Citizen Alarm – 4 hands, Parashock, 17 Jewels – Ref. 15708, gold-plated 20 μ – 1960s manual wind alarm

A wrist alarm, purely mechanical: A second mainspring barrel drives a hammer that strikes against the case back. Not a beep, but a resonant purr that you can hear just as well as you can feel. Citizen’s wrist alarms from the 1960s are among the most charming constructions produced by the Japanese watch industry – and among the rarest.

The mechanical wrist alarm

Integrating an alarm function into a wristwatch case was a constructional challenge: it requires a second, independent mainspring barrel, its own winding mechanism, a release mechanism, and a hammer that strikes a membrane or the case back. Switzerland had Vulcain and Jaeger-LeCoultre for this; Citizen developed its own solution.

This example operates with four hands: hour, minute, center seconds – and the arrow-tipped alarm hand, which is set via the second crown. You set the arrow to the desired time, wind the alarm mechanism, and the watch alerts you. The operation is so intuitive that you never have to explain it twice.

"Parashock" is the name for Citizen's shock protection for the balance staff. The movement features 17 jewels and is hand-wound.

The case

The case back is stamped 20 MICRONS · C.G.P. · STAR · CENTER SECOND · STAINLESS STEEL BACK · 15708. Twenty microns of gold plating is a substantial thickness, significantly above the norm in this class – and the reason why the case still looks pristine after sixty years. The two fluted crowns at 2 and 4 o'clock are clearly visible on the case flank and give the watch its unmistakable silhouette.

Design and character

The dial features two zones: a finely turned, concentrically textured center where the alarm hand travels, and a smooth outer ring with applied gold-colored baton indices. The signature "Citizen Alarm" is in the center, underneath "17 JEWELS PARASHOCK". The contrast between the textured inner field and the calm outer ring gives the dial depth and makes the function immediately readable.

The case measures 35.6 mm without the crown, with a 43.7 mm lug-to-lug and a height of 12.3 mm – this thickness is the price paid for the second mainspring barrel and was the rule for wrist alarms of that era. At 57 grams, the watch sits noticeably on the wrist without feeling heavy.

Condition

The watch is in good condition for its age. The gold-plated stretch-Milanaise bracelet is almost like new. The crystal, case, and dial show slight signs of use, but the gold plating shows only minimal abrasion. The alarm function works perfectly.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Citizen
• Model: Alarm, 4 hands
• Reference: 15708
• Movement: Manual wind with separate alarm mechanism
• Jewels: 17 jewels
• Shock protection: Parashock
• Functions: Hour, minute, center seconds, mechanical alarm with hand setting
• Case material: 20 micron gold-plated (C.G.P.), stainless steel back
• Diameter without crown: 35.6 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 43.7 mm
• Height: 12.3 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight incl. strap: 57 g
• Date: 1960s
• Strap: gold-plated Milanaise stretch bracelet
• Origin: Japan

For whom?

For collectors of mechanical complications who are looking for a wrist alarm and want to discover the Japanese answer to Vulcain and Jaeger-LeCoultre. For anyone who wants a watch that actually does something – the hammer on the case back is an experience that no quartz watch can replace. And for buyers looking for a function that no one else has on their wrist.

Warranty (used)

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

Note

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