Part 1:
Hello and welcome to Stephen’s Citizen watch blog. If you’re a Citizen watch fanatic, you have come to the right place. Here you will find some of the finest and most comprehensive vintage Citizen watch archives in one place on the internet. I am pleased to be able to provide you with one of my watch restoration and service archives, as a contribution to Stephen’s hard work and effort.
My name is Brian and I am a master trained watchmaker in the State of Pennsylvania U.S.A. I had the honor to be trained by the School of Horology in Columbia Pa. Which just so happens to be right next door to Lancaster Pa., the largest watchmaking capital in the history of the United States. The only school that was left in the country at the time to actually teach watchmaking. It was an entire year of my life, driving 120 miles a day, 3 hours total for 5 days a week. Worth every minute. I got the chance to be trained by a very well regarded Master Watchmaker by the name of Jim Michaels. If you don’t know Jim, let me tell you a little bit about the man. I’m sure that you have all heard of Abraham Louis Breguet. Breguet was a very famous watchmaker that lived between the late 17 to 1800’s. He made some of the most valuable and beautiful complicated watches in the day. In the early 1990’s, Jim had the rare opportunity to create, from original blue prints, the missing pieces/parts for Breguet’s first minute repeater watch. Yep, serial number 1. Which is believed to be in Bruguet’s museum till this day. I am in awe of Jim’s skills, and with his teachings, and now I am able to bring you this.
The Citizen 67-9313 8110a ‘Speedy’ is a very cool, collectible, fully mechanical 23 jewel automatic chronograph of the mid 1970’s. Mint ones are rare and hard to come by. These watches were used hard and really worn out in the almost 40 years they have been in existence. Most of them have already in that time been hacked or butchered in some way. A couple of years ago, I restored a white dialled Speedy for my collection.
I have always liked the black dial version, and since then restored quite a few for customers. Their’s turned out so good, that I had to get one and add it to my collection.
This is what my example looked like when I bought it
Part 2:
Let’s take a good look on the outside to get a general idea as to what we have to work with.
As you can see, the bezel is not in that bad a shape. It’s a good thing because this part is a make or break item for the Speedy. You could spend $150 dollars just to find a good one, so this is a bonus.
No crown or winding stem. I stock these pieces and they can be bought new. They are not cheap, but NOS Citizen parts can be had. Note the case back:
This Speedy was made in February 1977 and is a low serial number. The pushers are intact and are in pretty good shape. That is important because they are not available from Citizen anymore. If you are missing one, or one is bent or chewed up from a previous watch butcher, you will have to find a parts watch.
The crystal is shot and originals can not be gotten anymore. I spent a lot of time buying different after-market crystals to see which ones are the best and exact spec. I am personally not a fan of after-markets, but have bought many different brands until one fits my spec and quality standards. I stock new Speedy crystals, and you actually can’t even tell they are after-market, as you will see. The original crystal gasket is a must have. This crystal gasket fortunately is there, and it’s a good thing because they are also not available nowadays. Let’s open the hood and see what we have next….
Part 3:
Remove the case back… and holy crap what a mess:
The rotor is gone, and something much more important……the movement holder. If you have read my other resto and service threads in the WUS forums, I make a pretty big deal about those parts and I will show you later in the resto as to what I mean. Now we can get a chance to see what’s under that scoured original crystal. The dial:
I have seen worse, and I have seen mint. This one is about a 6.5 condition. I can see that the minute recorder pivot is broken off and I don’t even have the dial off yet. Both the recorder hands are MIA (ed: Missing in Action!) and I will have to get those from my stock. Note how bent the minute hand is. The sweep second hand actually looks original. It’s faded, and I can barely see the fluorescent tip. Wow, look at that Citizen logo:
It looks like the side view of a bad rear end car wreck. All bent to hell. Those tiny Citizen logos are actually made out of metal, and are virtually impossible to straighten. On top of that they are extremely fragile and delicate. That’s OK, because I have a really nice spare from a 67-9054 donor dial. The logo has to be removed anyway for the dial refresh. I see so many vintage Citizens where that logo was messed up from yesterday’s botch-makers. Take a look at yours with a 5X eye loupe when you get a chance, if it’s perfect you can actually see it. One little bend and the reflected light will show you where.
When you’re this deep in a restoration like this, you have to look at every single thing. The effort put forth will be reflected, and pay dividends in the end. Worth it as you will see. Next we’ll take a look at the 8110a inside…….
Part 4:
My plan was to use a spare, 90% complete 8110a Challenge Timer movement in this Speedy. Then, I changed my mind. Once I saw this Speedy’s calendar wheels, and how good a shape they were in, I decided to fix its 8110a movement instead. The English/Arabic calendars are virtually perfect, a real a bonus when you buy a watch where you cannot examine it first:
Another cool thing to find….the metal movement holder. If you’re lucky to have one in your Speedy with all the screws and clamps, I will go on record and say that it “adds value to your Speedy.”
Plastic movement holders have also been used in the Speedy and many other 8110a model Citizens. Without a retaining ring, plastic holders do not secure the movement nearly as tight as the metal ones. Setting a precision time, or listening to a movement run in the watch is also much more difficult. Another interesting note is that metal movement holders are different in that they are model specific. In my other watch restoration threads I reveal what can be done to get past this hurdle. It’s pretty cool what you can make with a lathe – take a look here:
I prefer to repair and service an existing movement, and not break down a complete movement just for parts. I take these 8110a movements completely apart and examine each part one by one. Every jewel has to be looked at carefully. If it’s cracked or missing it must be replaced. If these movements are serviced to high standards, serviced properly and precision timed they will impress you with their incredible accuracy. I can get them within 4-11 seconds positionally with a zero beat error. 6-8 seconds is the average. Some of my customers will email me and say they have worn their 8110a’s for 3 months and they remain spot on. I have really enjoyed the positive feedback on the timing.
After disassembly and inspection:
I found the movement needed a barrel jewel replaced because of a crack. Plus a broken hour and minute recorder, and broken reset lever. The balance wheel had some corrosion, and the hairspring was slightly bent. This is where having good parts in stock really helps. I have a clean 67-9054 8110a balance and straight hairspring, straight minute recorder, reset lever, original crown and stem in stock. The minute recorder gets checked in my lathe for trueness – if they are bent, they do not get re-used. You can see it center right:
Note the crowns. The one on the left is the correct signed Citizen crown for the Speedy. The crown on the right is an after-market:
This is important for the value of your Speedy. The original crown’s quality surpasses any after-market one you can buy.
Part 5:
All the parts are cleaned with Zenith Ultrasonic cleaning fluid. After treatment they sparkle like new:
The movement is now run and tested for three full days before getting its dial and hands. I use a 67-9631 hour hand to check that the calendars are working properly:
And speaking of the dial and hands, we’ll take a closer look at those next.
Part 6:
Since you cannot buy a new Speedy dial anymore..(I wish you could)..you have to like what you’re getting. Kinda of an “it is what it is thing.” I read an interesting reply in the WUS forum where someone had said that “looking through the crystal at the dial of a well worn watch, is like looking into a miniature museum of the past.” I like that, and you will see why a lot of detail needs to be applied when you restore a watch dial that is this poor:
This dial will get cleaned, relumed, touched up and the hour markers restored. You will see later how it transforms to a much nicer miniature museum:
Note the Citizen logo is removed. The watch tow truck hauled it to the yard. This process is very time consuming to do, but pays off when it’s done to a high standard. I call this an “original restoration to a dial”. A re-dial is when it’s stripped bare and reprinted. If you’re familiar with re-dialled watches you can usually spot the logo signature is off. It’s good to have Stephen’s blog as a reference to what original dials and hands look like. It has helped me with vintage Citizen watches that I have made, and restored, with originality kept in mind while customizing – take a look here for examples that show what I mean: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f21/citizen-67-9577-67-9631-8100a-custom-chronograph-s-restoration-service-31-jewels-910866.html
Part 7:
This is one of my favourite pictures of my Speedy restoration so far:
These hands are cleaned and ready for their restoration. I stood the Citizen logos up next to each other to give you a good idea of what a straight one looks like. I’ll use my white dial Speedy as a reference for the length of the fluorescent orange tip, since it has unrestored hands that are in really nice condition:
White dial Speedy’s are very difficult to restore because of the reflection they cast. 40 year old pearl mixed with white paint is next to impossible to repair. Mint, white dial Speedy’s are very valuable, and having them both as a pair regardless of condition is a must for the Citizen 8110a collector. I will showcase a variety of Speedy’s later at the end of this restoration.
We’ll be taking a look at the case and bezel next.
Part 8:
First order of business is to get the case, bezel and pushers removed. Large amounts of dirt must be removed and cleaned.
A perfectly serviced 8110a movement deserves a pristine clean case.
Case and pusher tubes must be checked. Anything bent or damaged must be replaced, or pushers may stick which is unacceptable. I have seen watches that were claimed to be serviced, only for the movements to be put right back in dirty cases.
I will clean and polish the pushers by hand. Installing new “O” rings to restored pushers is key to a quality job.
I for one like original watches, so over polishing cases is a bad idea. While it may look pretty, it’s better to leave original case patina present.
Nicks and scars are part of the play with watches that have led a hard life. Things have to blend, so nothing draws too much attention to itself.
Once this part of the job is done, it’s time to prep the whole package to be brought together….
Part 9:
It’s bringing all the tedious and time consuming restored parts together that make the reward. The last, final dust check with the 5x loupe:
Once the bezel and crystal goes on, it’s time to visit the timing and tuning shop. This is the final stage, and it matters. The 8110a, with patience, can be timed as well as the finest watches. After about 4 hours, you have a fully serviced 8110a ready to start up. Note the amplitude. 250-290 is excellent for these movements:
Take note of the zero beat error. If you put a Rolex chronometer in the timing machine, you would see the same perfect beat error. This is one of the marvels of the Citizen 8110a, and why I have devoted alot of time to them. They are so well made, and their timekeeping is excellent. Especially if they are serviced correctly, and timed with precision.
Last thing to be done is install the rotor, and check clearance to the bridge and case back:
Then, turn it around and look at it for a while. Marvellous:
Dim the light – the re-lume looks like new:
The crystal is so clear, sometimes I think it’s missing, depending on the light angle. Worth all the time and effort.
Next, I have a collection of all different restored Speedy’s to show you in the next instalment. It’s a great time to bring them all together for a reunion 🙂
Epilogue:
Thank you for viewing my restoration and service of the Citizen 67-9313 Speedy. As a tribute to this watch, I would like to show you some other Speedy’s that I have done for customers. This may be the most Speedy’s that have ever taken the stage at one place on the entire internet! Take a look…….
Speedy #1, owner – your host and Citizen blog owner Mr. Netherwood:
Stephen sent me this incomplete and needing alot of parts. This Speedy was going to be his daily wear, since he has another black dial example that is very minty. You would almost think at first glance how he could use this as a beater. His example uses one of my spec crystals.
Speedy #2, owner – Mr. Hines:
This is without a doubt the most beautiful and mint white dial Speedy I have ever seen in person. I can’t recall at the moment, but I think he is the original owner of this watch. It’s as mint on the inside as it is on the outside. This is one of those Speedy’s that if it ever surfaced on ebay, would blow past $600 dollars. Maybe even more. Mr. H had accidently dropped his watch on a marble counter top. The crystal was so shattered, that it stopped the watch. It was full of very, very tiny shards of glass and glass dust. It was everywhere. I found shards stuck in places in the movement that were so small it would stop the watch at anytime. What’s amazing to me is how much shock the movement took at impact. It blew the escape wheels cap jewel and spring right out, yet it did not break the pivot off. It’s a true testament to how well built a Citizen 8110a is. I actually sold my white dial Speedy’s original Citizen crystal to him, because this watch deserved something better than aftermarket. Speedy white dials are virtually impossible to restore, as you will see in a later pic.
Speedy #3 owner – Mr Vuong:
Mr Vuong’s White dial Speedy restoration is perhaps the poorest Speedy I have done of them all. I have to give Mr. Vuong props (ed: proper respect!) for his patience and commitment to saving his watch from the junk pile. His was missing hands, calendar window, crown, stem, movement holder, both pushers as well as many broken or missing parts. He supplied a rough, and mostly complete, Citizen 67-9119 as a donor. I was able to salvage many of the parts to repair and service the movement, as well as the watch itself. His dial had lots of imperfections which may distract someone who never saw this watch in its original state of despair. I restored everything to factory specifications using a new original signed Citizen crown, and my spec crystal. I must admit, his Speedy turned out excellent, and timed out superb. The dial has a nice glossy pearl reflection, and by carefully restoring matching patina, completes the look of originality. Hard to believe sometimes that this Speedy left the Citizen factory almost 40 years ago.
Speedy #4 owner – Mr. McGivern:
This Speedy was a special job in the fact that it didn’t need any restoration. I have to commend Mr. McGivern for leaving his watch original and un-restored. Take a close look and you will see the excellent details, and original condition – especially the dial. It was not without its problems….. and mostly due to inexperienced botch-makers for sure. There was so much oil in this watch that the calendar wheels were completely soaked. As a result of the oil bath service it had in the past, the print was eaten right off and these cannot be cleaned. I had one last set in really nice condition for him. Calendar wheels are getting hard to come by in mint, and un-faded condition these days. Other than a bridge screw missing, and a full going over, it turned out top notch. He decided to go with my spec crystal and keep his original, as it had slight hazing. I must say, a lucky man owns this one!
His restoration took two Speedy’s to make one. This watch was complete and running upon arrival but it had poorly painted faded orange hands, a bezel that was faded almost to blue in colour, and a filthy over oiled and dirty movement. It took a destroyed, white dial with a near perfect bezel, just to make this watch. He wanted it to have the factory original look, and with my spec crystal….Wow!
This is the watch that inspired me to do the restoration of my black dial Speedy.
Speedy #6 owner – Mr. Royse:
The nice thing about Mr. Royse’s Speedy is the fact that for how well used it was, no one in the past wrecked the dial by miss-handling it. It arrived in virtually 100% unrestored original condition. Mr. Royse chose to have the whole watch gone over from top to bottom, replace the original crystal with my spec crystal and keep the watch 100% unrestored. The dial and hands are right up there with the likes of others here, in minty condition. The calendar wheels were virtually perfect and timing is top rate. It, like the others had, re-setting problems which I fixed, and was drowned in oil. I have to give props to Mr. Royse for leaving it unrestored. I like original watches….and with this one…it can be worn without fear of scratching it. In the car world, this would be a daily driver with a sweet interior 🙂
Speedy #7 owner – Mr. Daugherty:
I really enjoy getting great Speedy’s stories like Mr. D’s. This was a watch that he has owned since 1980. It was used at first, then ended up in a draw for over 20 years because it didn’t work. As with most Speedy’s I get at the shop, it had been in the hands of an untrained botchmaker! Loose screws, massive over oiling, and a rotor bearing that was never tightened correctly. It was rattling around in the watch upon arrival.
Mr. D chose to leave the watch completely original using my spec crystal.
If you find a Speedy with a dial and bezel this sweet…..buy it. These watches are going up in value, as basket case Speedy’s have reached the $250-$300 dollar range.
Speedy #8 owner – Mr. Max:
What’s trending in today’s market with watches and cars is…unrestored. Collectors are understanding that owning a factory original is much more fun, even though it’s not perfect. As with unrestored cars, watches like Mr. M’s Speedy can be used everyday, with out the worry of a bump or nick. With some minor dial restoration, and my spec crystal this Speedy is a good looker with excellent original patina. It’s been a real pleasure to have all these Speedy’s through my shop. Now….we see them all together in one place. All so different, and unique in their own special way.
Speedy #9 owner – Mr Richard Lloyd Williams:
Mr Williams got a lucky break shortly after he sent me his white Speedy.
A three watch package deal surfaced, and he was able to acquire a rough black dial Speedy with a very nice bezel, a Challenge Timer bullhead, and a decent 67-9119 with a near mint movement. With those donors, I overhauled and serviced the 9119’s movement, and precision timed it. The black Speedy donated its bezel and Citizen dial logo. I custom fitted the 9119’s metal movement holder to the Speedy case, and of all the pushers available….the best were used. A full lume, complete hand and dial marker restore compliments the watch very nicely 🙂 Other touches of this full restoration included a Citizen logo swap from the donors and one of my spec crystals. Another white dial Speedy saved and restored to the highest of standards, that will provide many years of enjoyment.
Speedy #10 owner – Mr Richard Lloyd Williams
This was a parts Speedy that I thought would be just that.
Mr. Williams had gotten a package deal where this watch had a dial and a parts 8110a movement thrown in a case. When they arrived I was not thinking I could bring this one back. So it was left for the white dial Speedy to be made – see #9 above 🙂 Mr. Williams wanted a black dial in the worst way and asked if there was anything I could do to save it. So…it flew back to Pennsylvania from the U.K. with the remainder of what was left from the two previous project. This dial was about as bad as mine….no… it was way worse. I gave no guarantees because it had solvent, or some type of water damage that left the black paint finish very unstable. I spent hours cleaning and restoring this dial with my blend of primer, using a single brush hair to repair paint loss missing near the sub dial numbers. Hour markers were restored and re-lumed as well as the hands. The movement was rebuilt/overhauled with the remaining 8110a parts. It was a full restoration to factory specs, using one of my spec crystals.
I am most proud of this watch in many ways. It is my finest dial restoration to date, and has survived. This dial tested my skill sets way beyond what most watchmakers would ever attempt. I must say that in the end, when you look at this picture in detail, it is hard to distinguish it from other finer examples presented here. It’s proof that when a watch you seek is in very short supply….you can still have one anyway 🙂
Speedy #11 owner – Mr Kulkarni:
Sometimes you get that one picture that captures the essence of a really nice watch. I am proud of how nice Mr.K’s watch turned out when it was finished. Mr. K’s black dial Speedy was a full restoration. Using a white dial donor for its bezel, all the best parts were used to create the best Speedy possible. Some movement parts were needed and, after the full overhaul/service and precision timing, it ranks in my top 10 list of the most accurate 8110a’s to date. I personally love the look of the “ghost” bezel – I have seen ghost bezels on very old Rolex Sea Dwellers, and it actually makes the black dial contrast very well. A very cool look 🙂 Mr.K’s Speedy is using one of my spec crystals.
Speedy #12 owner – Mr Miller:
Mr. Miller’s black dial Speedy has led a very hard life.
Even though its condition is worn, it’s still going strong today. When we look at watches like Mr. Miller’s, its easier to appreciate how the nicer ones look. How in our life time we may never wear a watch out to this point. A Citizen Speedy owner doesn’t care that his may not be the best, but the fact that he has one…and with probably the most miles…or seconds logged.
Mr. Miller’s Speedy is one example in which the 8110a movement that powers it was the most worn I have ever seen. Everything needed some kind of attention, so a full restore was in order. As you can see, even the dial has faded, and some careful touch ups were made. It’s so hard to tell because of the type of primer I use to match each individual Speedy’s watch dial. Mr. Miller’s Speedy received a full dial refresh and lume, plus a hand restoration/full overhaul/ “o” rings and precision timing.
Plus (+) 6-8 seconds per day positional is impressive, and it is why I continue to devote my watchmaking skills and effort to keeping all Citizen 8110a models running for future generations. 🙂 [hooray to that 🙂 – editor]
Speedy #13 owner – Mr Merson:
If you own one model watch of any kind, its very hard other than pictures of course to compare it to others. Having the honour to have this many Speedy’s through my shop has allowed me to compare and grade Speedy’s from every continent of the world, in various states and conditions. Mr. Merson’s Speedy has impressed me with the finest of dials (not a scratch or tool mark), case and bezel originality. This Speedy was a rarity in that it was so close to NOS that when I opened the back, I didn’t at first glance think it had ever been touched. You see some sweet bezels here, and to some just that part can make a man drool. Sadly, this watch had been in the hands of a hack. Someone in the past tried to oil this up to get it to run and broke the dial feet. Worse is they had used some kind of super glue to try to put the dial back on. The concentrated fumes had discoloured the near perfect dial in a couple places. Seeing this has educated me in the white dials because I always wondered what caused dial dis-colouration. Dials that were glued on with a strong solvent base react with the pearl white paint type used on a Speedy. If you look at other white dials here, you can see just that. Dials that were not glued on even in worse condition did not have this type of damage.
Other than a full overhaul/new gaskets and one of my spec crystals, this Speedy is about as close to NOS as I have ever seen or handled. Mr. Merson said that he even has the original steel bracelet. Now that friends, is a very rare thing to own. 🙂
Speedy #14 owner – Mr. Hoolihan:
Something that caught my attention about Mr. Hoolihan’s Speedy was its serial number. I had seen low serials before but none this low. I always have been interested in low/early number serial cars and watches. I had to check my Speedy data base and to my surprise found this is the lowest number of them all. Meet #34. I asked myself..hmm. Are there any earlier ones? Who has Speedy number #1? I’d love to know.
Mr. Hoolihan’s white dial Speedy was a full restoration, and the dial shows a yellowing patina. When this watch arrived, the bezel and crystal were glued in with a clear epoxy. I was able to find one last remaining crystal and bezel gasket. Did the glue cause the patina? I bet it did. When I removed the watch from the case….I could smell the strong fumes inside. It some ways it looks very cool because the patina is even across the dial. Mr. Hoolihan’s watch uses one of my spec crystals:
Speedy #15 owner – Mr. Whitfield:
Mr. Whitfield’s’s black dial Speedy was in really nice original condition. It looked to have little use, and was well cared for. The only real flaw the watch had was the minute hand had some noticeable chips. Not really sure what had caused that, other than some bad watchmaker work where tweezers may have been used.
I was determined to restore the hands, so I mixed a custom blend of enamel and carefully touched up the chips. Mr Whitfield’s Speedy even had its original crystal, but someone in the past tried to polish it and ruined it. So….. my spec crystal to the rescue. This is his birthday year watch, and was done for his enjoyment in addition to being an heirloom for his son someday. Very cool 🙂
Speedy #16 owner – Mr Schultz:
Guten Tag fellow Speedy friends 🙂
Yes this Speedy was imported for the German market. German date wheels were made and I have seen only one other… and it was in a white dial. It’s exciting getting all these different Speedy’s in my shop from all around the world. I have been able to gain a lot of knowledge as to where they all went when produced in the mid 70’s.
I have recorded interesting serial numbers, and production dates in the last 8 years and was surprised at my findings (I’ll post about the serial and production dates at a later time).
Mr. Schultz’s Speedy was given to him as a gift in the early 1980’s. It had spent a very long time as the watch of a welder or metal mechanic and suffered hot slag burns to the case. The original crystal was spattered, and I’m surprised that it didn’t crack from the intense heat, nor damage the bezel which is still quite nice 🙂
It had then gotten in the hands of an inexperienced friend who proceeded to make a mess of it. It arrived with a broken hour recorder and a missing hour sub dial hand. Parts..especially OE hands are getting hard to find now, but I was able to save the day….. I was able to locate the missing hand and a new hour recorder pivot. The dial survived and is in just beautiful shape. I restored all the hands to factory spec but left the dial/case and bezel untouched. With my spec crystal and a full loving over haul and service it’s now back in Germany on the wrist again, being enjoyed for years to come.
Speedy #17 owner Mr. Figueroa:
Mr. Figueroa’s Speedy came to my shop in pretty sweet condition. It even had it’s original band and signed clasp which was extra nice. It too was in the hands of a bad botch-maker who for some reason liked to use tweezers to pick up hands. That resulted in some bad chipping of the original paint. In order to get it perfect again the sweep and sub dial hands needed to be restored to factory spec. Other than one of my new crystals…..well…. I’ll let the picture speak for it self:
Speedy #18 owner Mr. Greuter:
Mr Greuter’s white dialled Speedy came to the shop after it had been in the hands of another bad botch-maker. It was missing one hour recorder hand and had a broken hour recorder pivot. The minute recorder hand was incorrect also. Speedy sub dial hands are slightly different than the bullheads or other models – it took quite awhile to find the correct hands for his watch.
Still with its faults it ticks all the right boxes for originality. The case, dial and bezel all were in original condition and look awesome 🙂 This watch even had it’s original crystal that was in re-useable condition. Another Speedy saved and back into service again 🙂
Speedy #19 owner Mr. Manning:
Mr. Manning’s black dialled Speedy had been well used in it’s life and the movement had a lot of miles/minutes on it and had been in untrained hands as you have come to expect with some of these watches. Although it needed some movement parts it was nothing bank breaking 🙂
Mr. Manning chose to only restore the hour/minute sub dial hands as they were missing paint. The case/bezel and dial were left alone. It has some flaws but nothing that distracts in any bad way. I had no spare Citizen parts logos in stock anymore so I had to just straighten the bent letter “n”. And using one of my new spec crystals, his watch is back home being enjoyed once again 🙂
Speedy #20 owner Mr. Matos:
Mr. Matos’s Speedy arrived at the shop as a parts watch but was in pretty nice shape. The bezel looked really good and it appeared to have its original movement. It was in need of some serious work though. Both pusher springs were needed, there were four missing screws, and a main driving gear spring, plus one “c” clip for the pusher was the start.
It had no balance or bridge, so I had to build a balance complete from my stock to get his watch back up and running. A sweep tip restore in the correct Citizen orange, a spec “31 Jewels crystal” and a custom movement retaining ring finishes the project nicely. As with all white dialed Speedy’s, flaws can be found, but in no way detract from the finished product. Another Speedy saved from the doom of the parts bin, and back into service again 🙂
Speedy #21 owner Mr. Beams:
Mr. Beams received this watch from his Dad, who bought the watch brand new and used it while serving in the U.S. Navy. What a great thing to know we have our first Veteran Speedy in the house 🙂
Years afterwards and it had been in the hands of another botch-maker who actually did not harm the watch…..(yeah). Lots of oil oozing everywhere, but it appears it was never actually overhauled… ever. So, other than a full overhaul, cleaning and a “31 Jewels” spec crystal….the watch remains 100% original and unrestored.
It was a joy to bring this watch back to life, and give it the respect it deserved.
To his Dad, and to all Veterans from every country…….I thank you for your service and I salute you.
Cheers 🙂
Speedy #22 owner Mr Castro:
Mr. Castro’s Speedy arrived missing some key parts. The hour recorder pivot was broken and it was missing its recorder hand. Both tough parts to find, and my stock is running very low. The sweep hand was MIA, so I had to restore one back to spec to match the watch, as well as the hour recorder hand.
It gets tricky matching patina sometimes – it has to have the look of originality, and to make sure things stay authentic. What’s awesome is how well the original crystal held up through the years. You could tell by the bezel that its past owners had taken care of it. Such a shame how so many of these watches end up in the wrong hands, until they meet me 🙂
Now with everything sorted, overhauled, and restored with original Citizen parts… it’s ready for years of enjoyment.
Speedy #23 owner Mr. Cody:
Mr. Cody’s Black dialled Speedy arrived in pretty nice shape, and was complete. Other than restoring back to the original spec of the hour recorder hand and sweep tip, everything else was pretty good over all. I did make a retaining ring to help keep the plastic movement holder in the case from moving around. It helps a lot……but it does not hold nearly as good as a metal movement holder with screws and clamps.
Plastic movement holders are getting pretty fragile as the years wear on, and I warn future collectors to make sure that the Speedy your buying has a movement holder that is not cracked, or broken.
Mr.C’s watch retains its original crystal and finish to the case which is a bonus for future value. A nice one indeed 🙂
Speedy #24 owner Mr. Alexandra:
I’d like to introduce “The Speedy Mod” – yes…this is the first custom Speedy out of my shop and is a unique, and convincing one. What makes “The Speedy Mod” special is the custom inner bezel Mr. Alexandra made for this watch. I have seen Speedy’s on eBay done like this a few times…..and to my surprise sell in excess of $600.00.
However…none has the custom inner dial bezel, or have been done to this level… which separates this one from the herd.
The dial for this custom Speedy comes from an original Citizen 67-9038 in black.
If you notice on the outside of the dial of a 9038, it has the tachymeter on it as well.
Now….that just looks goofy in a Speedy case because you already have a tachy bezel there. But, by using a custom inner bezel, and restoring all the hands back to factory spec of a 9038.. makes for a convincing, “could have been model.”
I think it looks super cool and….it gets to keep a black set of 9038 date wheels.
The entire watch is in beautiful condition and, one of a kind.
It even has a brother. Yes…..lol…..”Speedy Mod” has a brother 🙂
Watch this space……
Speedy #25 – owned by me, Brian:
Now it’s time for Speedy Mod’s brother! …… the Speedy Mon 🙂
What does one do when you have a left over Monaco dial, and a lot of old, original Citizen OEM parts laying in parts bins?
Well……you make a “Speedy Mon”.
For the many years you may have followed me around…whether it be here, or the WUS forum I have always preached “original”. I’ve never really been into mods, but I can’t say I’ve never done them before. Whether it be an ETA, or a Citizen there are many that I never published. The biggest gripe I have…as well as your blog owner Mr. Netherwood is – never claim the mod to be original, or deceive collectors in any way. We see it on eBay all the time, and one must be careful when spending hard earned money. That is one of the reasons why I have valued Stephen’s effort put into this blog. It will guide you in making sure you get the best you can.
Ask him, if you worry about originality and you will get an honest, professional answer.
“Speedy Mon”, as well as his brother Speedy Mod is something new. A trend you could say… or a “possible” as to what Citizen could have built. The time line fits…..but what if you don’t like the Monaco case? Well……I have an answer to that. You build a “Speedy Mon”
All the parts to make this watch are original, unrestored Citizen parts except the crystal sweep and sub dial hands.
I believe the sweep and sub dial hands to be very early aftermarkets….. and, what’s interesting is that they are made out of brass, instead of chromed steel. The original hands come from the very rare 67-9151, or ‘Space Man’. They were also used for the Monaco, but painted orange with no working lume.
The movement…..laugh…well? It comes from donor 67-9119 Spider that I bought from Ramon’s ship wreck pile. If you’ve seen his Citizen stuff…it’s beat scooter. Full of sand…rusty…just awful:
The Speedy Case was from India… and beat to death. And when I mean beat, I mean road rash beat. The case was complete, less the movement and dial. The perfect candidate for “Speedy Mon”:
It’s finished with a thick class dome magnifier crystal. To me, this looks epic on the watch, and I seriously considered using these crystals on actual Speedy’s 🙂 Even Omega uses a very similar style that is sapphire glass on their Speedmasters:
With this crystal no crystal gasket is used, and they are spec’d to be press fitted in the bezel. No epoxy needed. I used a very rare set of black date wheels from a 67-9038 in “Speedy Mon”:
Down the road a bit, I will publish a complete restoration, and build of this watch to show you all the hard work, and interesting details in the making of a “Speedy Mon”
For a full account of this project (in superb detail – ed), here’s link to my WUS thread:
Speedy #26 – owner Mr Mejia:
Mr. Mejia sent me this black dial Speedy to sort out after a really bad botch-making experience. The guy that was in this before did some real shoddy work, and sent it back with a foggy crystal and a minute recorder that just kept running. I had to start over, with a completely overhaul and fix the problems. A bent minute recorder brake had to be replaced, but other than that it is a beautiful original watch. The dial is just perfect, and it had never been restored or polished in any way.
Another great example to add to our Speedy Hall of Fame 🙂
Speedy #27 – owner Mr Castro:
Mr. Castro wasn’t sure if he wanted to restore his black dialled Speedy. His reservation was because the dial had possibly been damaged. From the pics he sent me, it looked like someone in the past had clear coated it… and sure enough it was. The case was polished to “death” and had no case lines on it anywhere. The hands were all poorly painted and the sweep didn’t have the orange tip. Both pushers were bent and I could not use either in the rebuild. So it was just the luck that a nice original unrestored Speedy case and pusher set came to market and he bought it right up. From those parts and some donor parts he supplied, I overhauled the movement, used the nice case and pusher set, restored and re-lumed the hands back to spec – and used one of my crystals to top it off. Given the slight wrinkle finish of the dial I was able to also re-lume it with no trouble. And with a smile……another one re-born and ready for the world again.
Speedy #28 – owner Mr Marcin:
Mr. Marcin’s, like many of the other Speedys that come to my shop was in need of a donor. He had to buy a 67-9119 for parts and if needed, the metal movement holder inside.
Once it arrived I soon realised that the donor was going to be needed and I’m glad he provided it.
His Speedy had a broken main spring barrel arbor….the first one I’d ever seen broken in an 8110a. A damaged hairspring and chewed screws was what the previous watch butcher left behind.
I had to sort it all out and to make matters worse…I noticed two slight dark spots on the dial from where someone broke the dial feet and tried to re attach them. I see a lot of Speedy’s where the dial feet are broken. So many Speedy’s ended up in the wrong hands and I must undo all the mistakes and damage. With a full overhaul/service and precision timing all is well now.
Ready for many years of enjoyment and…. back on the wrist where it deserves to be. 🙂
Speedy #29 – owner Mr Koerfer:
Speedy’s #30 & #31 – owned by me, Brian:
My white dial Speedy shown here was a two watch package deal. The dial and hands are original, and unrestored. As I mentioned earlier, a white dial Speedy is almost impossible to restore. Depending on the light angle, you will notice Citizen mixed pearl in the white paint, and this is what makes a white dial Speedy so special. Have you ever seen a Citizen 67-9151, or a Citizen 67-9054’s dial? They are like that. You can’t get that effect with black.
At the time of this writing, I have no solution other than a re-dial, to repair damage done by tweezer scratches, or damage done by recorder dial hands being pressed down too tight. If you have a paint formula idea, drop me a line!
I posted a brief write up in the WUS forum using my Omega Speedmaster and my white dial Speedy. Here: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f21/8110a-citizen-speedy-meets-omega-speedy-650836.html. It’s something you might find interesting.
I sold the black dial Speedy shown in that thread, and really wished I had kept it. At the time though, I could’nt get a nice crystal for it, and longed for another. A journey which led me to the watch you see here today – my black dial Speedy, parked right next to my white.
I thank you for taking the time to view my restoration and service. And thank you Stephen, for allowing me to contribute to your vintage Citizen watch blog.
Regards, Brian
Copyright on all text and images: ’31 Jewels’ and Stephen Netherwood, 2016
Sweephand's Vintage Citizen Watch Blog 
Hi, Stephen and Brian!
I just love this thread! 😀 Can´t wait the movement part of restoration… I have get my project to the point, where one 8110a is now disassembled and i managed to loose friction spring for minute wheel and pinion… Well, could been found somewhere from here still, but i have been looking for it several hours in total… 😀
Brian, is this watch from Turkey…? I just bought one from there, 67-6054 and same seller sold Speedy recently.
It´s in terrible condition, consider the case and dial, but movement looks good and i´ll get spare parts from it, if necessary.
And finally i managed to buy Timegrapher 1000 !!! Can´t wait it to arrive… 😀
Marko a.k.a Satyricon in WUS
Hi Marko, I thought you’d enjoy this page 🙂 I hope it helps with your project, although all I can imagine at the moment is you on your hands and needs looking for a very small part!! been there…. 😉
Stephen
Hi Stephen,
Apologies for jumping in on this thread, but I’ve just come across your blog and I’m intrigued! My dad bought me a silver ladies Citizen automatic watch in the 1980’s and rarely has there been a day I haven’t worn it – I love it for a host of reasons though mostly sentimental. I’d really like to know more about it and where I could get a glass to replace the scratched one. On the back it has the following numbers (hard to read, they’re minute tiny?):
Watch 00.
4-281128 KT.
74-7696. 10306000.
GN-4W-S
I have a photo but can’t see where to upload it here, sorry?
Many thanks in anticipation of your reply 🙂
Sara
Hi Sara, thanks for visiting my blog, and no problem posting a comment here 🙂 Unfortunately visitors aren’t able to upload a picture here, but I can email you and you can send it to me. That would be very helpful – so far I know what movement was used in your watch (6628) but I don’t know exactly when that was in production. A look at the style of the watch, and the case back if possible will be useful in trying to get more info for you.
Email on the way 🙂
Stephen
A delightful read! Thanks Brian and Stephen!
Hi Jay, I thought you’d like this 🙂
Stephen
Fantastic work
Wow, I feel sorry for the Citizen Chronos waiting in bins and stores and desk drawers here and there that DON’T get to meet you. To see that level of attention all focused down on one small object, bringing it back (but not too far back), is really inspiring.
cheers
— mcget
Can’t wait to see the final outcome. Great work Brian.
La restauración marcha de manera excelente, espero impaciente el final.
Beautiful Work
Just Marvellous !!! That´s a great job you have done, Thank you very much for this thread ! It has been a pleasure to watch how a guy, who knows how these things should be done, works !!!
Little by little i´m changing my mind about the Dials. My principle has been, that the dial should be repainted or at least repaired to the state, where it looks like a new and flawless. Well, there is not just one “way”, these should be considered individually.
So, Brian made it from impossible to possible and now we can see one example of carefully “touched up” Speedy – dial :D.
Once again: Amazing work !
hi Marko, thanks for your comments 🙂 Your observations about dials is interesting and seeing what Brian has done on this one, and others I hope we’ll get to see, shows what can be done in a skilled and sympathetic way.
Stephen
I’ve been following this from start to end, and I’m amazed at your work(Brian). From a watch that was in a broken state all the way to a piece of beauty. The others are equally amazing, and I am looking forward to my completed Speedy!
Awesome job Brian..
I wonder if you could get that white pearl like effect with an alclad ? http://alclad2.com/
White or off white gloss base layer and then a light coat of the prismatic or semi transparent alclads *might* get close ?
Tony
Hi Tony, thanks for visiting my blog. I’ve let Brian know about your comment. The models in the link you posted are superb 🙂
Stephen
I was lucky enough to have purchased a beautiful white dial “Speedy” a couple of weeks ago wow these are amazing watches and at around 85% it’s a stunner. Your skills are unserpassed in restoring them when I need a movement service your the guy I want.
Stephen, do you know what the original band of the Speedy looked like? Brian is pretty much done with my Speedy, and the last thing is a band. It has an old Citizen band, but not the correct one. I’ll try to get one in a similar design as the original.
Hi, good to hear that your Speedy is nearly done 🙂 I hope you will link here to some photos once you’ve got it back. I have only one image from a 1978 catalog showing Speedies, but it’s only low res I’m afraid. It gives you a clue but it’s not too clear:
Stephen
Hard to tell the exact style, but I guess its President-esque. I’m thinking a Hadley Roma President band will suit it. Certainly looks good on the Speedmasters in a Google image search.
I believe Brian will be putting up a write up about my Speedy soon.
Any band styles you think are a close match?
I’m looking forward to seeing Brian’s write-up on your Speedy 🙂
I’m not the best person to advise on bracelets, since I prefer leather straps! Given that the Speedy gets its looks from the Omega Speedmaster, and looking at the catalog image, I would think a style used on the original Omegas would be suitable.
Stephen
I have found an image of the original bracelet. Maybe you can get some better images to add to your database. http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/citizen-8110a-speedmaster-watch-head-sold-18mm-staib-mesh-still-available-staib-mesh-bracelet-1020505.html
Looks like my bracelet choice was very close. Images and story in the link below. And you could add your Speedy’s too.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f21/official-citizen-speedy-67-9313-club-show-us-what-youve-got-1061105.html
I have seen some examples without a signed crown…Brian’s comment above suggests that’s a warning sign of possible trouble inside…would you suggest steering clear of those?
Hi Redsox, thanks for visiting my blog. Although sometimes replacements are needed as part of proper care of a watch, a reputable watch maker would use a correct part, i.e. a signed crown. The use of an un-signed one might indicate that not enough care has been taken, and if this was done as part of a service, has the watch maker done any other work that isn’t up to the correct standard?…. So it is a warning about possible trouble, and would suggest at least very careful checking about the watch and the seller (always worth bearing in mind the adage always ‘buy the seller’)
Stephen
Hi Brian, I have a ‘speedy’ with a non original unmarked crown. Do you sell crowns that will suit? Aftermarket will do as I know that originals are hard to get.
How can I contact you, web page?
Regards
David
Hi David, Brian doesn’t supply parts I’m afraid. I’ll email you later about the crown,
Stephen
Thanks Stephen
You’re welcome David – I sent an email, hope you got it, and will send another in the near future 🙂
Stephen
Hi Stephen, I am afraid I didn’t receive your email about the speedy crown. Could you please send it again.
Thanks
David
Hi David, I’ve just re-sent the email – hope you receive it this time 🙂
Stephen
Hello, Just bought a pair of Citizen Speedy’s needing restoration. Bought another 8110 movement to help the restoration but need a signed crown. Bought one on eBay but it didn’t fit. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hi John, thanks for visiting my blog – email just sent. Stephen
Stephen,
Am I able to get an email address for Brian to have my White Dialed Speedy movement serviced and any other recomendations done to the watch for from him.
Regards
Mark
Hi Mark, just sent you an email 🙂
Stephen
Bravo!
Thanks Jay 🙂
Hi Brian, was just wondering what the average price of restoring a speedy would be? I’m looking for my first chronograph and the Citizen has got to be one of the most underpriced I’ve seen. However, the ones I have found online are mostly badly scuffed on the crystal and partially working. I have been searching through the WUS forums and this is one watch that has definitely caught my eye. I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,
Justin
Hi Justin, sorry for a slow reply. I can try and find out what a typical price may be, but of course that is likely only to be for a service since parts and restoration work will vary according to the condition of a particular watch.
Stephen
Hi Stephen, I understand that it varies from watch to watch, but just a range would be good. Would it be easier for you to email me? You can contact me at the email I used to comment on this website.
Cheers,
Justin
Just emailed you 🙂
Stephen
Stephen,
I would also like to receive Brian’s contact information if possible. I recently purchased a 8110A ‘Monaco’ that needs an overhaul and I would like to get a quote from him to do the work. Thanks for your assistance and your work on this great Blog.
Hi, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comment. I’ll email Brian’s contact address to you 🙂
Stephen
Hi Stephen, I live in New Zealand and recently picked up a fairly original white dial speedy. I’d like to contact Brian to discuss restoration, appreciate if you could send me his contact details, Best Regards and Seasons Greetings, Paul – Auckland, New Zealand
Hi Paul, thanks for visiting my blog, and congrats on acquiring your Speedy 🙂 Email sent.
Stephen
Hi Stephen
I have to say thanks for the recomendation Brian is truly a watchmaker my white dial speedy is superb and keeps time to 4 seconds a day truly COSC Specs, I have already contacted Brian regards the black dialed speedy and will send that away for the works early in the new year. Can’t wait.
Best regards and Merry Xmas
Mark
Hi Mark – great to hear about your Speedy and the quality of Brian’s work. Thanks for taking the time to post your comment.
All the best for 2015 and have a great Christmas
Stephen
I am interested in having my white dial speedy refurbished. Where can I email you some pictures?
Hi Pedro, thanks for visiting my blog – I’ll email you very soon 🙂
Stephen
How can I get in touch w/Brian to see if he would be interested in looking at my 21 jewel Super King ,67 export model. B2810a s/N 7050469.
Tks – Al
Hi Al, thanks for visiting my blog. I’ll send you an email with Brian’s contact details,
Stephen
Hi Stephen,
May I know Brian’s contact details so I can inquire for his amazing service? This is such a great article! Thank you both very much!
Kevin
Good morning Stephen,
Please send Brian’s contact information. I have a needy “Speedy.”
Hi John – email sent 🙂
Stephen
Stephen,
I’m in your area and hoped you could send me Brian’s contact info. Also an address if you have a shop I could visit.
Thank you both,
Wayne
Hi Wayne – thanks for visiting my blog. Email sent 🙂
Stephen
Hello Stephen. Can I get Brian’s email from you? In need of his help for my Speedy!
Hi Matthew – of course, email on the way 🙂
Stephen
Any chance you can send me Brian’s contact information as well?
Thanks.
Hi Warren – email sent (I’ve edited out your address here since this is a public forum and don’t want you getting spammed)
Stephen
Hi Stephen – Mark from Perth WA can I get your email address please I have had a laptop melt down and lost it.
In regards to the Black dialed Speedy
Regards
Mark.
Hi Mark, sorry to hear about your laptop 😦 What a pain in the you know what. Email on the way,
Stephen
Hi Stephen. How do you find a new crystal for the Speedy. I might buy a Citizen Speedy and it could use a new glass.
Regards Jonas
Hi Jonas – thanks for visiting my blog. Good question! A new crystal for the Speedy is very difficult if not impossible to find these days I’m afraid. I have found one in the past on Yahoo Japan, but at the moment I can’t see a new, original crystal anywhere. Brian (aka ’31 Jewels’) who is a master watchmaker, uses a very nice after market crystal – to quote from his article on this blog:
I spent a lot of time buying different after-market crystals to see which ones are the best and exact spec. I am personally not a fan of after-markets, but have bought many different brands until one fits my spec and quality standards. I stock new Speedy crystals, and you actually can’t even tell they are after-market…..
Please note though that Brian is not a parts supplier, but if you send a Speedy to him for service he can fit a very good after market crystal.
Stephen
Thank for your answer Stephen. I haven’t bought one yet but now I will know where to go.
You’re welcome Jonas 🙂
Hi Stephen and Brian!
Thanks for the very interesting article! I have a quaestion for You – My 67-9551 8100A runs well, keeps accurate time as You can see in the picture: http://kepfeltoltes.hu/151205/2015-12-05_16.50.44_www.kepfeltoltes.hu_.jpg
But why is the very low amplitude (140-150) compared to Your Speedy’s 8110 movement’s 250+?
Thanks in advance,
Jim
Hi Jim!
Check your lift angle, you have measured your watch with 52 degree, lift angle of Citizen cal.8100a is 36 degree. But i guess your movement needs cleaning and fresh oils, 140-150 sounds relatively low amplitude, so it is not up of just lift angle issue.
Marko
Hi Marko!
Thanks for your quick reply! It’s an interesting thing because if I start the chronograph and measure with the same settings the amplitude is around 230-240 degrees but the beat error ascend from 0.00 to 0,5-0,6 and the accuracy will worse (+/- 25-30sec). It seems like the chronograph part affects the running of the base movement, isn’t it?
Jim
Hi Jim, thanks for visiting my blog, and I am pleased to see that you have found some interesting information. I was glad you have got a reply from Marko – hope it is helpful to you
Stephen
Hi Brian,
Do you still do 8110 restores? I have one that I would like to have looked at. I suspect it might be in fairly poor condition. I know the case has been refinished and the hands have been poorly restored. Also, the CITIZEN JAPAN text on the rotor is quite faded, and I’m not sure what could have caused that. However, the caseback does match the watch.
Thanks
Hi,
Could you forward me Brian’s contact info, as well?
Thank you
Hi Andrew – thanks for visiting my blog. I have emailed Brian’s contact address to you 🙂
Stephen
Hey sweephand, any chance you could forward Brian’s contact details to me too?
I’ve got a white-dial speedy which could do with some love, and from these posts it seems that Brian is one of the few guys prepared to pay attention to detail on these beautiful Citizen chronos!
Chris
Hi Chris, thanks for visiting my blog. Email on the way 🙂 Stephen
Hi Stephen, I’ve loved reading through this post here. I’ve just purchased a Citizen 67-9313 off of eBay, and I’d like get in touch with Brian to talk about a restoration. Would you mind forwarding me his contact info?
Thanks, and love the site you’ve got here!
Dylan
Hi Dylan, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comment. Email sent with Brian’s contact details.
Stephen
Hi there! I have a 8110A 67-9119 that could use some movement servicing. Can you send me Brian’s contact info? Thanks!
Hi Ethan, thanks for visiting my blog. Email on the way 🙂
Stephen
Hi!
I’ve got my 8110A from my father. My mother gave it to him in the 70’s and has been in use until somewhere around the 2000. I always wanted to restore it and prob. fix it since it does not keep up with the time. could you give me some info about someone doing this kind of job?
thanks a lot!
Hi Manuel, thanks for visiting my blog, and good to hear you still have your father’s watch 🙂 Which 8110A model is it? The guy I can recommend, who has worked on several of my watches, is Brian, aka ’31Jewels’. He is in the eastern USA and is a master watch maker who is a Citizen fan – and expert. His work is featured on the blog here:https://sweep-hand.org/brians-8110a-restoration-the-speedy-67-9313/ and here: https://sweep-hand.org/restorations-by-brian-aka-31-jewels-page-1/ And my personal favourite is is his work on my Citizen Auto from 1958: https://sweep-hand.org/the-citizen-auto-1958/
Let me know if you want to get in touch with Brian and I’ll email his contact details to you.
Stephen
Hei!
(I dont have the watch with me right now, if you send me an email I can send you a picture of the back later)
anyway in your list of automatic chronographs this one is the model I think: 67-9551 Case Number: 4-900022
now, my problem is that I am in Europe, but I will like to get in contact with Brian anyway. So if you could email me his contact details to me tha’ll be great 🙂
Manuel
Hi Manuel – email on the way 🙂
Stephen
Hello Stephen this is a wonderful website you have I recently acquired a challenge timer reference# 67-9356 After seeing some of Brian’s work I would definitely like to get in contact with him as mine is in dire need of service
Hi Abdiel – thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comment. Email on the way 🙂
Stephen
hi, would you please send me the contact email of Brian for a Citizen Speedy restoration?
thanks!
Hi Jamil – thanks for visiting my blog. Email on the way, Stephen
Can you send me Brians info also please
Hi Kerry, thanks for visiting my blog. Email on the way. Stephen
Hi, can you please send me Brian’s contact email for a Citizen 63-9313 restoration?
Thanks for visiting my blog – email sent 🙂
Stephen
hello I need some help I am trying to Restore a Citizen 8110A I need a DIal face a Crown and a two tone silver /black Band any help? thank you
Hi Leo – I’m afraid finding a dial is tough, I don’t know anywhere you can get one at the moment. Is it the the 67-9119 model that has the steel bracelet with black blocks on the links? I can only suggest eBay and Yahoo Japan to look for these parts. Or maybe look at a ‘donor’ like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-citizen-chronograph-withcal-8110-NOT-working-/152009803663
Stephen
Stephen, Leo,
That watch in Ebay-link is unseemly over-prized (my personal opinion 😀 ). It´s rotted all the other respects, but there´s a chance, that the dial could be in usefull condition, can´t see it clearly from the pics, but “Citizen”-logo seems to be in very good shape considering the rest of the watch! As the dial is not been made like many other dials at that time, meaning first painted and then lacquered and after or between those steps, there was printing of indexes and other markings and raised indexes was added as a last step of the process.
But the dial of 67-9119 have been made in a totally different way: the base of the dial is made of plastic! Even a foots of the dial are made of plastic. This made it possible to shape the dial as it is, rising rim in the edge of the dial and that unique shape in the middle section of the dial. Indexes are printed with white paint and Citizen-logo is that same, made of steel, as there is usually. Rising, lumed hour indexes are propably clued, as is the logo, to the dial.
I´ll send a few photos from the 67-9119 dial to Stephen, he could then add those here?
Sorry for long lecture and there could be some inaccuracies in details :D. Please, correct me, if you find some!
Marko
Thanks for your comments Marko, and no worries about the length of them they are very welcome 🙂 I agree the possible donor watch on eBay is a bit expensive, but the seller is open to offers….
Thanks for your very informative description of the dial, and for the pics, a couple of which I have uploaded here:
Stephen
I have one white dial citizen-8110 a- 679313 speedy.Unfortunately, the chronometer is not working due to the erosion of the wheel of the sub-dial at 2’o clock (just below the marker 12’o clock
It is very difficult to send the watch to you from India. Can you help me any way to restore the same. This my best collection and i have the proud for the same and hence, too much eager to restore it any how.
Thanks,
G H Bondhopadhaya
Hi – Thank you for visiting my blog and I do apologise for my late reply. Sorry to hear about the problem with your white Speedy. Do you have any photos of the watch and the corrosion? Although you can’t post images directly here you can post a link if you upload photos to somewhere like Photobucket, or I can email you and you can send them to me. Please note that I am not a watchmaker, that is Brian whose work is featured on my blog, but I can see if I can help with getting some advice.
Stephen
Hello! I’m in Florida and just picked up a Citizen Challenge Timer ref. 67-9356. Is there anyway I can send it in to get a diagnosis? Or does anyone have information for a good watchmaker I can send this to? Thank you!
Thanks for visiting my blog – and apologies for a late reply, I have been away from home for a few days. I can recommend Brian Leiser whose work is featured on my blog. Please let me know if you would like me to send you his contact details,
Stephen
Hi, I am interested in having my speedy refurbished. Could you please send me Brian’s contact email? Thank you!
Hi, thanks for visiting my blog – email sent 🙂
Stephen
Hi Stephen
It’s great to see the new additions to your blog, especially when your own Speedy is featured!
Richard Lloyd-Williams
Hi Richard – good to see your Speedy, thanks for consenting to it being added to the page 🙂
Another fine restoration amazing work brian
Hi Stephen–Would you kindly email me Brian’s email/contact info? I’m in need of an overhaul of a very old Citizen that I just acquired. Thank you!
Hi Roger, thanks for visiting. Email sent 🙂 What model is it? Stephen
Hi Stephen and Brian, first of all I love you blog. As an owner of some of the Citizen divers you describe it is very enjoyable to read the blog and all the comments. Now I need some advise:
I would like to buy a Speedy white dial, I want it for wearing it, so it must look good and be in good condition.
Could you please advise Brain’s contact details so that I can check if he could sell me one ? Or perhaps give me some advise on what the going rate for a good one is, where to look for it (none on ebay for a while except for one with a very damaged black dial), and what I should check before buying it ?
Thanks,
Kindest regards from Holland,
Bart
Hi Bart, sorry for a slow reply. Thanks for your kind comments, and good to see you are enjoying the blog. I know the white speedy is scarce these days, especially in good, wearable condition. I’m afraid I’m not aware of one for sale at the moment so can’t help with that, and I’m not sure what price a good one would fetch these days – I would imagine over $500 (US), possibly a lot more! Other than eBay you could look at Yahoo Japan, although I don’t see many Speedy’s there. Or maybe try a ‘want to buy’ post on the relevant forums (e.g Wrist Sushi and SCWF) although you might have to be an active member for a bit before you can post a want to buy post. Brian isn’t a watch seller, but I’ll get in touch with him and see if he knows of one for sale.
When looking at buying an 8110 chronograph, I would advise to always ask to see a photograph of the movement if it’s not already provided – look for a ‘clean’ movement without corrosion. Check that the chronograph functions are working correctly, and that the chronograph hands snap back to zero (the 12 o’clock position) when the chronograph is reset, or restarted using the fly back feature.
Also check that the quick set date and day mechanisms are working correctly (although I have known where a seller didn’t know how to quick set the day – it’s done be pressing the chronograph re-set button when the crown is pulled out one step). And check that the case back is correct for the model – 67-9313 for the Speedy.
I’ll get back to you when I’ve heard from Brian, Stephen
Thanks Stephen I will await your message
Hi Bart – sorry for the delay in replying. I have heard back from Brian. Unfortunately he has nothing for sale, and doesn’t know of one for sale at the moment either. His view on likely price, for one in excellent condition is similar to mine, i.e. over $500 and maybe up to $650. I’m sorry I can’t give more positive news.
Stephen
Stephen, thanks for your reply. I managed to buy a fantastic one in Germany. Apart from some little scratches on the metal it is in flawless condition and the price was very reasonable. I am very happy with it ! Here’s a picture: [IMG]http://i66.tinypic.com/nevs0i.jpg[/IMG]
Hi Bart – that’s a great example, well done! Stephen
Hi, i found this blog surfing the net looking for a speedy white dial: i had one in my youth, but i lost it. It’s very difficult to find another one but i don’t give up.
It is possible that there exists a version with blue dial?? I found one surfing the net, but the bezel is very ruined, discolored.
Thanks
Best regards from Italy
Paolo
Hi Paolo, thanks for visiting my blog. What a pity you lost your Speedy 😦 Good examples are hard to find these days I’m afraid. There was no blue dialled version, only black and white – I suspect the one you’ve seen is a cobbled together one, with a blue dial from the 67-9038 model. Stephen
Yes, i found one with blue dial from the 67-9038 model, but another one looks really a speedy with blue dial as you can see in the following link:
your opinion is very important for me
thanks a lot
Paolo
Hi Paolo, this is a (not too good) repaint. Besides the non-original colours and the plain sub-dials no vintage Citizens have ‘JAPAN MADE’ on the dial, and the ‘Chronograph Automatic’ text is not aligned correctly. The hand set is not original, look like replacements for the bullhead model. Stephen
Hi Stephen,
I am a fan when I read these knowledgeable post on restoring and bringing beaten watches back to life..
Is it possible to contact Brian on restoration and overhaul services?
Hope you can help as I ernestly seek advice regarding my vintage watch.
Really appreciate your kind input
Regards
Kelvin
Hi Kelvin, thanks for visiting my blog and good to hear that you enjoy the posts here. I’ll send you an email with Brian’s contact details. Stephen
HI Stephen.
Just found your blog. Very nice. I have a white dial Speedy that needs a restoration. Would it be possible to send me Brian’s email. I tried to contact him thru Watchuseek with no luck.
Thanks
Elias
Hi Elias, thanks for visiting my blog. email sent 🙂 Stephen
Hi Stephen,
I too just found your blog. Fantastic information. I recently purchased an 8110a bullhead that needs servicing. I attempted to contact Brian via Watchuseek, but have not heard back from him. If you could supply with with his contact information I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
Todd
Hi Todd, thanks for visiting my blog. Email just sent 🙂 Stephen
Hi Stephen. Great work you’ve done on these Speedys. Ever since i read this, i have been on the hunt for a piece like this. Well, i may have found a decent example. My concerns are the register hands & sweephand are of from a different model and the crystal has issues. By any chance you can help me out in sourcing these?
Thanks.
Rich
Hi Rich, thanks for visiting my blog – the Speedy work is done by Brian Leiser in the USA, and I feature his work here. I’m afraid original hands for these are very hard to come by, and I don’t know of any that are available. It’s the same with the crystals – Brian uses a very nice, good quality replacement when he restores the Speedy (you can see them on the restoration page). For your info, the part numbers are:
Crystal: either 54-50480 and 54-50780
Sweephand: 518-3230
Register Hands: 395-4030 (white) and 395-4040 (black)
Stephen
Thanks Stephen for the info. Can i send you scans of the watch so you or Brian can assess if the dial is still an a condition to be restored? Would you be kind enough to share Brian’s email so i can contact him for his services? Thank you,
Hi Rich – email on the way with Brian’s contact info….
Hello, i’d like to ask what diameter is the Crystal, i’ve to change it on my 67-9313
Thank you very much
Hi Patri, thanks for visiting my blog. The crystal diameter is just under 29mm:
Please be aware that this model uses a crystal gasket – if you don’t have a replacement gasket, it is possible to remove the old glass carefully and re-use the old gasket. But care is need since the gasket can easily get kinked.
Stephen
Thank you for reply, i think is 28,7mm. I ve found a vendor on ebay that sell it. 2mm thickness Is Ok?
I would like to buy it and go to a watchmaker to change it. Mine is very scratched
You’re welcome. The original crystal is just under 2mm thick, so it should be ok. Stephen
Hello again!
Thank you so much!! I Will try to buy 2mm/28.7. For the old gasket if it broke, i have to fin another one.. I hope the watchmaker could repair glass with no issue
Hello, looking under the watch there is a code, and told me that the glass is 277 * 1.5mm
Hi Patri – this is a bit of a puzzle. The Sternkreuz replacement crystal is 27.7mm, but the one I measured and posted a photo of is an original for the speedy. I’ll see if I can get this clarified! Stephen
Hi Patri, I’ve checked with master watchmaker Brian Leiser aka 31 Jewels, whose work is featured on this blog, and he has confirmed that the original glass is 28.8mm x 1.5mm. This would be used with the original gasket of course. So maybe a replacement glass, like from Sternkreuz for example, the gasket is thicker. Stephen
Hello again.. i gave the watch to a watchmaker, let’s see what he do
is it possible to find the black insert? mine isn’t black, is like … grey. Probably the sun has done effect and took the black to gray.
Thank youso much
Hi Patri, you’re welcome. The inserts can fade to grey when they’ve seen a lot of sun. I’m afraid I have never seen any inserts available. Stephen
Mmm.. I see.. Bad luck then.
Hi Brian,
Your work on these Citizen watches are amazing.
I have 2 vintage Citizen chronographs which I hope you can help me with.
Can I have your contact, please.
Thank you.
Regards,
Clement
Hi Clement, thanks for visiting my blog. Brian’s work is featured on my blog, as you have seen, so I will email his contact details to you. Stephen
Hi Stephen,
My most sincere apologies. However, there were some technical problems with my email inbox and I lost the email with Brian’s contact. Could I have it once more, pls.
So sorry for the inconvenience caused. Thank you Stephen.
Regards,
Clement
Hi Clement – no problem, email resent 🙂
Hola Stephen, grandioso blog, información valiosa, todo el contenido y fotografías. Un par de preguntas, como puedo quitar el bisel de mi 67-9313 para poder llevar a cabo una buena limpieza de la parte interna y con que tipo de pintura se pone el toque naranja en la aguja del cronografo?.
Gracias por tu magnifico trabajo, se nota el amor y pasión en lo que haces.
Saludos desde México.
Alfredo.
[Hello Stephen, great blog, valuable information, all content and photographs. A couple of questions, how can I remove the bezel from my 67-9313 to be able to carry out a good cleaning of the internal and with what kind of paint the orange touch is placed on the needle of the chronograph ?.
Thank you for your magnificent work, you can see the love and passion in what you do.
Greetings from Mexico]
Hola Alfredo, gracias por sus comentarios muy amables – muy apreciado. El bisel en el 67-9313 se presiona muy fuertemente. Recomiendo que se utilice una herramienta para minimizar el riesgo de daño. Aquí está la herramienta que uso para esto:
Se necesita un gran cuidado para presionar el bisel de nuevo en el caso, y para asegurarse de que está en la posición correcta, por supuesto.
Mezco estas dos pinturas mate para obtener el color correcto:
El color principal es naranja con un poco de amarillo para dar un aspecto ligeramente descolorido
[Hello Alfredo, thank you for your very kind comments – much appreciated. The bezel on the 67-9313 is pressed on very tightly. I recommend that a tool is used to minimise the risk of damage. Here is the tool I use for this: (pic)
Great care is needed to press the bezel back on the case, and to make sure it is in the correct position of course. I mix these two matt paints to get the right colour: (pics). The main colour is orange with a little yellow To give a slightly faded appearance]
Stephen
Sri, Simply u. r Great, I have one kind of this watch, thanks for very narrative painstaking description. Kudos to u Sir.
Thank you for visiting my blog, and for your kind comments 🙂
Hola Stephen, muchas gracias por tu amable respuesta, veo complicado sacar el bisel por el alto riesgo de dañar el mismo, creo que no tendré el valor de hacerlo, pues no cuento con una maquina como la tuya, soy un simple aficionado. Agradezco me hayas indicado los colores a poner; veo que con pinturas acrilicas, yo pensaba que se aplicaba pintura de esmalte, estas pinturas son las que se usan en modelismo a escala?, no se corre el riesgo de que se caiga la pintura?.
Nuevamente un saludo desde México.
[Hello Stephen, thank you very much for your kind answer, I see it complicated to remove the bezel because of the high risk of damaging it, I think I will not have the courage to do it, because I do not have a machine like yours, I am a simple amateur. I appreciate you having indicated the colors to put; I see that with acrylic paints, I thought that applied enamel paint, these paintings are those that are used in scale modeling ?, do not run the risk of the paint falling ?.
Again greetings from Mexico]
Hola Alfredo, es probablemente mejor dejar el bisel en su lugar a menos que necesite reemplazar el cristal. Con la ayuda de un pincel fino debe ser capaz de limpiar donde se une el caso. La pintura se utiliza para los modelos a escala, y funciona bien. Tenga cuidado de aplicar sólo muy poco, y en un golpe rápido. No parecerá correcto si es demasiado grueso, y no se verá bien si lo toca demasiado. La pintura no debe desprenderse – otras personas han aconsejado usar pintura acrílica como esta. La pintura del esmalte puede ser demasiado gruesa.
Stephen
[Hi Alfredo, it’s probably best to leave the bezel in place unless you need to replace the glass. With the help of a fine brush you should be able to clean where it joins the case. The paint is used for scale models, and works well. Be careful to apply it only thinly, and in one quick stroke. It will not look correct if it is too thick, and it will not look good if you touch it too much. The paint should not flake off – other people have advised to use acrylic paint like this. Enamel paint can be too thick]
Hola Stephen, una vez mas gracias por tu amable respuesta. He limpiado con un pincel como me lo indica, sin embargo, creo yo, que puede haber suciedad por debajo del bisel, por eso mi interés en retirarlo, pero como me lo indica es mejor no hacerlo y no lo haré.
Gracias por los comentarios y precisiones en relación a la pintura, seguiré tus instrucciones.
Podrías indicarme tu correo electrónico y si es de tu interés, te envío un par de fotos de mis relojes.
Saludos cordiales.
[Hello Stephen, once again thank you for your kind reply. I cleaned it with a brush as it tells me, however, I think, that there may be dirt under the bevel, so my interest in removing it, but as I indicated it is better not to do so and I will not.
Thanks for the comments and precisions regarding the painting, I will follow your instructions.
You could tell me your email and if it’s of your interest, I’ll send you a couple of photos of my watches.]
Bienvenido Alfredo. Te enviaré un correo electrónico pronto para que puedas enviar fotos – Stephen
[You are welcome Alfredo. I will send you an email soon so you can send photos]
Hi Stephen,
Please may I have Brian’s contact details in relation to work on my Citizen Speedy?
Many thanks in advance.
Simon
Hi Simon – email sent 🙂
once again thanks a lot, I have missed one opportunity to buy at indian market that to for just inr.6000/-. Hopes, next time I may get that one and also I want to give it you as GIFT. HOPE U WILL ACCEPT IT. THANK YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME.
Hi Raghavendra, thanks for visiting my blog. Is it a ‘Speedy’ you are looking for?
Stephen
Hello again, can you tell me how to remove the tiges from my speedy? The problem is that the watchmaker after changed the glass.. Insert it again and now cant change time and day, works only the date. Any help?
Hi Patri – may be a translator problem here 🙂 Can you explain what the ‘tiges’ are – thanks
Stephen
Sorry, i mean that the crown can t change time and the day, if rotate it, it change only the date.
This problem came out when the watchmaker has re inserted the crown into the watch.
Hi Patri – the crown, when pulled out one step, changes only the date on these. To change the day you press the lower chronograph (reset) button when the crown is in the date change position. Stephen
No.. The problem is another. The crown, does not regulate the time, neither the day, can change only the time. Before, when i had not made the glass change, the crown was ok, it regulated the time, the day and the date.
I’m not a watchmaker, but it seems strange that someone who is can send it back with this fault. The crown & stem are removed by first pulling it fully out to the time-setting position, then a button is pressed on the movement to release the stem. You will need a small pointed tool to do this of course. Here’s a pic of a Speedy movement and I’ve circled the button that is to be pressed:
When re-fitting the stem, you press the button and push the stem in, then release the button, maybe rotating the stem slightly too, so that it clicks into place and can’t be pulled out. Be gentle when pressing the button, since they can jam when in the open position and the stem will not be held in place.
Good luck with it I hope it can be sorted out.
Stephen
Where can I purchase one of these 😂😂
Hi Sam, thanks for visiting my blog. Examples of these, especially good ones, are getting harder and harder to find. I presume you check eBay – otherwise they can occasionally be found on Yahoo Japan.
Stephen
Hello Stephen
Do you know if Brian services/restores the 8110A with rotating countdown bezel? I have recently purchased one and am looking for a reliable watchmaker to service it.
Hi, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m sure Brian would service any of the 8110A models – I’ll email his contact details to you. Stephen
Hi Stephen. Im from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. All i can say this really a fantastic blog about ‘Speedy’. As for yr info i just got one black Speedy. It seems that the previous owner replaced the chrono hands with some other unknown brand hands. I just wonder if i replace them with Mickey’s hands.. would it fit into my 67-9313?
Hi Firdaus, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. Good to hear you have a Speedy 🙂 I’m not sure which ‘Mickey’ hands you mean, can you please let me know more, particularly which watch they are from.
Thanks, Stephen
Hi Stephen. I’m a fan of your blog since i found it, and i’m wondering if you can help me to get in touch with Brian
Thanks. David
Hi David, I’ll email Brian’s contact details 🙂 Stephen
Stephen,
Thank you for this valuable site. Always a pleasure to read.
Could you pass me Brian’s contact info, please.
I, too, have a bullhead that needs some work.
Hi Sam, thanks for your kind comment. I’ll email Brian’s contact address shortly. Stephen
I’ve got a citizen bullhead I’d like to have worked on. It keeps great time but the chronograph doesn’t reset properly. Could you help with that and give me a general estimate of what something like that MIGHT run. I know it would just be a rough estimate and not something I could hold you too. Love your site. Thanks so much.
Hi John, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m not a watchmaker so I don’t do any serious work on my watches. I do feature Brian Leiser’s work here though, and can highly recommend him. He’s in the USA. Please let me know if you want his contact details so you can ask him about service / repair and likely cost. Stephen
Hi! Could you send me your e-mail to contact you? I got the sameness watch and it needs a restoration
Hi Julio, apologies for my late reply – I was away for a few days, so catching up now. I don’t do restorations myself, but Brian, who’s work is featured on my blog, is a really skilled watchmaker who I can recommend. He is in the USA. I ‘ll email his contact details to you 🙂 Stephen
Thanks to reply man, I hope he’ll can my watch restoration
You’re welcome Julio 🙂
Hi, I have a 1974 Monaco in need of a service at least. Could I get a contact for Brian please.
Cheers
Hi Gus,thanks for visiting my blog. I’ll email Brian’s contact details to you later today. Stephen
It seems I have come to the right place. Another Speedy that needs some love. Would you kindly send me Brian’s contact info as well. Thanks for the help.
Hi Aaron, email on its way 🙂
good afternoon, My name is Milton from Cebu, Philippines, i have citizen speedy black dial like yours. its losing 10 minutes a day. what citizen caliber movement can be used to replace the hairspring since my watch tech said the hairspring is already weak.
Hi Milton, thanks for visiting my blog. I’ve had a look through my movement parts manual, and unfortunately the balance assembly for the 8110/8100 chronograph has a unique part number. I can’t find any other movements that use the same one – for your information the original part number 039.92 Stephen
Good Morning Stephen, thank you for the reply, i thought there is a certain non chrono citizen that can be used. Thanks a lot ! NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU. Have you been to Cebu?
You’re welcome Milton. Do you know which movement it is you think may be used? I guess if any do it, it would have to be one of the high beat (28,800 bph) calibres like the Leopards use. Stephen
Oh, forgot to say that I haven’t been to Cebu I’m afraid.
Cebu is generally a safe place. Good thing the technician found out that its the lock of the hairspring is loosened. Its running +5 mins. a day.
Since you are a guru in watches may i ask whether the indices of the citizen flyback 9119 luninous or not? Can i use Tamiya hobby colors on them ?
Hi Milton, sorry for my late reply, but I have been on a holiday. I think the hour markers are lumed – it looks to me that they are painted with lume, although any luminescence on mine is long gone! I have used matt acrylic paints on hands before – I used Revell, but they are likely to be the same as Tamiya – but I’ve never tried painting indices. Stephen
Just purchased an 8110a off Ebay. Looks good, supposedly fully serviced, but!… movement moves when i pull out crown! Assume it is missing movement ring. Where do I get one?
Other issue is it only runs when chrono is running.
Is this a big/expensive fix??
Hi Chris, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m not a watchmaker, but it sounds like your watch at least needs a proper service, which wouldn’t be cheap. Movement rings/holders are very hard to find – I don’t recall seeing one sold separately. I send my watches to Brian Leiser who is in the USA. Let me know if you want his contact details. Stephen
I paid £210.00
Have been offered partial refund. But what’s it worth?
https://m.ebay.co.uk/orderDetails?itemId=282965721728&txnId=0
Difficult without seeing movement. Should have looked before I came on hols to Spain today! He says movement holder is present! I do like the watch. May try £150?
Thanks for reply. Keep going with your blog/passion. It’s what keeps us ticking I think!
Cameras for me.
I’m afraid the link is not finding anything, so I can’t have a look at the watch – I’ve tried searching with the item # but still no joy. If it is in an original state, then £150 might be ok. Thanks for your kind comment 🙂 Stephen
Link is good. But mobile site.
Item no. 282965721728
Hi Chris, sorry for slow reply been busy with family stuff. I still can’t find the item on eBay. Have you negotiated a refund now?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Citizen-Automatic-Flyback-Chronograph-Blue-1971-ref-4-901177-Cal-8110A-/282965721728?txnId=0&redirect=mobile
Ok, thanks for this link 🙂 The watch has been assembled from 3 different models – it is a 67-9313 (Speedy) case, with a 67-9011 (bullhead) back, and a 67-9038 dial with aftermarket hands. So, except for the hands, they are original parts put together in non-original way. Although such watches can sometimes look ok, this one has two tachymeter rings, external and internal, which is rather an odd combination imho. Hard to advise on value – to me it would be a parts watch and I would not want to pay as much as £150. I would think you have a ‘not as described’ case if you wanted to get a full refund. The ‘classic automatic Citizen chronograph’ implies it’s original to me, there’s no description of how it has been put together and it is clearly not running correctly. Stephen
Many thanks for this. I will return the watch. Where can I buy a good one from?Wh
Good question! First, make sure you know the models – my reference page covers all of them ☺️. eBay of course, but good examples are hard to find. You could also try Yahoo Japan, but you have to factor in buying through a third party service. Stephen
Brian ever have any that you sell? Desperately want a white dial one. Feel free to email me if you have a wait list or anything like that. Your work is amazing!
Hi Robert thanks for visiting my blog. I feature Brian’s work here but it isn’t his blog. Brian is a watchmaker, so services / repairs other people’s watches, rather than being a seller. Stephen
Got you. Well if you happen to know anyone in the community ever looking to sell mind sending them my waym. In the mean time I’ll continue to stalk Ebay 😉
Hi Robert – if you join the SCWF and the Vintage Citizen Watches Facebook page, you may also see one for sale. Stephen
Looks like I found a white dial. Any chance of sending me Brian’s email for just a general servicing and perhaps a very light restore on it?
Also now I am in search of a black one if anyone has one they want to sell! Thanks!
Stephen,
I have a “Speedy” my father wore in the navy back in the late 70s, Its not running and the local repair shops here in Albany, NY have said there is nothing they can do. Could you put me in contact with Brian or anyone else that could help. This watch has quite alot of sentimental value to me and I would like to see it running again.
Respectfully,
Josh
Hi Josh, thanks for visiting my blog – I’ll send you Brian’s email address in just a minute 🙂 Stephen
Great to see so much passion a fantastic refurb and a Beutifull whatch at the end
I have a citizen 1970s Bullhead 8110a that needs a new hair spring can’t find one any where i wonderd if you could help.
Regards Paul Wood.
Hi Paul, thanks for visiting my blog, and apologies for my late reply. I’m afraid I don’t know anywhere stocking this part. It may be something a watchmaker could sort out. I can let you have Brian Leiser’s email address if you want to have him take a look at it. Stephen
sir,
will using the chronograph function increase the wear and tear of the watch?
is beat error of 0.2ms ok?
is amplitute recorded same when fully would or half wound ?
Hi Corn thanks for visiting my blog. With the 8110a movement it is actually better to leave the chronograph running, since this produces less wear and tear. However, it is also recommended that the movement is run on occasion with the chronograph stopped, to avoid it seizing up in the running position. I’m not a watchmaker, but I understand that amplitude is measured at least twice, when the watch is fully wound and about half wound. As a watch winds down, the amplitude will reduce somewhat, as the mainspring winds down. I think 0.2ms beat error is ok, but best to check that – searching the internet should give lots of info – try Googling ‘what is good beat error’.
Stephen
Hi Steven. I’m Edwin Ipoh Malaysia. Currently I’m looking to purchase a citizen 67-9313 (speedy). Can you help me.
Hi Edwin, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid I don’t know of any 67-9313’s for sale at the moment – I can only suggest you watch eBay, and Yahoo Japan. They are getting harder to find, especially in good condition. Stephen
Thank you for creating this great page on the 8110a Speedy!!! I am interested in purchasing the crystal that similar to original that Brian mentions. Can you send me something about that or Brian’s email address?
Thank you
Hi Jayson, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m afraid Brian doesn’t supply parts including the crystal. If you want him to service or repair your watch and replace the crystal at the same time, then he could fit it. Let me know if you would want to do that and I can send contact details. Stephen
Hello Sir,
I have Citizen Chronograph 8110,
But the problem is (Escape Wheel) is broken.
Can you guide me, Which watch movement escape wheel is used in citizen 8110 movement.
Thanks&Regards
Abdul Rehman
Hi Abdul – thanks for visiting my blog. The part number for the escape wheel is 032-99, although it will be very difficult to find these days I’m afraid. Stephen
I have just purchased a 67-9313 with a black bezel from its original owner, it keeps good time but the crystal is scratched etc as your would expect from a well worn life. I see Brian is an expert in this field is there any chance I can contact him direct to get a rough idea of costs. Thanks Glenn
Hi Glenn, thanks for visiting my blog, and apologies for my late reply – been dealing with a few family things over the past week so my attention was elsewhere! Email on its way. Stephen
Lovely work your doing much impressed
I have a question i need help with
Im currently struggling to find a gasket for the fittin of the bezel to its case of a bullhead chrono and to be honest im actually strugglin to find a part number,
The place i get my spares from here in the uk and a well known reference site have the wrong part number listed ,they have the crystal gasket listed as the bezel gasket!!!! I know as i ordered one!!!
Please please you wouldnt have a part number for the offending part??
Hi Jim, thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comment. The bullhead chronograph bezel doesn’t actually have a gasket – it is bonded to the case, so the only dial side gasket is for the crystal. The bezel doesn’t have it’s own part number either. Is yours model number 67-9011? Stephen
Hi Stephen
Yes thats the one 67-9011
When i removed the old bezel/crystal it was bonded/glued but the Amount of play between the 2 made me think that there was a seal missing and the previous owner could not find one or didnt bother looking!!
Have you ever tried using the bezel gasket from a speedy instead of bonding the bull head bezel back in place?
Thanks for your reply
Jim
Hi Jim, sorry for slow reply. I’m not a watchmaker myself, the restoration work I feature on my blog is by Brian Leiser, a master watchmaker in the USA. I’m not aware of a seal – the bezel is a tight fit afaik. I can check with Brian, and get back to you. Stephen
Hi Stephen! Very lovely work on your restorations! I have recently acquired a May ’77 black-dial 67-9313 and I’m very interested in having it restored. I hail all the way from the Philippines and I was wondering if you could help me on this? Thanks so much and keep up the amazing work! Cheers 🙂
Hi Julian, thanks for visiting my blog. I don’t do the restorations myself, the watchmaker is Brian Leiser. I’ll email his contact details to you so you can get in touch directly. Stephen
Thanks so much Stephen! Lovely blog btw and apologies for the second redundant comment below – thought my first comment didn’t send! Thanks also for the email! Looking forward to getting in touch with Brian 🙂
Lovely blog, Stephen! And an awesome restoration job by Brian!
I’ve recently come into possession of a ’77 speedy myself and I would very much want it restored. Would Brian be available to take in another restoration job? Cheers! 🙂
Dear sir
My name is Kontatos Dimitris. I am living in Mytilene Lesvos Greece. I have a Citizen 8110A. The date changes only from the crown, and the day doesnt move at all. The 2 buttons from chronograph are stif and the chronograph doesnt work properly. Here in Mytilene the watchmaker said to me that the watch needs a plastic wheel for the date. Can i send the watch to you? You can send me this wheel? In case i have send the watch tou you i must tell you that package from USA must pay taxes. so if you Fix the watch you must declare to the Post Office that the total amount is under twenty euros and the will ask for the invoice for proove. Please help me. I love this watch and i want to fix it. Thank you very much. Kind regards.
Hi Dimitris, thanks for visiting my blog. I am not a watchmaker myself, but I might be able to help identify exactly which part you need. Can you or your watch repairer see which part is needed on this diagram?:
https://sweephand.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/schematic2.jpg?w=640&h=920
Stephen
Great site! I have a 8110a bullhead octagon. There is an annoying finger print in the inside of the crystal. I need to remove the movement to clean it. Do you know how to remove the movement?
Thanks.
Andrew
Hi Andrew, thanks for visiting. It is fairly easy to do – I’m not a watchmaker but it is something I would do myself, although I did it on less valuable pieces first. You will need the right tools to do it without risking damage. A case holder and a case back remover are recommended. The back may be very tight – it’s screwed on, and if it has not been off for some time it may be very tight. And it’s not hard to gauge the back if the tool slips when you are trying to force it even if it’s protected by some masking tape or the like. Once the back is off, with the crown pulled out, a button has to be gently pressed with a pointed tool such as a peg stick or very small screw driver, to remove the stem – see the pic below. The movement will then drop out of the case and and note how the movement retaining ring fits before you take the movement out since it may detach itself. Once the crystal is cleaned the movement can then be placed carefully back in position with the retaining ring, and the stem inserted with the button gently pressed, the crown my needed to be turned as you insert it – you must be gentle with the button to avoid it getting jammed in the open position which can then only be fixed by a strip down of the movement. Then replace the back, hopefully the gasket is ok, and best to add a little silicon grease to the gasket. If you’ve not done this before, and especially if you’ve not got the right tools, I would advise going to a watchmakerr – I wouldn’t have thought the cost would not be high. It’s not worth taking the risk otherwise.
Stephen
Thank you!!
I found a work-around….I bought 2 white and black octagons from eBay (seller in Peru) the white was fine but the black died the day I received it.
They arranged shipping back to Peru (from Toronto) for repair. When I got it back it worked great but I noticed a finger print on inside of glass. I managed to clean it off 75% without removing the movement. I removed the back, retaining ring and pulled out the stem to the time-set position. This allowed the movement to be partly loose…enough to slide a small strip of cleaning cloth under crystal .. with a bent paper clip I rubbed the inside of the crystal. Got it mostly cleaned off.
It could be better, in very specific lighting I can see a little smudge but I’m not sure I want to risk messing up the watch.
Thanks for the info! if I get brave I’ll give it a try. This site was very helpful in researching my new watches!
Andrew
Toronto
Ps email if you’re ever selling something.
Hi Andrew, you’re welcome. Good to hear you’ve been able to improve the glass – and that it is running well now too 🙂 ‘PS’ noted 🙂
Stephen
Greetings from Mexico Stephen, this is Osiel.
I’ve found your site so interesting, really nice work and dedication, keep going.
In another subject, i just bought a Bullhead and Speedy, so beautiful pieces, as you mentioned is hard to find these beauties in good shape, mine are in a decent shape i guess, both have some issues on chronograph functions, i’m not a watchmaker at all, but I’ve customized several watches (hands, dials, crystal, etc) so the deepest I’ve went down is replacing the day wheel, so here i would appreciate your input.
►Could i perform a complete service (First thing would be get all necessary tools.)? or should i left it to pros?
►I’ve done a lot of research trying to get a repair guide but seems that valuable info is like unicorns, do you have some recommendations for it, or where to get it?
I’m excited to get into watchmaking world, so don’t want to face a huge task or mess it up leading me to give up too quick.
Best Regards.
Hi Osiel, thanks for visiting and for your kind comments. I am not a watchmaker either – the restoration work on my blog is done by Brian Leiser in the USA. I’m afraid I don’t have a repair guide for the 8110A calibre – I don’t remember ever seeing one either. I personally think that unless you have a lot of experience and skill at working on complicated high beat watches, then servicing is best left to a pro watchmaker. That is expensive I know, but a proper service and repair will ensure the accurate and reliable running of the watch. Stephen
Thanks for your appreciated input.
Best regards.
you’re welcome 🙂
Very nice work you’ve done there! I’ve got a white face 9313 that would need to be restored. I’d love to get into contact to see what magic can be done. Look forward to hearing from you!
Hi Paul, thnaks for visiting my blog. I don’t do the restoration work myself, but feature work by Brian Leiser a master watchmaker in the USA. I’ll send his email address to you via email. Stephen
Hi I’d also like to contact Brian regarding a repair of a black dial speedy, can you send me his email address? Thank you!
Hi Josh – just sent you an email 🙂
Hi Stephen, I would like to contact Brian regarding the service of my 67-9119. Can you send me his email address?
Thanks!
Hi Vin – email on the way, Stephen
I also have an 8110a needing a service, would you be able to let me know Brian’s email? Ridiculously, not many watchmakers will touch this movement in Japan!
hi, do anyone knows where to get a new bezel? my speedy bezel needs replacement.
Hi Silvio, thanks for visiting my blog and sorry for my late reply. Bezel inserts were never sold as separate parts – they are part of the case – so the only way to replace them is to find a case or a complete donor watch. And unfortunately it is very difficult to find such a thing. Stephen
Hi! Could you tell me the dimentions of the crystal for this Citizen chrono speedy 67-9313? I know the # part is 54-50780, but know it’s almost impossible for me to get an originl one. I’m trying to revive an old speedy 67-9313 and would love to try and get a clean crystal (don’t want to dismount the crystal it has for fear of shattering it). Thanks in advance
Is it possible to be pointed in the direction of a decent 8110A movement specialist watch maker? Would really like to find someone with a intimate familiarity with the movement. Mine is working correctly in every respect however I am unsure if the hour counter sundial is registering properly. Would like to have gaskets done, for sure.
Hi.
Thanks for this post. Amazing.
My dad had one when I was a kid that I am trying to repair.
I am looking for an escape wheel for the Speedy. Can you help?
Hi Wiekus, email on the way. Stephen
Very nice to see other speedy watches being “saved”.
Please provide diect contact information as I have a speedy that needs servicing.
Thank you
Gus
Hi Steven,
very informative post ! the problem i’m always afraid of is to find parts (escape wheel especially on this movement, but other could be challenging ? which are difficult to source ?) when buying a broken movement. Are they some refabricated parts ? compatible ones ?
Citizen refs are always beginning with the same 032 … something (032-99 for the escape wheel) ;-D but unfortunately not the same end ;-D
I hope you could answer … & thanks for sharing !!
I’m not aware of any refabricated or compatible parts from other movements so you do need the unique part number as per your example of 032-99. Parts are increasingly difficult to source I’m afraid. Searching on Yahoo Japan may help (you have to buy through a third party service though). Stephen