Citizen Pocket Watch "Shinkansen 30th Anniversary" (1994) NOS Full Set JDM Ref. 6031-344022

This extraordinary pocket watch from Citizen is far more than a timepiece – it is a piece of Japanese railway history. The dial bears the inscription "30th Anniversary これからも。" ("and in the future") as well as a stylized depiction of a Shinkansen. It is therefore highly likely to be an official or semi-official anniversary watch for the 30th anniversary of the Shinkansen (1964–1994).

On October 1, 1964, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen line opened in connection with the impending Olympic Games in Tokyo. This marked the beginning of high-speed rail travel in Japan. The line connected the 515 km route between Tokyo and Osaka with the Series 0 at up to 200 km/h in just four hours, halving the travel time.

Corresponding anniversary items – especially watches – were frequently issued in Japan as limited souvenirs or internal commemorative pieces. Such items, particularly in NOS condition, are practically no longer available on the market today.

The model is based on a classic Citizen quartz caliber (Ref. 6031-344022), typical of high-quality Japanese pocket watches from the 1990s: precise, slim, and suitable for everyday use. Combined with the complete set – including box, papers, and original chain – this makes for an exceptionally collectible overall package.

The dial is the clear highlight: the combination of the Shinkansen motif, Japanese script, and the deep blue center makes this watch a true conversation piece – far removed from generic pocket watches.

Technical Data

• Manufacturer: Citizen
• Reference: 6031-344022
• Movement: Quartz
• Diameter: approx. 35.8 mm
• Height: approx. 7.2 mm
• Height incl. crown & ring: approx. 47.6 mm
• Weight (incl. chain): 29 g
• Material: Stainless steel
• Functions: Hour, Minute, Center Seconds
• Special feature: Shinkansen 30th Anniversary Dial

Condition

Absolute New Old Stock (NOS) condition.
Unworn, no signs of use.
Fresh battery installed – watch runs perfectly.
Comes in full set including box, papers, and original chain.

Classification & Collector Relevance

• Clear JDM collector's item (Japan Domestic Market)
• Thematic overlap from:
  • Watch collectors
  • Railway/Shinkansen enthusiasts
  • Japan collectors
• Significantly rarer than classic Citizen pocket watches
• More comparable to Railway/Commemorative Pieces than to standard models

The combination of:

• specific historical occasion
• very well-documented Japanese context
• NOS Full Set condition

makes this piece qualitatively much higher value than typical vintage offerings.