A Vintage Citizen Diving Watch Covered in Barnacles from 1983

A Vintage Citizen Diving Watch Covered in Barnacles

The following are informations from the internet: During a typical Saturday afternoon stroll on Long Reef Beach in Australia, Neil Blacks from Cromer stumbled upon a gift from time and the sea—a watch covered in barnacles.

“At first I realized it was a watch, but its dial and case were completely encased in layers of barnacles, as if it had rested quietly on a reef or seabed before being washed ashore by a giant wave,” Neil recalled. He tried gently washing it with lemon and grapefruit juice, and to his amazement, the watch still moved—the before-and-after photos clearly show the second hand had indeed moved, proving it was still “alive.”

This discovery was thrilling. Realizing its value, Neil took the watch to Citizen Australia in Brookville, which then forwarded it to the Tokyo headquarters. The watch was authenticated by the product quality department at the Tanashi factory as being produced in 1977. Based on his knowledge of vintage Citizen diving watches, it can be deduced that its model number is 52-0110, equipped with a Type 1 dial.

Although the watch was discovered in 1983, how long it had been submerged in the saltwater of the vast Pacific Ocean remains a mystery.

https://watchesbysjx.com/2022/03/citizen-promaster-diver-200m-fujitsubo-nb6021.html

https://manofmany.com/watches/citizen-promaster-mechanical-diver-200m-nb6021

https://wornandwound.com/review/affordable-vintage-citizen-52-0110/

https://www.fratellowatches.com/vintage-review-citizen-62-6198-challenge-diver/#gref

I have collected many watches of various brands. Some are easier to acquire but some are difficult to find. The Japanese Citizen diver watches in relatively good conditions are really few and are hard to find as most people at that time prefer wearing dress watches and only those who were in serious diving sports will buy them. As such, many of these watches are in used conditions. The early 1960s one are most difficult to find.

Lucky to be able to acquired these in relatively good conditions

Together with Antonio's collections

Vintage Citizen 150m diver ref 4-540115 (from June 1969)

This is another used Citizen 150M dive watch. This legendary 150-meter dive watch from Citizen, with 21 jewels, model number 4-540115 (62-5370), was produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s. According to Mitka, it is not the first Diver by Citizen, but the first model to hit international markets in 1969 plus its mid ranged pricing made it a popular choice with professional and hobby divers alike, gaining the popular nickname: “Challenge diver” 

It features a robust stainless steel case, a bidirectional rotating bezel, and a screw-down case back, providing water resistance to 150 meters, which was standard at the time. The striking luminous hour markers stand out against the black dial, while the Benz hands are reminiscent of Rolex watches. The date display at 3 o'clock is uniquely designed. With a diameter of approximately 40 mm, it is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, remaining comfortable to wear even today. It is powered by a robust and reliable Japanese-made 21-jewel automatic movement. Like Seiko's 62MAS and 6105, this is a classic in the history of Japanese dive watches.

Due to its limited production and high market value, this watch is recommended for collectors and those seeking a vintage timepiece suitable for everyday wear. Luckily, a good friend parted with it! Thank you, Antonio!

The Citizen 4-540115 looks similar to the Citizen 150m diver Crystal Date, AUDS 52802-Y, except for the hands (i.e. Mercedes  hands vs the straight pencil hands.

Besides the differences in hands design, the back case designs are also different 

Left: Citizen 150m diver Crystal Date, AUDS 52802-Y (from May 1968)

Right top : Vintage Citizen 150m diver ref  4-540115 (from June 1969), 

Right Bottom : Vintage Citizen 51-2273 Diver Watch (from Jan 1980)

https://mitka.co.uk/citizen-150m-diver-6590163y/

https://serial-number-decoder.co.uk/citizen/citizen.htm?awc=aw&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1724404730&gbraid=0AAAAAD2uHpFhBlIgTdVBC24z4LAqqAVMl&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4eHLBhCzARIsAJ2NZoKHwLDhBVurE7fwsNoIu_zSL9LPL5NS6CzIqCDuBXnHe3Hrv4wikioaAjJ6EALw_wcB

https://sweep-hand.org/citizens-vintage-divers-1962-to-1980/

Vintage Citizen 51-2273 Diver Watch (Jan 1980)

With the help from my friend Antonio, I have managed to expand my Vintage Citizen diver watch. The Citizen 51-2273 is a vintage 150m automatic diver from the late 1970s/early 1980s, often with a unique case and is considered a compact alternative to the Seiko "Turtle". It features a robust 42mm stainless steel case, the reliable 21-jewel 8200A movement with manual winding, unique paddle/sword hands, and a 60-click, usually bi-directional bezel. 

Key Features and Details

• Movement: Uses the Citizen Caliber 8200A, which offers 21,600 bph and day/date functionality.
• Case Design: Approximately 40 in diameter, featuring brushed upper surfaces, polished sides, and crown guards protecting a screw-down crown.
• Hands & Dial: Known for distinct "paddle" hands (often replaced, making originals rare) and applied logos with matte black dials.
• Bezel: Typically 60-click bi-directional (or uni-directional on some variants) with a unique yellow-colored or black luminous pip.
• Lug Width: 20mm, allowing for various strap options.
• Collectibility: Highly regarded for its "tool watch" aesthetic and reliability. 

Feb 1980

The watch was often used in military applications, contributing to its reputation for ruggedness. The original mineral crystal was domed, contributing to the watch's vintage feel. 

https://www.fratellowatches.com/tbt-the-citizen-51-2273-diver-and-a-welcome-to-the-brand/#gref

https://vintagecitizenwatches.com/2014/02/09/citizen-automatic-diver-51-2273/

https://www.hubcityvintage.com/archive2/1980-citizen-51-2273-150m-automatic-diver

Alain Silberstein Krono Bauhaus 2 Lacquer Cloisonne watch

Famed for the signature design that almost all of his watches share, French architect and designer turned watchmaker Alain Silberstein’s timepieces have become increasingly sought-after thanks to their whimsical handsets, colorful designs, and the plethora of complications they often-times feature. 

By utilizing colours and shapes and colors never seen before in watchmaking, Alain’s design philosophy quickly caught on as collectors saw the value in a unique design language removed from the traditionally conservative styling used by the vast majority of watchmakers. 

As a result, the Krono Bauhaus 2 is a joyful piece of watchmaking exuberance. Its mechanical complexity works wonderfully to accentuate the variety of colors and shapes shown on the dial and handset. Powered by the Valjoux cal. 7751, based on the legendary cal. 7750, the Krono Bauhaus 2 is an annual calendar chronograph with a moon phase and day/night indicators. With Alain’s signature tall round case with eccentric pushers, the entire design is cohesive and complete, just as Alain’s timepieces often feel as the legendary designer-turned-watchmaker exhibits total unwavering control over his creative process.T

This is another Alain Silberstein watch with special black lacquered design on the side. One of the unique feature of this particular Alain Silberstein, the Krono Bauhaus 2 is a limited edition of 999 pieces (in reality much less)  and comes set in a 40mm stainless steel case with colourful lacquered (燒青殼 ) sides. My previous one has green, blue and yellow (camouflage) design and this one comes in black with silver lines. During the early period in the years 2000s, the watch was too 

Avant-garde and were not successful. As a result, hunting for these special closionne case watch depends on luck too!

There are several versions: 

Finally managed to find two versions of these cloisonne watch

 

According to the internet news, Alain Silberstein is officially relaunching his eponymous brand, with new watches scheduled for release in 2027. This follows a 15-year hiatus since his original company closed in 2012. 

Key Details of the 2027 Comeback

• New Collection: The relaunch will feature seven in-house movements.
• Pricing: Models are expected to range from €20,000 to €100,000, with most priced around €30,000.
• Distribution: Silberstein plans to work with a exclusive network of 15 to 20 trusted retailers worldwide

Citizen Super Jet Auto Dater Parawater 150m SADS 51202 Y (July 1966)

This is an earlier version of Citizen diver Citizen Super Jet Auto Dater Parawater 150m AUDS 51202 Y. This model number of SADS 51202 has a close relationship to the SADS-52801 unibody divers (with the additional outer bezel) both watches are with 39 jewels).  

The Citizen Super Jet Auto Dater Parawater 150m reference SADS 51202-Y is a rare 1966 vintage diver from Japan’s early automatic era (without the usual outer black diving bezel).

Key Specifications

This model features a robust monobloc stainless steel case measuring 37.5mm across with nice 20mm lugs.  It houses the iconic Caliber 1150 or 1161 “Jet” automatic movement with 39 jewels, hand-winding capability, and quick-set date via crown pull.  Rated for 150m water resistance (Para 150m), it includes luminous trapezoidal markers, black dial, and a unique geared rotor design. 

Collectibility and Value

Priced around $850-1000 USD on secondary markets, its unibody “X-case” design and high jewel count appeal to vintage enthusiasts.  Servicing requires crystal removal due to the sealed back, preserving dive-ready integrity.

For this model, On the dial was printed text :

Citizen Super Jet 

Auto Dater

39J, 

Para150mwater, 

3 stars within white rectangular

Similar Recommendations

• Citizen Super Crystal Date 52801-Y: Near-identical twin with 33-jewel Cal. 5410, 18mm lugs, and matching 150m rating—slimmer profile for daily wear.

• Citizen Jet Auto Dater 1120/1130 series: Earlier “Rookie” sibling with 17-27 jewels, more affordable entry to Jet rotors.

When looking at the watch, please note that there are several similar looking refences and these include another versions of Citizen Super Jet Auto Dater in 39 jewels as below (example from the internet). There is also versions with 33J with minor differences. One can actually collect a series of these Citizen Jet Auto Date Parawater 150m

EXAMPLE 1 :

Spear

Citizen Super Jet 

Auto Dater

39J, 

Para150mwater, 

3 stars within silver rectangular

Markers are slimmer

Photos from the internet SADS 51202Y, Unibody  X case design but markers are slimmer and longer plus has a spear on top dial (serial nos 60701561 from 1966)

EXAMPLE 2

Spear
Citizen Super Jet
 Auto Dater 

33 J
Three Stars within white rectangular

CITIZEN Super Jet Auto Dater Parawater, black dial type 2, 1968.

https://chronographes.net/2018/03/17/citizen-super-jet-auto-dater-para-water-sads-51202-y/citizen-super-jet-noir-img-rakuten-01/

EXAMPLE 3

Spear
Citizen Super Jet
 Auto Dater 

33 J
Three Stars (with NO rectangular)

There is yet another example that looks similar from the net example 2 but with some small differences:

Citizen (Metal raised logo)

Super Crystal Date

34 jewels

Para150water

No more Three Stars

52801-Y 33 Jewels (serial 70401572 from 1967)

https://adventuresinamateurwatchfettling.com/2019/11/11/citizen-parawater-150m-part-ii/

Further readings :

https://adventuresinamateurwatchfettling.com/2019/11/09/citizen-parawater-150m/

https://adventuresinamateurwatchfettling.com/2019/11/11/citizen-parawater-150m-part-ii/

https://vintagecitizenwatches.com/

https://vintagecitizenwatches.com/tag/citizen-super-jet/

https://www.fratellowatches.com/the-vintage-citizen-super-crystal-date-super-jet-auto-dater/#gref

My Key collections of vintage Citizens divers  now consists of the two:

1. Citizen Super Jet Auto Dater Parawater 150m AUDS 51202 Y from 1966

2. Citizen Crystal Date AUDS 52802 - Y OR-O 33 Jewels  from 1968

Under my search lists consist of the followings : 

3. Citizen Super Auto Dater, SADS 52801-Y (Diver Bezel, unibody)

4. Citizen Super Jet Auto Date , SADS 51202 -Y (No Diver Bezel, 39J, 3 stars)

5. Citizen Diver OR-O B52806 or 62-5370 (Diver Bezel, Mercedes hands)