Citizen Quartz – April 1987 – octagonal case, gold-toned – unworn with original strap

A slim 1980s Japanese dress watch that has never been worn: the round protective film from delivery is still stuck to the case back.

The case back bears the engraving CITIZEN WATCH CO., BASE METAL YP, the reference 4031-491742 Y, the case number 70409229, as well as the designation 3G-1020 and JAPAN. The dial is marked with CITIZEN QUARTZ and the CQ logo.

1980s Japanese dress watches

In Japan, the 1980s were the decade of the slim quartz watch. Once movement development had left mechanical competition behind, the competition shifted to design: how thin could a case be made, how clear a dial be drawn, and how easily could a watch slide under a shirt cuff?

The result was watches like this one—6.6 millimeters thin, 52 grams light, with a case that is neither round nor square, but octagonal. This shape was a reference: it took the design language of the European luxury watches of those years and translated it into a price range accessible to employees.

For collectors today, these watches are interesting because they reflect the self-image of an entire decade—and because they were built in a size that is back in demand after twenty years of oversized watches.

Design

The gold-colored dial is framed by a fine border line that follows the octagonal case and gives the dial a second level. Small, square applied indices sit on top of it; the hands are slim and held in the same tonality.

The lettering CITIZEN QUARTZ is located below the 12, the CQ logo below the center of the dial. There is no other lettering—the restraint is part of the design.

The octagonal case is finished with polished facets that break the light into edges. The gold-colored link bracelet has a fine brickwork structure and tapers towards the case; the folding clasp is marked with the Citizen logo.

Please note: The case back indicates that the case is made of base metal with a yellow plating (BASE METAL YP). This is a gold-colored coating, not solid gold.

Dating

The case number 70409229 follows the standard Citizen system, which points to April of a year ending in 7. In conjunction with the 4031 caliber, this suggests a production date of 1987. 

Condition and provenance

The watch comes from a Japanese watch shop, where it was checked before sale. According to the dealer tag, it is unworn—the round protective film on the case back is still present and supports this statement.

The dial, hands, and crystal are flawless. The case shows no signs of wear or polishing; the facets are sharp. The original bracelet is complete, without stretching and without abrasion; the folding clasp closes firmly.

The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Technical data

• Brand: Citizen
• Reference: 4031-491742
• Case number: 70409229
• Movement: Quartz, battery-powered
• Functions: Hour, minute, second
• Case: Base metal with yellow plating (BASE METAL YP), octagonal
• Dimensions without crown: 27.4 × 26.9 mm
• Height: 6.6 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 34.3 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight incl. bracelet: 52 g
• Dial: Gold-colored with square applied indices
• Bracelet: Original gold-colored link bracelet with Citizen folding clasp
• Dating: April 1987
• Origin: Japan

For whom?

For slender wrists, to which 27 millimeters are perfectly suited. For wearers looking for a watch to wear with a suit that disappears under the cuff rather than being bulky. And for collectors seeking a 1980s Japanese dress watch in delivery condition.

Warranty (pre-owned)

This is a pre-owned item. The limitation period for claims for defects under the statutory warranty is 12 months from delivery.

Note on water resistance

Water resistance is not guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.