Birthday Watch July 1964! Citizen Homer Date 51401-SU 17J Mechanical Watch (OH)

BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Citizen
Type: Mechanical
Model: Homer Date
Year of Production: July 1964
Movement: 51401-SU
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Gold-Filled Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Height: 44.5mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Vintage Gold-Plated Oyster Style SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

Citizen Watch Co., Ltd., was founded in 1930 as the Shokosha Watch Research Institute by Japanese jeweler Kamekichi Yamazaki. The company was later renamed Citizen in 1937.

In 1956, Citizen introduced its first wristwatch with an automatic movement, the Citizen Parawater, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.

The Citizen Homer Date was introduced as a premium watch range in the 1960s and is one of the most sort after Citizen vintage mechanical and automatic range. Here we have one of the earliest gold-filled Homer Date mechanical in stunning condition.

This extremely rare Homer 51401-SU has an ivory white dial with sunburst design, 3D gold-filled indices, dauphine hands and date window are in immaculate condition after a good cleaning.

The gentleman-like cylindrical shaped gold-filled case was also deep cleaned and given a good buff after that. The results are truly stunning, however, there are some hairline scratches and discolouration still present. The glass was replaced with a good quality aftermarket plexiglass crystal.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible. The date and time quickset is via the traditional method of pulling out the crown to the first and second level for date and time adjustment respectively.

The movement was carefully stripped and cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 30 October 2023; hence, it underwent an overhaul and not a standard servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the iconic 51401-SU, it has 17 Jewels that operate at 18,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of +1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 183 with a decent straight line. Such readings are very exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are 36mm (without crown) and 44.5mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Citizen components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in excellent condition, and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been de-magnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. An aftermarket box or purposeful carrying case will be provided instead.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same models in the market, BUT almost all are not two-toned that has minimally aged and is well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in July 1964. Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 10.00 to clean and polish the entire watch including tightening of bracelet links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after Gold-Filled Citizen Homer Date 17J Mechanical timepiece; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Citizen die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!