Citizen Alarm 1507062 (1960-1969)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The mechanical alarm wristwatch represents one of the most charming and interactive complications of the mid-century era, offering a tactile and auditory connection to horology that modern devices simply cannot replicate. This beautiful Citizen Alarm perfectly captures the ingenuity of Japanese watchmaking during the 1960s. Featuring a sophisticated central rotating disc for setting the alarm and an elegant dual-crown architecture, this timepiece is both a functional tool and a striking dress watch. The exceptional preservation of its sunburst dial and the crispness of its case make it a standout acquisition for collectors who appreciate mechanical novelty paired with refined mid-century design. Brand: Citizen Model: Alarm Reference Number: 1507062 Serial Number: 10300673 Movement: Manual wind mechanical alarm, 17 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices and central alarm indicator disc, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with outstanding dial preservation Dial and Hands The dial of this Citizen Alarm is a study in elegant mid-century geometry, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. Time is indicated by applied, faceted steel baton indices, double-batoned at the twelve o'clock position to provide clear orientation. At the center sits the rotating alarm disc, bearing a distinct printed arrow that allows the wearer to set the alarm time with precision. The typography is remarkably crisp, featuring the applied "4H" logo, the elegant "Citizen Alarm" script, and the highly legible "17 JEWELS PARASHOCK" text at the six o'clock position. The sharp steel dauphine hands perfectly complement the indices. Upon close inspection, the dial presents in exceptionally clean condition, entirely free of the heavy spotting, moisture staining, or discoloration that frequently plagues vintage alarm watches, making it a truly premium example. Case and Crystal The 35-millimeter stainless steel case is defined by its classic round profile and the distinctive dual-crown configuration, with crowns located at the two and four o'clock positions for winding the alarm and setting the time, respectively. The case flanks and lugs retain a bright polished finish, with the lug profiles remaining sharp and well-defined, showing only honest, light handling marks consistent with careful wear over the decades. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, offering clear and distortion-free viewing of the dial furniture. The screw-down caseback, secured by a six-notch ring, features crisp factory engravings including the "CENTER-SECOND", "STAR", and "STAINLESS STEEL" markings, alongside the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Citizen 17-jewel manual wind mechanical alarm caliber, equipped with the brand's Parashock anti-shock system. The movement layout is visually fascinating, dominated by a distinctive Y-shaped bridge engraved with "CITIZEN 17J" in red enamel, alongside the prominent alarm hammer mechanism designed to strike a pin on the caseback. The movement components display a clean, utilitarian finish typical of robust Japanese calibers of the era. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +24 to +30 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct black textured leather strap, featuring contrasting white perimeter stitching that beautifully highlights the silver tones of the dial and case. It is secured with a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Citizen Alarm survives in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undisputed highlight, remaining incredibly bright and free of notable flaws. The stainless steel case shows only superficial surface wear and minor scratches on the caseback, retaining excellent overall geometry and presence. The dual crowns operate as intended, and the watch presents brilliantly on the wrist. Dimensions 35 mm case diameter excluding crowns. Remarks Vintage mechanical alarms are highly sought after for their engaging mechanical nature and distinctive dual-crown aesthetics. This Citizen example stands out not only for its historical significance as a Japanese competitor to Swiss alarm calibers but also for its remarkable state of preservation. It is a sophisticated, conversation-starting timepiece that wears comfortably in both formal and casual settings. History Introduced during an era when the wristwatch was the primary tool for personal time management, mechanical alarm watches became indispensable for traveling businessmen and professionals. While Swiss brands like Vulcain and Jaeger-LeCoultre popularized the complication, Japanese manufacturers like Citizen quickly developed their own robust and innovative alarm calibers to meet domestic and international demand. The Citizen Alarm line, particularly those featuring the "4H" designation and Parashock protection, represented the brand's commitment to precision, durability, and functional elegance. Today, these early Japanese mechanical alarms are celebrated by collectors for their historical importance, distinctive design language, and the enduring charm of their mechanical resonance. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CAJ-0008