Presented for auction by Second Vintage The mechanical alarm complication represents one of the most charming and interactive eras of mid-century horology, offering a tangible connection between the wearer and the movement. This elegant Citizen Alarm beautifully showcases Japanese watchmaking prowess from the period, combining a highly practical complication with a sophisticated dress watch aesthetic. Defined by its dual crowns and the distinctive rotating inner alarm disc, this timepiece is a testament to Citizen's dedication to both mechanical ingenuity and refined design, making it a highly compelling acquisition for the discerning vintage collector. Brand: Citizen Model: Alarm Reference Number: 15710 Serial Number: 11100284 Movement: Manual-winding 17-jewel alarm caliber Dial: Silver two-tone dial with concentric textured outer ring and applied indices, in remarkably clean and exceptionally preserved condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 20 Microns Gold Plated with Stainless Steel back Production Year: November 1961 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an outstanding dial and honest wear to the gold-plated case Dial and Hands The dial is a visual standout, executed in a brilliant silver two-tone configuration that remains in stunningly clean condition. The outer chapter ring features a deeply stamped concentric guilloché texture that plays beautifully with the light, providing a sharp contrast to the smooth sunburst finish of the central rotating alarm disc. Applied gold-tone faceted baton indices mark the hours, complemented by the applied 4H logo below twelve o'clock. The cursive Citizen Alarm script and lower dial text remain crisp and fully intact. Carefully inspecting the dial reveals an exceptionally well-preserved surface, free of significant moisture marks, spotting, or damage, presenting only the faintest signs of age-consistent warmth under macro photography. The gold-tone dauphine hands and the inner alarm indicator arrow display gentle, honest oxidation that perfectly matches the vintage character of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The 35 mm case is constructed of 20-micron gold plating over a base metal, capped with a stainless steel snap-on caseback. The case profile retains strong geometry, with the elegant lugs sweeping downward for a comfortable wrist presence. Visual inspection shows moderate, honest vintage wear, including surface scratches and some softening or brassing of the gold plating along the lug extremities and the case flanks. The dual crowns at two and four o'clock, utilized for winding, setting the time, and operating the alarm, exhibit noticeable brassing and patina consistent with decades of regular winding. The stainless steel caseback is wonderfully preserved, featuring crisp, deep engravings including the Star case maker logo and reference numbers. The domed crystal is clear and well-preserved, offering an entirely unobstructed view of the intricate dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Citizen manual-winding 17-jewel mechanical alarm caliber. The movement features brushed bridges clearly stamped with the Citizen nomenclature and jewel count. The visual condition of the movement shows age-appropriate patina and gentle tarnish along the outer edges of the plates, remaining entirely authentic to its era. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of 14 to 20 s/d. Strap The watch is fitted with a highly distinctive, period-correct exotic patterned leather strap. The strap features rich brown and amber tones resembling scale textures, accented by bold yellow contrast stitching, and is secured by a classic gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the absolute highlight, remaining exceptionally clean and well-preserved for its age. The gold-plated case and dual crowns show expected signs of regular use, including localized brassing and surface marks, which add honest character without detracting from the watch's inherent elegance. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm Lug to Lug: 42 mm Lug Width: 18 mm Remarks A superb example of Japanese horological heritage, this Citizen Alarm merges the utility of a mechanical complication with striking mid-century design. The textured two-tone dial and rotating inner disc create a dynamic visual experience, making this a sophisticated and highly conversational addition to any serious vintage collection. History During the mid-20th century, the race to produce reliable and accessible mechanical alarm watches was highly competitive, with Swiss and Japanese manufacturers vying for wrist space among traveling professionals. Citizen introduced their alarm wristwatches to offer a robust and elegant alternative to their Swiss counterparts. The 4H models became particularly celebrated for their clever use of a rotating central disc to set the alarm, rather than a traditional fourth hand. This design choice kept the dial uncluttered and highly legible, cementing the Citizen Alarm as a timeless classic in the realm of vintage complications. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-AJX-0001