Vintage Citizen Quartz Square Gold-Plated Dress Watch Head
Watch (Watch Head/Case without Band) · Yellow Gold plating over a base metal alloy.
Purity: Gold-Plated/Base Metal. Likely 1-5 microns of gold over brass or steel. Not solid gold.
Type
Watch (Watch Head/Case without Band)
Purity
Gold-Plated/Base Metal. Likely 1-5 microns of gold over brass or steel. Not solid gold.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a base metal alloy.
Weight
15-25 grams (total weight including movement and crystal). Melt value is negligible.
Description
A vintage Citizen Quartz dress watch head featuring a square case with a unique scalloped edge. The dial is a textured 'linen' or 'tapestry' black with gold-tone dauphine hands and round indices.
Key Features
Square tank-style case, textured black dial, movement caliber 5931, fluted crown, and decorative case flank ridges.
Color & Finish
Worn yellow gold finish with significant oxidation and plating loss; textured black dial with gold-tone indices.
Hallmarks & Stamps
CITIZEN QUARTZ on dial; JAPAN 5931-G10398 on dial edge; Caseback likely marked Base Metal or SGP (Gold Plated).
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 28mm-30mm width excluding crown; slim profile dress watch thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. Dial features applied gold-tone spherical hour markers.
Clasp & Closure
N/A - Watch band is missing; integrated spring bar holes visible on lugs.
Chain & Links
N/A - Solid rectangular case construction with scalloped or notched side detailing.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial assembly; stamped case components with electroplated finish and a precise Japanese quartz movement.
Authentication Indicators
Dial printing matches Citizen 1980s typography; aging pattern is consistent with electroplated base metal rather than solid gold.
Origin & Maker
Japan; manufactured by Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
Era & Period
Late 1970s to early 1980s Quartz Revolution era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-1985 based on movement caliber series 5931 and dial aesthetics.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Quartz Crisis' era when affordable, accurate Japanese tech transformed the global watch market into a fashion-led industry.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. Significant brassing (plating wear) on case corners, visible corrosion/oxidation, and scratched crystal.
Value Estimate
$10 - $30 USD. The value is purely as a vintage project piece or for parts; no scrap gold value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft dry cloth only; avoid water as seals are likely perished. Movement requires a fresh battery (likely 364/SR621SW).
Similar Items
Seiko Quartz tank watches, Longines 1980s gold-plated dress watches, or Citizen Elegance series.
Interesting Facts
Citizen was a pioneer in ultra-thin quartz movements during the 1980s to compete with Swiss luxury brands.