Citizen - Ace - No reserve price - Men - 1960-1969

Now available at auction from Second Vintage

A beautifully preserved example of Citizen's mid-century design, this classic timepiece is defined by its exceptionally clean silver sunburst dial and crisp case proportions. Exhibiting sharp lug geometry and powered by a well-finished 23-jewel manual wind movement, it is a highly attractive representative of 1960s Japanese watchmaking.

Brand: Citizen
Model: Citizen 23j (204103)
Movement: Manual wind, Caliber 122, 23 jewels
Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices
Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Production Year: 1960s
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +20+22s/day, running strong and steady.

Dial and Hands
The dial is exceptionally clean and vibrant, showcasing a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. Applied faceted indices provide a strong architectural presence, complemented by clean printing with no visible loss across the text. The surface remains remarkably well-preserved, showing no significant spotting, staining, or discoloration. A set of silver-tone dauphine hands completes the display, presenting clean surfaces with minimal oxidation, looking sharp and perfectly matching the dial furniture.

Case and Crystal
The stainless steel case is well-preserved with crisp lines, featuring a polished finish throughout. It retains sharp lug geometry with well-defined edges, displaying only light surface scratches consistent with careful wear over the decades. A thin, polished bezel frames the dial, exhibiting light surface wear. The exterior caseback is smooth, with no visible factory markings present. A signed "CTZ" crown with good knurled definition sits at the three o'clock position. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that remains clear, showing no major scratches, chips, or crazing.

Movement
Inside is the Citizen Caliber 122, a 23-jewel manual wind movement. The caliber presents beautifully with clean plates and bridges, showing no visible corrosion or significant scratches, and features clear engravings reading "CITIZEN," "23 JEWELS," and "122." Tested on the timegrapher, it recorded +20+22s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady.

Strap
The watch is paired with a black leather strap featuring an embossed pattern. It remains in good condition, showing light wear.

Condition
Excellent vintage condition. The dial is stunningly preserved, remaining exceptionally clean and free of significant aging. The stainless steel case retains sharp lines and strong lug geometry, showing only light, honest surface scratches from careful use. The hands and crystal are similarly excellent, with minimal signs of aging. The manual wind movement is visually clean and, supported by the timegrapher result, is running strong and steady.

Dimensions
The case measures 34 mm in diameter, excluding the crown.

Remarks
This Citizen offers a highly rewarding vintage experience through its remarkably clean silver sunburst dial and sharp case geometry. The combination of the signed "CTZ" crown, beautifully preserved dauphine hands, and the visually clean 23-jewel manual wind movement makes it an excellent choice for enthusiasts of classic mid-century design.

History
During the 1960s, Citizen was rapidly expanding its mechanical watchmaking capabilities, producing elegant and highly capable timepieces that competed on a global stage. Models from this era, such as the Citizen Ace line, are defined by their clean aesthetics, reliable manual wind calibers, and refined dial furniture. The Caliber 122 represents the brand's commitment to quality during this period, offering robust performance and classic architecture that remains highly appreciated by collectors of vintage Japanese horology today.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination.
Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age.
We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description.
The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use.
If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: CIT-JXX-0003