Citizen Diamond Flake F12701 (1963)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A highly collectible ultra-thin Citizen Diamond Flake in a distinctive square case, this sought-after Japanese timepiece is defined by its beautifully preserved silver sunburst dial and historic 25-jewel manual wind movement. Brand: Citizen Model: Diamond Flake Reference Number: F12701 Serial Number: 30911359 Movement: Manual wind ultra-thin caliber, 25 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst finish with applied gold-tone baton indices Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated Production Year: 1963 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -20-25s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The exceptionally clean and well-preserved dial features a radiant silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light. Applied gold-tone baton indices provide striking contrast and elegant depth, while the crisp black printed text remains remarkably sharp. There is no significant staining or moisture damage visible on the dial surface. The original gold-tone dauphine hands show moderate surface wear consistent with age, with noticeable surface scratches and minor oxidation visible under macro inspection. Case and Crystal The gold plated case exhibits an elegant square profile characterized by sharp, straight lugs. The geometry remains distinct, displaying honest vintage wear with expected plating loss and brassing on the high-friction areas, particularly along the caseback edges and corners. Moderate surface scratches are present throughout the case. The bezel is seamlessly integrated into the case design, maintaining the sleek aesthetic. The flat acrylic crystal follows the square profile and shows minor surface scratches and dust. On the reverse, the original caseback engravings remain clear and legible, including the distinct C.G.P. hallmark. An unsigned gold-tone coin edge crown with some visible plating wear completes the case assembly. Movement Inside beats the historic 25-jewel Citizen Diamond Flake manual wind ultra-thin caliber. The movement presents with clean plates and bridges, proudly bearing clear engravings of CITIZEN, 25 JEWELS, and DIAMOND FLAKE. Some minor surface scratches are visible on the ratchet wheel. Timegrapher testing records a rate of -20-25s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap An attractive black leather strap with contrast brown stitching secures the watch to the wrist. The strap appears to be in lightly used or new condition, pairing nicely with the warm gold tones of the dial and case. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean and well preserved, while the case displays honest vintage wear, including moderate surface scratches alongside visible plating wear and brassing on the caseback corners. The dauphine hands show minor oxidation and surface scratches under close inspection. Supported by the timegrapher reading of -20-25s/day, the movement is running strong and steady. Dimensions The case measures 30 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a sought-after Japanese ultra-thin dress watch in a distinctive square format. The remarkably clean silver sunburst dial and the historic 25-jewel Diamond Flake caliber make this a compelling addition to any vintage collection. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Diamond Flake was Citizen's prestigious answer to the ultra-thin dress watch competition of the era. The resulting manual wind caliber was a technical achievement, offering an exceptionally slim profile without sacrificing jewel count or reliability. Today, the Diamond Flake is a collector favourite, recognized as a historically significant milestone in Japanese watchmaking and celebrated for its refined, minimalist aesthetic. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-DFJ-0001