Japanese Citizen quartz movement · Original Citizen chain · Engraving related to Takao-san

This elegant Japanese-made Citizen Quartz pocket watch is a fine example of a classic Japanese commemorative or memorial watch (記念時計) from the Heisei era. Such watches were often given as personal gifts in Japan for special occasions – such as religious ceremonies, anniversaries, honors, or important life events.

This particular example has an engraved dedication on the case back that clearly refers to the famous Mount Takao (高尾山) west of Tokyo. The engraving reads:

普山記念
高尾山隆玄
平成6年4月5日

This can be roughly translated as:

"In commemoration of Fuzan"
"Takaozan Ryūgen" April 5, 1994

The date is given in the Japanese imperial calendar.

Heisei 6 (平成6年) corresponds to the year 1994, so the watch can be dated very precisely.

It is therefore a personal commemorative watch from 1994, presumably in connection with a religious or spiritual ceremony at Takao-san.

Takao-san – one of the most visited mountains in the world

Mount Takao (高尾山) is located about 50 kilometers west of the center of Tokyo and is one of Japan's most famous spiritual mountains. With a height of 599 meters, it is comparatively low but has an exceptionally long religious tradition.

The mountain has been a center of esoteric Buddhism (密教 / Mikkyō) and Shugendō mountain asceticism for over 1200 years, a syncretic Japanese religious form in which Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist elements merge.

Already in 744 AD, the temple

高尾山薬王院 (Takao-san Yakuō-in)

was founded on the mountain, which still forms the spiritual center of the mountain today. The temple belongs to the Shingon Buddhist tradition, which dates back to the famous monk Kūkai (空海).

Takao-san is also closely associated with the veneration of the Tengu – a mythological guardian of the mountain, depicted as half-human, half-bird, and considered a protector of spiritual practice.

Today, Takao-san is one of the most visited mountains in the world. Several million visitors and pilgrims come here annually. In addition to hikers, many believers visit the mountain to perform religious ceremonies or spiritual rituals.

The mountain was also included in the Michelin Green Guide and received the rare three-star rating ("worth a trip") for attractions there.

Meaning of the engraving "高尾山隆玄"

The name 隆玄 (Ryūgen) is typical for a Buddhist ordination name. Such names are often used by:

• Buddhist monks

• religious teachers

• spiritual dignitaries

• or students within an order

.

The engraving therefore strongly suggests that this watch was awarded in connection with a spiritual honor, ordination, or religious ceremony at Takao-san.

The expression 記念 (kinen) means "memory / remembrance / anniversary," while the term 普山 (Fuzan) presumably refers to an order or temple context.

Such personalized commemorative watches were often presented in Japan to:

• participants in a religious ceremony

• students of a Buddhist teacher

• or supporters of a temple

.

Thus, this watch is not only a timepiece but also a small historical object with a connection to Japan's religious culture.

Dial

The dial is deliberately classic in design and based on traditional pocket watches.

Features:

• White dial
• Elegant curved Arabic numerals
• Fine minute track on the outer edge
• Slender black hands
• "Citizen Quartz" signature below 12 o'clock

Below the 6 o'clock position is the reference:

JAPAN 4630-E6812-Y

This marking belongs to the Citizen 4630 quartz caliber movement series.

Case

The case has a classic pocket watch shape with a ring at 12 o'clock and is very flat.

Technical markings on the back:

CITIZEN
4631-E63701 K
440152

The case is made of stainless steel and has a simple, elegant surface.

Movement

Inside, a Citizen quartz caliber from the 4630 series is at work.

Features:

• Japanese precision quartz movement
• Low maintenance
• Very reliable accuracy
• Compact design

The battery has just been replaced, so the watch is ready for immediate use.

Citizen as a watch manufacturer

Citizen was founded in Tokyo in 1918 and developed into one of the largest watch manufacturers in the world.

In addition to production watches, Citizen also produced numerous commemorative and anniversary watches, especially in the 1980s and 1990s, which were awarded for example at:

• Company anniversaries
• Religious ceremonies
• Club foundings
• Personal honors

Many of these pieces were produced in small quantities, which makes them interesting historical documents of Japanese everyday and religious history today.

Scope of delivery

• Citizen Quartz Pocket Watch
• Original Citizen pocket watch chain with clip

Measurements

Diameter: 36.3 mm
Height: 6.7 mm
Total height incl. ring: 46.6 mm
Weight incl. chain: 36 g

Condition

The watch is in good condition with slight age-related signs of wear.

The battery was replaced in 2026, so the watch runs perfectly fine technically.

Warranty (used)
This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects (legal 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.