Citizen Railway Commemorative Watch 1872–1972 D51 – NOS Full Set with Medals, Original Box & Outer Box – September 1972

This exceptional Citizen commemorative watch was issued in 1972 for the 100th anniversary of Japanese railways and is among the most interesting Japanese collectibles of the early 1970s. It commemorates the opening of Japan's first railway line in 1872 and combines historical themes, elaborate dial design, and original presentation in a way that is now extremely rare to find.

The specimen offered here is particularly remarkable in this form: The watch comes in original condition, with original box, outer box, medals and other accessories. In addition, it evidently comes from long-preserved old stock. Especially in this completeness and state of preservation, Citizen's Railway Commemorative Watch is a true rarity today.

Design & Character

The great appeal of this model lies in its elaborately crafted dial. It features a plastically reliefed depiction of a steam locomotive with the anniversary inscription 1872–1972. The design is highly unusual and is more reminiscent of a finely engraved medal than a classic series dial. This is precisely what gives this watch such a distinctive character: it is not only a timepiece but also a historical memento.

The relief locomotive is regularly associated in the collector's market with the Japanese steam locomotive tradition and especially with the D51. Regardless of the exact railway-historical classification, it is clear: the motif directly references the anniversary of 100 years of railways in Japan and gives the watch a strong documentary, almost museum-like character.

The stainless steel case, however, remains deliberately understated. The finely fluted bezel, the slightly domed crystal, and the classic proportions give precedence to the extraordinary dial. It is precisely this contrast between the technically simple case shape and the artistically elaborated relief dial that constitutes the special appeal of the model.

Historical Background

1972 was a significant anniversary year for railway history in Japan. One hundred years earlier, the country's first railway line had been opened between Shimbashi and Yokohama. Various commemorative objects, collector's items, and special editions were released for the centenary. This Citizen watch is part of precisely this commemorative culture.

Thus, it is much more than a beautiful vintage watch. It is a document of Japanese industrial and transport history. While such thematic commemorative models were produced repeatedly in Japan, very few have survived to this day in such a complete form. Pieces where not only the watch itself is preserved but also the presentation box, the extras, and the medals are particularly rare.

Collector's Value

The combination is crucial for this specimen:

• original 1972 commemorative model
• exceptional relief dial
• manufactured in September 1972
• New Old Stock character or extremely fresh original condition
• Full Set with box, outer box, medals, and accessories
• significantly rarer than most individual pieces offered today

Especially compared to already rare individual watches without accessories, this set clearly stands out. For Citizen collectors, railway collectors, and lovers of Japanese memorabilia, this is an offer with considerable collector's appeal.

Technical Data

• Brand: Citizen
  
• Model: Railway Commemorative Watch / Railway 100th Anniversary 1872–1972
  
• Reference: 4-673760-K
  
• Movement: Hand-wound movement from the Citizen 67xx family
  
• Production date: September 1972
  
• Case material: Stainless steel
  
• Diameter without crown: 34 mm
  
• Lug-to-Lug: 38.3 mm
  
• Height: 8.8 mm
  
• Lug width: 18 mm
  
• Weight including original strap: 32 g

Condition

The watch is in an exceptionally original condition (New Old Stock) for this model. The relief dial is the main highlight and appears very fresh and impressive. The case is also very well preserved. The original strap is present, but due to age, it is brittle on the back. It should therefore primarily be understood as part of the originality and completeness of the set.

It is extremely rare for a piece from 1972 to have survived in this form with its box, outer box, medals, and accessories.

Scope of Delivery

• Citizen Railway Commemorative Watch 1872–1972
• Original strap
• Original box
• Outer box
• Medals
• other original accessories as pictured

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.