Citizen: An Alarm, And a "Diver" ... in one!!

[ninja01]

OK, well I think that title should generate some interest out there!!

What it is, was an auction (now ended) for a Citizen Alarm, vintage, that is done in the "diver style" casing.

Here's the info:

From jfm_watches; 76' CITIZEN CRICKET ALARM MENS SS DATE # 60611842 "Diver style" w/ black rotating bezel outside. No movement pic (one  reason I did NOT go after it; especially this seller seems to have a lot of "restorations" and almost never shows the movement. I've also never bought from him, so haven't had the chance to verify if he is OK w/ movements being good). Relatively clean, but buffed back w/ some detail loss, can't see model# in shot to verify.

The auction link:
www.ebay.ph/itm/76-CITIZEN-CRICKET-ALARM-MENS-SS-DATE-60611842-MANUAL-WIND-WATCH-1-/351216929599?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item51c6290b3f

Some bidding history:
1/7P:US$1.25[2 bids] 11/8:US$4.25[Bidders:5,Bids:5]>>US$20.50>>11/9P[Bidders:6,Bids:7] 11/10:US$22.00>>11:US$22.50[Bidders:8,Bids:9] 11/12;US$71.00[Bidders:11,Bids:17] 11/13, 5P>>11/14 7A:US$73.00[Bidders:12,Bids:18] 11/14 7:45A:US$127.50(2 showing)[Bidders:13,Bids:22]

END:US$182.50(PHP8,190.47)[Bidders:14,Bids:30]

I'm sure Sweephand can tell you how infrequently these show up, especially in nice condition!! I know I've seen very few here (philippines) in 5+ years.

[philsinclair]

Hi Don. Any cricket should create interest as most companies put a lot extra quality into this type of movement. They are often the best quality and most expensive watch in the line up. Eg Seiko, Vulcain, Revue Thommen, Solvil et Titus. However, the vendor in this case is (I believe) the same guy I had issues with a year ago. The watch I purchased had molested internals and he was not refunding the money. You sorted him at the time and my money was refunded. I would be careful buying his stuff as he does substitute used parts into his non runners. Cheers Phil

[sweephand]

Dial side - the tip of the alarm hand is usually red and on these the other ones I've seen have a different type of dial code with just 4 numerical digits. This dial code could still be correct though if Citizen changed from the earlier format to the 6-xxxxxx type during the period of production, I have seen that on at least one other model. The biggest issue is that the case back looks to be from a different model - the original model / case number is ALDS52902 and this one looks to be ALDS51?01 (my reference material only lists a 51301 - a model that has a similar dial but no diver bezel). 

Stephen

[ninja01]

Nov 14, 2014 9:07:01 GMT -8 sweephand said:

Dial side - the tip of the alarm hand is usually red and on these the other ones I've seen have a different type of dial code ... The biggest issue is that the case back looks to be from a different model ... - a model that has a similar dial but no diver bezel). 

Stephen

OK, thanks for putting in your professional evaluation!!

As I said before, "one reason I did NOT go after it; especially this seller seems to have a lot of "restorations" and almost never shows the movement. I've also never bought from him, so haven't had the chance to verify if he is OK w/ movements being good..."

That goes for external parts as well, I suspect a lot of his are "cobbled" ....

Still, at least they seem to be "original" Citizen parts from pretty close relatives

Besides, I think 'diver' prices are rather overblown these days, so anything "diver-like" I tend to avoid anyway ... just thought it was interesting to point this one out as we don't see them show up much!!

[sweephand]

Hi Don  - it is good to see these more unusual models 

Here's an example from YJ:







Stephen

[ninja01]

Nov 14, 2014 15:18:49 GMT -8 sweephand said:

Hi Don  - it is good to see these more unusual models 

Here's an example from YJ: ...

Stephen

I Don't expect to see one that nice in the Philippines

Thanks for showing!!

[sweephand]

or this one!: 




There is some very nice stuff on YJ - and some very nice prices too!!

Stephen

[Groundhog66]

That's really a nice looking model, haven't seen it before.

[ninja01]

Nov 14, 2014 15:47:50 GMT -8 Groundhog66 said:

That's really a nice looking model, haven't seen it before.

For good reason! I think this is only the 2nd example I've seen for sale i've seen here in the Philippines in over 5 (nearly 6) years of looking @ eBayPH and other local sales venues.

[cobrajet25]

Not trying to threadjack, but I am in the middle of a deal on this one.  Any ideas as to a fair price?  I am pretty clueless on vintage Citizen prices.  Bracelet is supposedly off of a Seiko, and I am not sure how/if it works.

[sdoocms]

This is the first time I have seen this model too.  Nice looking watch.