Following Jim’s diver, here’s another watch from a blog visitor. Bill commented about his 31 jewel hand wound chronometer and kindly gave permission to use the photos he sent me 🙂 Full credit goes to Bill for the four watch images posted here.
Citizen’s first true Chronometer was produced in 1962 and is now a sought after piece. It is rarely seen outside of Japan – in Japan they sell for big money! The majority I’ve seen are gold filled, occasionally solid gold, with fewer in stainless steel. Bill’s is a steel one:
The dial is of a classic design, and carries the Eagle emblem, which is repeated on the case back medallion:
The serial number gives a production date of April 1965 – these models were probably not made much later than that as automatics became more the norm. Here’s the inside of the case back:
And here’s a great shot of the high grade movement – note the unique movement number and fine adjuster on the balance:
As far as I understand it, these Chronometers were made to Citizen’s own standards, which probably exceeded the Swiss COSC measures at that time. Here’s a scan of the relevant certificate:
I’m very grateful to Bill for allowing use of his photos – this is a significant watch and it’s great to be able to show it in this post.
Sweephand's Vintage Citizen Watch Blog 
Hello!
Awesome! What a beaty! The movement is outstanding!!! The balance bridge is similar to those old, high grade pocket watch movements, which i have seen: It is attached from both ends instead one and balance wheel is relatively big (same as Zenith cal.135 chronometer).
Well, i can´t stop watching that movement photo, it´s so interesting and movement has been made in such an exceptional way! It would be nice to see a photo from different angle from the movement… Bill, could you send one more…? 😀
My Japanese is a bit rusty, so i don´t understand a word from certificate 😀 But those numbers are great! Same as Seikos chronometer standard, it exceed COSC measures in accuracy, i guess.
Thank you, Bill and Stephen! This one save my day !
Regards, Marko
Hi Marko – it is nice isn’t it! I’ll post an English version of the certificate for you later 😉
Stephen
nice vintage watch, love its movement inside so much
Thanks for visiting my blog. I agree, it is a very nice looking movement.
Stephen
Hi Guys
I have not been around for a while… i still have the watch , let me know if you need more photos…
I also posted a link to here
from :
https://omegaforums.net/threads/first-generation-citizen-31-j-hand-wind-chronometer.80378/
Best regards
bill Sohne
Hi Bill, good to hear from you. Apologies for my slow reply – I’m sure more pics will be welcome here 🙂
Stephen