Citizen Deluxe "Guppy", Reference 130901, 19 Jewels - Manual Wind - sought-after dial variant, freshly overhauled in Japan

Within Citizen's successful Deluxe family, there are several dial variants that carry their own names – and which collectors seek out specifically because, while externally related to the regular models, they are significantly rarer on the market. The "Guppy" is one of them.

The Deluxe line and the Guppy

The Deluxe first appeared in 1958 and became one of the most successful Citizen lines ever. It was available in numerous case and dial variants, and the dials were often textured, patterned, or colored – a deliberate contrast to the sober utility watches of those years. The movement of the line was a higher-quality manual wind, adjusted at the factory in three positions and equipped with 19, 21, or 23 jewels depending on the version. Within the line, there was a version with a hacking seconds feature as well as Citizen's first Parawater model; "Parawater" was Citizen's in-house term for waterproof cases and was used until about 1970.

The Guppy offered here bears its model name directly on the dial, below the Deluxe lettering, and operates with 19 jewels. On the Japanese market, this variant is noticeably rarer than the standard Deluxe – those looking for it usually wait a while.

Design and character

The dial features a concentric, very finely turned groove pattern that runs from the center outwards and shifts completely depending on the incidence of light: appearing light and silvery at one angle, and as a solid, warm surface at another. Sitting on this background are the two signature lines in fine script, with the movement specifications below them. The hour markers are executed as slim, applied gold batons and stand on a slightly recessed outer ring – a two-zone design that gives the dial spatial depth.

This is complemented by long, gold-plated dauphine hands and a delicate second hand. The gold-plated case is round, with a pronounced center ridge and strongly downward-curving lugs.

The proportions are remarkable: 35 mm in diameter with a height of only 8.8 mm, but a lug-to-lug of 44.1 mm. These long lugs make the watch look significantly larger on the wrist than its diameter would suggest – it fills out even a larger wrist without being bulky. At 39 grams, it remains feather-light. It is supplied on an orange leather strap that picks up the warm gold tone of the case.

Condition

The case shows slight signs of wear consistent with its age, as is to be expected with an honest vintage watch from this era. The structure of the dial is completely preserved, and the signatures are clearly legible.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Citizen
• Model: Deluxe "Guppy"
• Reference: 130901
• Movement: Manual wind
• Jewels: 19 jewels
• Case material: gold-plated (C.G.P.), stainless steel caseback
• Diameter without crown: 35 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 44.1 mm
• Height: 8.8 mm
• Lug width: 17 mm
• Weight incl. strap: 39 g
• Service: overhauled in Japan
• Strap: orange leather strap
• Origin: Japan

For whom?

For collectors who are building their Deluxe family collection specifically around dial variants and are waiting for the Guppy. For lovers of textured dials that interact with the light. And for anyone looking for a flat, formal manual-wind watch that, thanks to its long lugs, sits harmoniously even on a larger 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, no water resistance can be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.