, classical exterior. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-JXX-0001