Citizen Alarm 343 (1960-1969)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The mechanical alarm is one of the most charming and interactive complications in vintage horology. This Citizen Alarm captures the mid-century fascination with practical, everyday complications, housed in an elegant dress watch profile. Featuring the signature dual-crown layout, this timepiece allows the wearer to independently set and wind the alarm function, producing a distinct mechanical buzz that connects the modern collector to a bygone era of watchmaking. Brand: Citizen Model: Alarm Reference Number: 343 Serial Number: 1407101 Movement: Manual-winding mechanical alarm, 19 jewels Dial: Silvered dial with inner alarm disc, displaying noticeable spotting and even vintage patina Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 14k Gold-filled with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear Dial and Hands The dial features a classic two-part layout, characterized by an outer minute track and an inner rotating disc used to set the alarm via the applied gold-tone triangular pointer. Applied faceted gold-tone baton indices mark the hours, with prominent double batons positioned at twelve, three, six, and nine o'clock. The gold-tone dauphine hands complement the indices beautifully. The dial displays clear, age-consistent spotting and a warm, generalized patina across both the main dial and the inner disc. This honest aging provides a distinct, authentic vintage character without compromising the legibility of the crisp serif text reading "CITIZEN ALARM" and "19 JEWELS." Case and Crystal The thirty-four millimeter case is constructed of 14k gold-filled material, featuring elegantly tapered lugs that maintain their defined profile. The right flank houses the twin fluted crowns, an iconic design element of vintage mechanical alarms, utilized for timekeeping and the alarm complication. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that offers distortion-free viewing of the dial. The stainless steel snap-on caseback is clearly stamped with "14K GOLD FILLED", the "STAR" maker mark, and the serial number 1407101. The case exhibits moderate, honest surface wear and fine scratches consistent with its age, presenting in good vintage condition. Movement Inside beats a Citizen manual-winding mechanical alarm movement. Close visual inspection reveals clean, rhodium-plated bridges proudly stamped with "CITIZEN", "19 JEWELS", and "3 ADJ", indicating a refined level of adjustment for the era. The balance and regulating components present well, alongside the visible alarm hammer mechanism. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher results indicate +55 to +58 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a period correct black alligator-grain leather strap, secured by a polished gold-tone pin buckle that perfectly complements the warm tones of the case. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The dial exhibits noticeable, even spotting and a warm patina that collectors of honest vintage watches often appreciate. The gold-filled case shows normal signs of wear with light surface scratches, while the lugs remain well-proportioned. The stainless steel caseback retains its factory engravings clearly. The movement is remarkably clean and visually well-preserved. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks A highly engaging piece of mid-century horology, this Citizen Alarm offers a tactile and auditory experience that modern digital devices simply cannot replicate. The honest patina and reliable dual-crown design make it a standout addition for any enthusiast of vintage Japanese watchmaking or mechanical complications. History During the mid-twentieth century, the mechanical alarm complication became highly sought after by traveling businessmen and professionals. While Swiss brands initially popularized the style, Japanese watchmakers like Citizen quickly rose to the challenge, producing their own robust and highly capable alarm calibers. These watches stood as a testament to Japan's growing dominance in precision engineering, offering reliable daily wearability alongside an incredibly useful mechanical function. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CAJ-0003