Citizen Deluxe Parashock 21 Jewels (May 1961)

Elegant Citizen Deluxe from the early 1960s – a classic of Japanese post-war watches with a fine hand-wound movement, gold-colored case and new Seiko leather strap .
This model represents the transitional period in which Citizen began to establish itself internationally as a manufacturer of high-quality mechanical watches.

Historical background

The Citizen Deluxe was introduced in 1958 as the successor to the "Citizen Ace" and was one of the most important model series for the brand's resurgence after World War II.
It was equipped with the in-house caliber 920 – a precise, flat, hand-wound movement with 21 jewels and the then newly developed Parashock shock protection system , the Japanese equivalent of "Incabloc".

In the early 1960s, the Citizen Deluxe was considered a symbol of modern Japanese watchmaking: simple, technically reliable, and extremely successful in export markets. Many models were sold in Southeast Asia and Latin America and competed directly with the Seiko Crown and Seiko Liner.

The watch shown here dates back to 1961 based on the serial number 15xxxxx (1 = 1961, 5 = May).

Technical features

• Weight (including strap): 30 g
• Height: 8.2 mm
• Diameter (excluding crown): approx. 35 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 42.5 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Movement: mechanical, hand-wound, caliber 920, 21 jewels
• Shock protection: Parashock
• Case: Stainless steel back, 14K gold-filled case
• Serial number: 15xxxxx
• Production date: May 1961
• Dial: silver-colored with sunburst finish, gold hands and indices
• Bracelet: new black Seiko leather strap
• Condition: good for its age, slight signs of wear on the dial, abrasion on the case back, fully functional
• Origin: Japan

Description

The Citizen Deluxe Parashock combines understated elegance with technical excellence. Its minimalist dial with applied gold indices and slim case make it a timeless classic.
The new black Seiko leather strap emphasizes the elegant lines and ensures modern wearing comfort.

The hand-wound movement runs smoothly and precisely; the watch has been carefully inspected and is in working order.

Collector's value and significance

The Citizen Deluxe is one of the most important series in early Japanese watchmaking history. It marks Citizen's entry into the upper middle class of mechanical wristwatches and was a direct competitor of the Seiko Crown.
Watches of this generation are particularly sought after by collectors today, as they are simple, reliable and technically superbly crafted.

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

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