{"product_id":"citizen-thunder-bird-jdm-funkuhr-mit-rotem-zifferblatt-quarz","title":"Citizen Thunder Bird - JDM Radio Controlled Watch with Red Dial - Quartz","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA Japanese pilot's watch from the era when radio reception was the big selling point for quartz watches - and one of the few that combines this technical claim with a bright red dial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial features the signatures Thunder Bird and RADIO CONTROLLED, as well as the inscriptions 10 YEAR BATTERY LIFE and WATER 10BAR RESIST. It is supplemented by a reception indicator with the markings RECEIVING, OK and NG.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eCitizen and the Thunder Bird Line\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThunder Bird is a model line by Citizen under which the manufacturer offered watches with an outdoor and pilot character: rotating bezels, slide rule and compass scales, high pressure resistance, bold dials. The line includes solar, quartz and chronograph models and was aimed at buyers who prioritize function over subtlety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eRadio reception is not a coincidental feature, but goes back to one of the company's core competencies: Citizen began developing radio-controlled watches in 1989 and introduced the world's first multi-transmitter reception watch in 1993. In the years that followed, the antenna moved from the center of the dial to the side of the case, until the first radio-controlled watch with a full metal case was achieved in 2003. This model belongs to the period when radio reception moved from the laboratory to the mainstream and was confidently written on the dial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eImportant note on radio reception\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe watch is designed for the Japanese time signal system JJY, which transmits at 40 kHz and 60 kHz. The DCF77 transmitter, which is relevant in Germany and Central Europe, operates at 77.5 kHz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe radio reception function is therefore not usable in Germany and Central Europe, but of course it is on a trip to Japan. The watch runs as a regular quartz watch and is set manually. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eDesign\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe design follows the aesthetic of a classic pilot's watch, but takes it in a much more colorful direction. The dial is a vibrant red, subtly darkening towards the edges, against which the white luminous bar indices stand out sharply. The yellow second hand and yellow scale markings provide a second color accent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSeveral scales encircle the dial: an inner reception and time zone division, above it a ring with nautical and statute mile divisions and speed indications in MPH, and on the outer rotating, strongly knurled bezel, a complete degree scale with cardinal directions. North is marked in red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDespite this density, the time remains clearly legible because the hands and indices are significantly larger than the surrounding scales. With a diameter of around 45 millimeters and a weight of only 48 grams, the watch wears surprisingly lightly. It comes with a black rubber strap with quick-release spring bars that can be changed without tools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eDating\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThere is no serial number or datable case back stamp on this example. The case back is a screwed plastic case back and bears the inscription ASSEMBLED IN CHINA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDial and glass are very well preserved. The red is even and unbleached, all scales are sharply printed, the luminous indices are complete and without chipping. No scratches are visible on the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe bezel shows slight signs of wear on the knurling and rotates smoothly. The case has isolated fine scratches. The screwed back is undamaged; the embossing is weakened in places by abrasion. The rubber strap is pliable, without cracks, and shows only minimal signs of wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe watch was completely disassembled, cleaned, and fitted with a new battery in Japan in spring 2026. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3 print:block print:space-y-1\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBrand: Citizen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eModel line: Thunder Bird\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eMovement: Quartz, battery-powered, with radio time reception (Japanese JJY system)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eFunctions: Hour, minute, second, reception indicator; rotating compass and slide rule bezel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCase: Plastic with screwed plastic case back\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDiameter without crown: approx. 44.7 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHeight: 15.1 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLug-to-Lug: 49.7 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLug width: 20 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWeight including strap: 48 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWater resistance from factory: 10 bar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDial: Red with white luminous indices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStrap: Black rubber strap with quick-release spring bars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eManufacturing: assembled in China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSpecial feature: Radio reception only usable in the Japanese transmission area\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eFor whom?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor buyers looking for a striking, easy-to-read pilot's watch for everyday use and who do not value the radio function. And for Citizen collectors who want to document the company's radio-controlled watch era – the JJY generation is the technical starting point of what is in every radio-controlled watch today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eWarranty (used)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects under the statutory warranty is 12 months from delivery. The limited usability of the radio reception function outside Japan is agreed as a condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eNote on water resistance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe original designation 10 BAR refers to the watch's new condition. Due to its age and untested seals, no current water resistance is guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vintage \u0026 JDM (Japan Domestic Market)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54201055248722,"sku":"A158a","price":99.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0911\/3908\/0530\/files\/290AC300-1F20-4CBF-9107-BA47AE2C3C6E.jpg?v=1786068054","url":"https:\/\/japanese-microbrands.com\/en\/products\/citizen-thunder-bird-jdm-funkuhr-mit-rotem-zifferblatt-quarz","provider":"Japanese Microbrands - Mario Lenke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}