Citizen Quartz Alarm Rectangular (Ref. 4-150247 or similar caliber 1500 variant)
Dress Watch / Complications Watch (Alarm) · Citizen (Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.). Citizen is a 'Big Three' Japanese watchmaker and a pioneer in quartz technology, known for high reliability across mid-range and affordable segments.
Period: Quartz Revolution Era (Late 1970s - 1980s). Stylistic indicators include the thin rectangular case, two-tone gold and silver aesthetic, and the minimalist dial which was a staple of Japanese design during the height of the quartz boom.
Type
Dress Watch / Complications Watch (Alarm)
Brand
Citizen (Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.). Citizen is a 'Big Three' Japanese watchmaker and a pioneer in quartz technology, known for high reliability across mid-range and affordable segments.
Movement
Quartz Caliber (likely Citizen 1500 or 1510 series), Japanese manufacturing. High-accuracy for its time, featuring an integrated electronic alarm function.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 26mm - 28mm (width excluding crown), thickness: 6mm - 7mm (ultra-thin), lug-to-lug: 34mm - 36mm, lug width: 18mm or 19mm. Wears small and elegant, typical of vintage dress pieces.
Description
This is a classic example of Citizen's 1980s catalog, blending the utility of a daily alarm with the sophisticated, slender profile of a formal dress watch. The 'dual-tone' look was highly fashionable in this era, aimed at professionals who needed functionality without the bulk of a digital LCD watch. Its proportions are modest by modern standards, emphasizing 'under-the-cuff' wearability.
Key Features
The most distinguishing feature is the 'ALARM' designation on an analog quartz dial of this slimness. The two square indicators at 12 o'clock are a signature design language of certain Japanese quartz calibers from this production window.
Dial Description
Matte white or light silver dial with a rectangular printed minute track. Features printed black stick indices. At 12 o'clock, the 'Citizen Quartz' logo is present with two distinct square dots above it. At 6 o'clock, the text 'ALARM' is visible. Hands are thin black baton style.
Case Material
Two-tone construction featuring a stainless steel main case with a gold-plated (electroplated) bezel and crown. The finishing is primarily polished with some age-related wear.
Crystal Type
Mineral glass crystal, flat profile, flush with the bezel. Shows minor surface scratching consistent with age.
Bezel Details
Fixed rectangular stepped bezel with a yellow gold-plated finish. This provides a 'double-case' visual effect typical of the 1980s aesthetic.
Crown & Pushers
Small, gold-plated push-pull crown located at 3 o'clock for time and alarm setting. The watch lacks dedicated alarm pushers, meaning the alarm is likely toggled via specific crown positions.
Bracelet or Strap
Brown alligator-pattern embossed leather strap with contrasting cream stitching. This appears to be an aftermarket replacement strap rather than the original factory strap or bracelet.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel snap-on caseback. Likely contains the Citizen 'CQ' logo, caliber/case numbers, and 'Japan' origin stamps.
Movement Type
Quartz Caliber (likely Citizen 1500 or 1510 series), Japanese manufacturing. High-accuracy for its time, featuring an integrated electronic alarm function.
Water Resistance
Water Resistant (Splash Proof). Not suitable for swimming or showering. Given the age and snap-back design, it should be treated as having no meaningful water resistance.
Origin & Provenance
Japanese origin. The movement was manufactured in-house by Citizen in Japan.
Age Estimate
Circa 1979-1984. The dial layout and movement type are characteristic of the early expansion of digital-alarm quartz logic into analog form factors.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of complications. Before quartz, a mechanical alarm watch (like the Vulcain Cricket) was expensive and thick; Citizen helped bring this practical tool to a mass-market audience in an elegant form factor.
Condition Notes
Overall condition is 'Good' for a vintage piece. The gold plating on the bezel edges shows signs of thinning (common for Citizen plating of this era). The dial remains clean, and the aftermarket strap is in excellent/new condition.
Value Estimate
$50 - $125 USD. Value is driven by the nostalgia of the 80s aesthetic and the functionality of the alarm. Items without the original box/papers and on aftermarket straps occupy the lower end of the range.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a battery change every 2-3 years (likely SR series cell). Gaskets should be checked, though these cases are rarely made truly waterproof. Avoid magnetism and keep the leather strap dry.
Similar Watches
Seiko Lassale series (thinner, higher-end), Longines 950 Quartz (Swiss alternative), or the modern Cartier Tank (similar shape but luxury tier).
Interesting Facts
During the late 70s and early 80s, Citizen was in a fierce technical race with Seiko to produce the thinnest quartz movements in the world, leading to the creation of ultra-slim 'jewelry' style watches like this one.