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

This extraordinary Citizen commemorative watch was issued in 1972 for the 100th anniversary of Japanese railways and is among the most interesting Japanese collector's items 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 extremely rare to find today.

The example 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 obviously comes from a long-preserved old stock. Especially in this completeness and in this state of preservation, Citizen's railway commemorative watch is a real rarity today.

Design & Character

The great appeal of this model lies in its elaborately crafted dial. It shows a plastically reliefed depiction of a steam locomotive with the anniversary inscription 1872–1972. The design is exceptionally unusual and more reminiscent of a finely engraved medal than a classic series dial. This is precisely what gives this watch its strong character: it is not just 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 refers to the anniversary of 100 years of railways in Japan and gives the watch a strong documentary, almost museum-like character.

The stainless steel case, on the other hand, remains deliberately understated. The finely fluted bezel, the slightly domed crystal, and the classic proportion allow the extraordinary dial to take center stage. It is precisely this contrast between the technically simple case shape and the artistically crafted relief dial that gives the model its special charm.

Historical Background

1972 was a significant anniversary year in Japan for railway history. One hundred years earlier, the first railway line in the country had opened, connecting 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. Such thematic commemorative models were repeatedly produced in Japan, but very few have survived in such complete form until today. Pieces in which not only the watch itself is preserved but also the presentation box, the additions, and the medals are particularly rare.

Collector's Value

In this example, the combination is crucial:

• original 1972 commemorative model
• extraordinary 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 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 bracelet: 32 g

Condition

The watch is in an exceptionally original condition (New Old Stock) for this model. The relief dial is the actual 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. Therefore, it should primarily be understood as part of the originality and completeness of the set. The original outer box is preserved in an age-appropriate condition and shows slight signs of wear and a small tear on the side. The presentation box and other accessories are generally very well preserved.

That a piece from 1972 is still preserved in this form with box, outer box, medals, and accessories is extremely rare.

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
Since it 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.