Citizen 23 Jewels – Japan National Railways (国鉄) Employee Award Watch - 70s

Rare and historically significant Citizen 23 Jewels hand-wound watch , manufactured in the early 1970s as a service and award watch for the Japan National Railways (日本国有鉄道 – JNR) .
According to the engraving on the back of the case, this specimen was awarded on the occasion of a performance or merit award (功績章表彰記念) – an honor that was only given to particularly deserving railway employees.

Historical background

The engraving 「功績章表彰記念 日本国有鉄道総裁」 (“Award of Merit – President of the Japanese State Railways ”) identifies the watch as an official JNR honorary gift .
Such watches were awarded by the JNR headquarters (国鉄本社) in the 1960s and 1970s – typically to train conductors, locomotive drivers or employees with many years of exemplary service.

Citizen manufactured these special models based on its high-quality, 23-jewel hand-wound movements , which at the time were among the top classes of Japanese watchmaking.
The model symbolizes both technical excellence and the high social standing of the award – a piece of authentic Japanese railway history.

Technical features

• Model: Citizen 23 Jewels – Japan National Railways Award Watch
• Caliber: mechanical hand-wound movement (23 jewels)
• Origin: Japan, ca. 1970–1973
• Case: gold-plated (CGP), screw-down stainless steel case back with official JNR engraving
• Shape: round
• Diameter: approx. 22.5 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 26.4 mm
• Height: 9 mm
• Lug width: 11 mm
• Weight: 16 g (including new leather strap)
• Dial: silver-colored with sunburst finish, gold baton indices, "Citizen 23 Jewels" signature
• Hands: gold-colored, dauphine-shaped
• Crown: original Citizen knurled
• Condition: very good vintage condition, minor signs of wear, technically functional

bracelet

Equipped with a new Japanese premium leather strap from Maruman , model A3211 (11 mm) .
The strap is made of Italian calfskin with a fine crocodile embossing in dark brown (茶) and is water-repellent (防水).
The high-quality strap perfectly complements the historic watch and emphasizes its classic character.

Description

This clock is more than a timepiece – it is a symbol of Japanese railway history.
Its classic design with fine gold indexing and engraving on the back makes it an authentic badge of honor of Japan National Railways (JNR) .
Thanks to its precise 23-jewel hand-wound movement, it offers excellent timekeeping and a durable movement.
The combination of technical quality, historical significance and elegant design makes it a special collector's item.

Collector's value and significance

JNR award watches are extremely rare, especially in good original condition.
This model, with the official engraving of the then JNR president, is one of the most sought-after variants.
Such watches embody a piece of Japanese industrial culture and are equally appreciated by collectors of railway watches (鉄道時計) and Japanese vintage models .

Warranty (used)

This is a used item. The limitation period for claims based on defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.

Notice

Since this is a used watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed.
To protect the clock mechanism, the clock should not come into contact with water or moisture.