Citizen Alarm Date 4H 金鏡 (Kinkyō) ALD15701 (1965)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of mid-century Japanese horological engineering, the Citizen Alarm Date "4H". Featuring a sophisticated mechanical alarm complication, this timepiece combines practical utility with the elegant design language of the 1960s. The mechanical buzz of the alarm is a distinct and charming feature that sets this watch apart from standard dress watches, making it a highly collectible conversation piece for enthusiasts who appreciate interactive complications. Brand: Citizen Model: Alarm Date Reference Number: ALD15701 Serial Number: 50900376 Movement: Manual Wind Mechanical Alarm Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (C.G.P.) with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1965 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honest signs of age on the case plating, while the dial remains in exceptionally well-preserved condition. The timegrapher results show the movement is running at +10 to +11 seconds per day with strong amplitude, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the visual highlight of this timepiece, preserved in excellent condition with a crisp radial finish. It features the distinctive "4H" logo below the 12 o'clock position, indicating the four-hand configuration. The applied gold-tone baton indices are multi-faceted, catching the light beautifully. The gold-tone Dauphine hands are sharp and elegant, accompanied by a dedicated alarm pointer hand with a distinctive arrow tip. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The text "21 Jewels Parashock" is printed clearly above the 6 o'clock marker. Case and Crystal The case is crafted from Citizen Gold Plate (C.G.P.) and features a classic round profile with interesting, slightly twisted lug architecture. At 37mm, it wears with a modern presence on the wrist, larger than many standard dress watches of the era. The case shows visible signs of vintage wear, particularly plating loss on the high edges of the lugs and bezel, which contributes to its honest, lived-in character. The caseback is stainless steel, clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers. The watch features a dual-crown setup: one for winding and setting the time, and the other for winding and setting the mechanical alarm. The acrylic crystal is clear and presents well. Movement Powering the watch is a Citizen manual wind movement with 21 jewels. This complex caliber features a mechanical alarm function that utilizes a hammer to strike a sounding spring or pin, creating a distinctive buzzing sound. The movement plates are clean and the red "CITIZEN 21J" lettering on the bridge adds a touch of visual flair. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring contrasting brown stitching, which complements the gold tones of the case and provides a comfortable fit. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case exhibits evident wear and patina consistent with its age and use, the dial remains stunningly clean and attractive. The movement is mechanically sound, with the alarm function operating as intended. Dimensions Case diameter: 37 mm Lug to lug: 44 mm Lug width: 18 mm Remarks The Citizen Alarm Date is a significant model in the history of Japanese watchmaking, competing directly with Swiss alarm watches of the period. Finding one with such a pristine dial is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the "4H" branding, the date function, and the mechanical alarm makes this a versatile and engaging vintage timepiece. History Introduced in the late 1950s and popularized in the 1960s, the Citizen Alarm series represented a major technical achievement for the brand. The "4H" designation specifically refers to the four hands utilized to display time and the alarm setting. These watches were designed for the busy professional, offering a wearable reminder system long before the advent of digital watches or smartphones. The Parashock system mentioned on the dial was Citizen's proprietary shock protection, ensuring the watch could withstand the rigors of daily wear. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CAD-0002