Citizen Quartz Calculator Ref. 49-9315 - April 1978, NOS
At first glance, the concave steel buttons encircling the dial appear to be mere decorative elements of the case. However, upon closer inspection of the numerals and mathematical symbols beside them, the watch’s keypad is revealed. The Citizen Ref. 49-9315 stands out as one of the most unique digital designs of the 1970s; it went beyond simply bringing a calculator to the wrist by distributing the entire keypad around the perimeter of a classic round watch shape.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: As this item ships from within the European Union, you will not be liable for customs duties within the EU.**
Citizen introduced Japan’s first calculator wristwatch in 1977 with the Calibre 9090. The Ref. 49-9315 represents a second-generation iteration of this concept, released in 1978. Its internal Calibre 9130 movement does more than just display the time; it enables the use of percentage, square root, and memory functions alongside the four basic arithmetic operations directly on the wrist.
The watch’s true design triumph lies in how it presents these functions. The metal buttons arranged around the central LCD screen marked with M+, M−, MR, √, %, ÷, ×, −, +, =, CE, and C transform into a genuine circular keypad. There is no separate keypad protruding from the case; the entire calculator interface is integrated into the watch's periphery. In doing so, Citizen masterfully concealed the controls of an electronic device, turning them into a decorative feature.
The stainless steel case, measuring approximately 41 mm in diameter, boasts a bold size for 1978. Despite this, the wide case does not look bulky; a strong balance has been struck between the brushed surfaces, the black dial, and the gold-toned markings. The original steel bracelet and the Citizen-signed clasp also uphold the case's technical character.
The LCD screen displays the time (hours, minutes, seconds) and calendar information. When the dedicated backlight function is activated, the screen glows with a warm orange light creating an atmosphere entirely different from the cold digital displays of today. Even this small detail transforms the watch from a mere modern electronic device into an object that brings the portable technology of the 1970s to the wrist.
The case back bears the code GN-4W-S / 4-0986/3 TA and the serial number 8041650. This serial number dates the piece to April 1978. The separate battery hatch in the center reflects the practical service philosophy of the era, allowing access to the battery without opening the entire electronic module.
One of this particular unit's greatest strengths is its condition; it is New Old Stock (NOS). For an early LCD model nearly half a century old, the preservation of a pristine screen, intact physical buttons, an undamaged battery hatch, and the original bracelet is significant in itself. Here, all these elements remain together. Consequently, we can see firsthand not only how the 49-9315 functions but also how it was intended to look on the wrist back in 1978.
Final Thoughts
The appeal of the Citizen 49-9315 lies not in its ability to perform calculations, but in how it transforms a calculator into such a tangible, visually striking timepiece. This NOS example from April 1978... With its circular keypad, Calibre 9130 movement, functional orange illumination, and preserved original bracelet, this is a genuine object of technology and design from an era before digital watchmaking became commonplace.
The item shown was manufactured in 1978.
PROFESSIONALLY FULLY SERVICED.
The movement was completely disassembled; every part was cleaned, lubricated, and precisely adjusted to ensure flawless operation. (It will not require further servicing for three years, provided it is not exposed to adverse conditions.)
Item Condition: Tested; all functions are fully operational.
