As a collector of vintage Citizen watches I have started this blog to provide a reference point, and through my own collection, provide representative examples of the models that can be found from the heyday of mechanical watches for anyone who may be interested. I’ll also be sharing the information and knowledge I’ve gained through my research about Citizen’s mechanical and electro-mechanical models from before 1980.
My knowledge and information is of course far from complete so I hope that fellow collectors and others interested in the Citizen brand will, through their contributions, add to the data we have on these quality timepieces.
Welcome again, thanks for taking the time to visit this blog, and please add your contributions!
Sweephand
Sweephand's Vintage Citizen Watch Blog 
Best wishes on your new blog!!
Looks good!
I’ll let the folks @ PWC know you started this.
Thanks Ninja! And I appreciate you letting the PWC members know.
Hello sweephand,
I am Jeff of Toronto Ontario. I bought a vintage Citizen at the local Sunday Flea, went looking for information on vintage Citizens generally and found your blog. So informative and well done. You have some handsome watches.
Here is my watch:
Hi Jeff, thanks for visiting my blog and your kind comments 🙂
Thanks for the links to the photos of your watch. It looks like you picked up a nice example from the flea market of a mid 1970s model using the 6000 movement. A 6001 to be exact since it has a date window. These are nice movements and were used in several models, including a 150m diver (see here: https://sweep-hand.org/2012/11/13/this-weeks-featured-watch-43-62-6198-150m-diver/). They can be hand wound as well being automatics, which is a useful feature if you don’t wear it every day.
The day and date versions, using the 6501 movement, are more commonly seen and often have more colourful 1970s-style dials. I particularly like the ‘linen’ finish on your dial – it’s not often that you can find a good example, and the case is in good condition. Is it running ok?
The case back information can be useful: 72-6150 is the model number, whilst 4-160215 is the case number – the case number often includes an indication of the movement inside, but this one doesn’t. However, the dial code under the 6 o’clock marker does (i.e. 6000-160760). The first three digits of the serial number (51025285) tell us that the watch was made in October of 1975. Here’s another example of your model, but with different dial: http://uhrforum.de/citizen-automatik-t55816
Stephen
Hi Stephen,
I have a 17 jewels 6501 which says at the back para water. I had it serviced but the tech cannot place back the seconds hand. Can the second hand be replaced?
Regards
Hi Ros, thanks for visiting my blog. Sorry to hear about the problem with the second hand on your watch. Often the only way to find replacements is to source a ‘donor’ watch since original parts are at best ‘hard to find’. Another option, if the second hand is a simple type, is to see if a modern one can be found. The centre hole for the 6501 second hand is 0.17mm, and that size can be bought. Obviously the length needs to be right so you would need a measurement for that. Which model do you have? Can you please let me know what numbers are on the back, the model number will be in this format: 12-3456, whilst the case number (more useful) is usually in this format: 4-xxxxxx
Stephen
Morning Stephen,
The sri lankan and pakistani technicians cannot place the original seconds hand back, they said the part to which the hand is to be attached is too short. Even several seconds hand won’t do, they say they have to replace it with a longer part (the part to which the hands are attached).they were amazed at the timepiece and even called other technicians to admire it, the said it’s very old and still very much kicking. I eventually lost the seconds hand.
The caseback says 4-650727 SM
197206
61-8250 Im sorry I don’t know how to put photos here. Regards
Hi Ros – thanks for the additional information. I understand now – although it is strange that the centre shaft is too short. Was the second hand off when you got it? I don’t think an original part could be found, so I think the best way forward is to buy a donor watch – if you search ‘Citizen 6501’ on eBay you will find some. Fortunately there are still a good few 6501’s around, they were made in the early 1970s, so I think you can find something at a reasonable cost. Your watch is from September 1971.
I’m sorry about pictures, visitors can’t post them here I’m afraid, but can post a link to somewhere like Photobucket.
Stephen
Hello Stephen,
Jeff here again. The watch runs fine – 36 hours reserve, and is what I call an ‘easy’ winder – meaning that minimum movement [walking around the house and office] keeps it running. I have some so called ‘fine’ watches that require handwinding or waving the watch around for 5 minutes to make them run for even 12.
There aren’t many vintage Citizens out there; they’re thin on the ground, Seikos are much much more common.
It’s nice to see them all here at your blog.
Cheers and happy Holidays,
Jeff Low
Good to hear the watch is running well, although I’m not surprised 🙂 Citizen’s vintage mechanicals are very good quality, yet seem to slip under the radar of many collectors.
All the best for the festive season to you too,
Stephen