Citizen Ace Ref. A15704 - November 1961
In the early 1960s, the Japanese watch industry was not yet the global powerhouse it would become; manufacturers like Seiko and Citizen were attempting to respond to Swiss mechanical watchmaking using their own engineering language. The Citizen Ace is a product of precisely this era. While its slim case and classic dial give it the initial appearance of an elegant dress watch, it holds a far more interesting story rooted in the early days of Citizen developing its own mechanical architecture.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: As this item ships from within the European Union, you will not be liable for customs duties within the EU.**
The serial number 11109914 on the case back dates this specific piece to November 1961. The reference number A15704, along with the "20 MICRONS C.G.P." and "STAR" stamps found on the same case back, complete the watch's period-correct identity. The case features a 20-micron gold plating that remains well-preserved today, showing no significant signs of plating loss.
The technical lineage of the Ace family traces back to the 9200 movement series, introduced by Citizen in 1958. This particular watch houses the 23-jewel Ace movement configuration. Although the "197" stamp on the movement bridge might initially look like a caliber number, comparisons with Ace movements from the same era indicate that it is a production code.
The truly interesting aspect lies in the movement's internal architecture. Instead of the conventional center wheel layout, it employs an off-center second wheel and two third wheels operating on the same pinion, while the center seconds hand is driven via a separate pinion. The "Parashock" inscription on the dial refers to the shock protection system Citizen applied to the balance assembly. In short, the Ace is not merely a handsome watch; it is a direct product of the era when Citizen was developing its own proprietary mechanical solutions.
With its case measuring approximately 35mm in diameter, two-tone silver dial, slender baton indices, and center-sweep seconds hand, it embodies the restrained Japanese design aesthetic of the early 1960s. Yet, there is a small detail that makes this particular example even more intriguing today: the original period price tag sitting beside it, marked "23J Citizen Ace" and priced at 7,200 yen.
This tag reveals not only when the watch was manufactured but also how it was positioned in the retail market of its time. Today, it appears as a mere slip of card; back in 1961, however, it represented the actual price point of this Citizen.
Final Thoughts
The story of this Ace lies in more than just its 23-jewel movement or its pristine gold plating. The watch dating to November 1961 and its 7,200-yen sales tag remain together to this day. One speaks to Citizen’s mechanical engineering, while the other reflects the market value of that engineering in a shop window sixty-five years ago.
The item shown was manufactured in 1961.
PROFESSIONALLY FULLY SERVICED.
The movement was completely disassembled; every component was cleaned, lubricated, and precision-adjusted to ensure flawless operation. (Requires no further service for three years, provided it is not exposed to adverse conditions.)
Product Condition: Tested; all functions are fully operational.
