Desk clock - Citizen シチズン No

A striking example of Japanese Space Age design from the 1970s, combining a sculptural cherry-red housing, a brushed metallic sunburst dial, polished chrome detailing and traditional Japanese mechanical clockmaking. Manufactured in Japan by Citizen (シチズン), this mechanical alarm clock, reference No. 51102, represents the futuristic aesthetic that characterised Japanese domestic design during the Space Age era. Its distinctive rounded silhouette, vibrant colour and elegant metallic dial transform an everyday timekeeping instrument into an attractive collectible design object. Design & Aesthetics The most remarkable feature of this Citizen alarm clock is its unusual sculptural housing, manufactured from glossy cherry-red moulded plastic. Instead of adopting the conventional rectangular shape of a traditional alarm clock, Citizen created a rounded, almost spherical body, gently flattened at the bottom to provide stability when placed on a desk, bedside table or shelf. The case has a continuous, flowing silhouette, with smoothly curved sides and a slightly inclined circular front. Viewed from different angles, the design reveals its characteristic Space Age personality, reminiscent of the futuristic domestic interiors, experimental furniture and modernist objects of the late 1960s and 1970s. The glossy cherry-red finish creates a particularly attractive contrast with the silver metallic elements of the dial. Brushed Sunburst Dial & Convex Glass The clock features an elegant silver-tone dial with a radial brushed-metal finish, commonly known as a sunburst or soleil dial. This finishing technique produces beautiful reflections as the light moves across its surface, giving the dial a sense of depth and sophistication. The dial is protected by a convex crystal made of real glass, not plastic, surrounded by a polished chrome-tone circular bezel. The twelve applied hour markers are particularly interesting: each consists of a raised rectangular metallic element with an orange-red insert, introducing a subtle geometric detail that echoes the colour of the surrounding housing. Small luminous-style dots and fine black minute markers complete the dial. The hour and minute hands feature elongated luminous-style inserts, while the delicate central seconds hand and the separate alarm-setting hand preserve the traditional arrangement of a mechanical alarm clock. The combination of cherry-red plastic, brushed silver, chrome reflections and orange-red details gives this model a highly recognisable 1970s appearance. Despite its compact dimensions, the clock has considerable visual presence, making it particularly suitable for a vintage design collection or a Space Age-inspired interior. Citizen シチズン – Japanese Watchmaking Heritage Citizen is one of Japan's most important historical watchmaking companies. Its origins date back to 1918, when the Shokosha Watch Research Institute was established in Tokyo. The Citizen name was introduced during the 1920s, and Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. was formally established in 1930. Throughout the twentieth century, Citizen developed an international reputation for precision engineering, reliable mechanical movements and technological innovation. Historical Location – Tokyo, Kantō Region, Japan Citizen's historical manufacturing heritage is closely connected with Tanashi (田無), today part of Nishitōkyō (西東京市), in Tokyo Metropolis (東京都), within Japan's Kantō Region (関東地方). The company operated important watchmaking facilities in this area, which became associated with the development of Japanese precision timekeeping. Although the exact manufacturing facility of the Citizen No. 51102 has not been independently documented, the clock is marked JAPAN, confirming its Japanese origin. During the 1960s and 1970s, Japanese manufacturers increasingly incorporated colourful synthetic materials, innovative shapes and modern decorative elements into everyday household products. Mechanical alarm clocks were no longer simply practical instruments but also objects designed to complement the modern home. This Citizen No. 51102 beautifully reflects that transition, combining established mechanical engineering with the expressive and futuristic design language of its period. Mechanical Movement – 2 Jewels The clock is equipped with a traditional mechanical movement featuring 2 jewels, as clearly indicated on the dial. These jewel bearings are used at selected friction points within the movement, contributing to its mechanical operation and reducing wear. Unlike modern battery-operated quartz clocks, this model operates through a conventional mechanical clockwork system requiring manual winding. The rear of the housing incorporates the original mechanical controls for winding and adjustment of the time and alarm. A series of circular openings on the rear allows the sound of the mechanical alarm to project from inside the case. Both the clock mechanism and the mechanical alarm have been tested and are functioning. The clock retains the characteristic mechanical ticking sound associated with traditional Japanese mechanical alarm clocks. As with all vintage mechanical timepieces, some variation in timekeeping accuracy is normal. Technical Specifications Brand: Citizen (シチズン) Model / Reference: No. 51102 Country of manufacture: Japan (日本) Historical manufacturer location: Tanashi / Nishitōkyō (西東京市) Prefecture / Metropolis: Tokyo (東京都) Region: Kantō (関東地方) Period: 1970s, attributed on stylistic grounds Style: Space Age / Japanese Modernism / Retro Futurism Type: Mechanical tabletop alarm clock Movement: Traditional mechanical movement Jewels: 2 Functions: Time display and mechanical alarm Case material: Moulded plastic Case colour: Glossy cherry red Dial: Silver-tone radial brushed-metal sunburst finish Hour markers: Applied rectangular metallic indices with orange-red inserts Hands: Luminous-style hour and minute hands Crystal: Convex real glass Bezel: Polished chrome-tone finish Approximate width: 13,5 cm Approximate height: 12 cm Approximate depth: 6 cm Condition: Vintage, clock and alarm functioning Vintage Condition The clock is presented in attractive vintage condition, retaining its distinctive cherry-red finish, original sculptural housing and elegant metallic dial. The convex glass and chrome-tone bezel contribute to its attractive overall presentation. Both the mechanical clock and alarm are functioning. The plastic housing presents normal signs of age and previous use, including minor surface scratches and small cosmetic imperfections. Important condition detail: There is a small crack on the lower underside of the plastic housing, visible in the detailed photographs. This imperfection is situated in the lower part of the case and is not particularly noticeable when the clock is displayed in its normal upright position. It does not prevent the clock from standing normally or affect the tested operation of the clock and alarm. Please carefully examine all photographs, including those showing the rear and underside, as they form an integral part of the description and provide the most accurate representation of the item's condition. Vintage Mechanical Clocks & Alarm Clocks This is an authentic vintage mechanical timepiece, not a modern quartz clock. The clock and alarm have been tested and are functioning at the time of listing. Mechanical movements require regular manual winding and may exhibit variations in timekeeping precision depending on winding tension, positioning, temperature, movement condition and age. A characteristic ticking sound, normal mechanical vibrations and the sound generated by the alarm mechanism are inherent features of this type of clock and should not be considered defects. Perfect chronometric accuracy comparable to modern electronic or quartz timepieces is neither claimed nor guaranteed. Although tested and functioning, vintage mechanical movements may require future cleaning, lubrication, servicing or adjustment as part of normal ownership. Care should be taken when operating the winding and adjustment controls. Never force a mechanical control if resistance is encountered. Vintage Condition & Photographs The item is offered in its existing vintage condition, with the characteristics and imperfections associated with its age and previous use. The small crack on the underside is specifically disclosed and illustrated. Please carefully review all photographs, including detailed close-ups, before placing a bid. Photographs form an integral part of the description and should be examined together with the written information. Colours, tones and reflections may vary slightly depending on photographic lighting, viewing angle, display calibration and screen settings. By placing a bid, the buyer acknowledges having carefully reviewed all photographs and the complete description, including the item's vintage condition, mechanical characteristics and disclosed imperfections. VMJ Vintage takes particular care in preparing delicate vintage objects for international shipment. The clock will be carefully protected with suitable cushioning materials, with special attention paid to the convex glass, decorative bezel and mechanical components. Secure double-box packaging will be used wherever appropriate to minimise movement and provide additional protection during transportation. Buyers are kindly requested to ensure that their shipping address and contact details are complete and correct before shipment. Shipping is available to the destinations enabled in the auction. The Citizen No. 51102 brings together several distinctive elements of 1970s Japanese industrial design: a vibrant cherry-red sculptural housing, a metallic sunburst dial, geometric orange-accented indices, a convex glass crystal and a traditional two-jewel mechanical movement. An attractive decorative object for collectors of Japanese mechanical clocks, vintage alarm clocks, Space Age design and twentieth-century industrial design.

Stima:€140

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