Vintage Citizen Quartz Two-Tone CQ Watch
Watch (Wristwatch - Luxury/Dress Subcategory) · Yellow Gold (Warm Toned Electroplate) paired with Stainless Steel alloy.
Purity: Gold-Plated (Electroplated Base Metal). Gold content is typically 3-10 microns thick, not solid 24K or 14K gold. There is no precious metal fineness (750, 585) visible on the case.
Type
Watch (Wristwatch - Luxury/Dress Subcategory)
Purity
Gold-Plated (Electroplated Base Metal). Gold content is typically 3-10 microns thick, not solid 24K or 14K gold. There is no precious metal fineness (750, 585) visible on the case.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Warm Toned Electroplate) paired with Stainless Steel alloy.
Weight
70 - 90 grams (total weight including stainless steel case, bracelet, and quartz movement).
Description
A classic specimen of the quartz revolution era, this two-tone Citizen dress watch features an integrated bracelet that flows seamlessly into the case. The champagne sundust dial is complemented by gold-tone hardware, offering a luxurious aesthetic at an accessible price point. This model represents the high-tech, reliable Japanese horology that dominated the 1980s market.
Key Features
Integrated bracelet design, 'CQ' logo, distinct day-date complication with English/Spanish or Kanji options, and thin quartz profile common for the era.
Color & Finish
Two-tone finish consisting of brushed stainless steel and high-polish yellow gold plating. Significant patina and 'brassing' (wear through the gold layer) is visible on the center links of the bracelet.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'CITIZEN' and 'QUARTZ' on the dial, 'CQ' logo (Citizen Quartz) above the 6 o'clock position. Case back likely contains 'STAINLESS STEEL' (base metal) and a Japanese serial/movement number.
Dimensions Estimate
Case Diameter: approx. 34-36mm; Lug-to-Lug: 40mm; Band Width: 18-20mm; Integrated bracelet construction.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones. Features baton-style applied gold-tone indices and a day-date aperture window with a metallic frame.
Clasp & Closure
Fold-over deployment clasp, typically stamped with the 'Citizen' brand logo, constructed from brushed stainless steel.
Chain & Links
Oyster-style integrated three-link bracelet. Outer links are brushed steel; center links are gold-plated. Links are likely 'folded' rather than solid, common for this era.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial high-volume production. Bracelet links are folded steel; dial indices are machine-applied. The movement is a reliable, mass-produced Japanese quartz caliber designed for longevity and accuracy.
Authentication Indicators
Correct logo font and spacing for Citizen Quartz; 'CQ' logo placement; correct hand set for the movement type; wear patterns consistent with electroplated steel rather than solid gold.
Origin & Maker
Japan; manufactured by Citizen Watch Co., Ltd., one of the world's largest and most reputable watchmakers.
Era & Period
Modern / 1980s Vintage. The 'CQ' logo and integrated bracelet design are hallmarks of early-to-mid 1980s Japanese quartz design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-1985 production based on the 'CQ' logo and the use of the quartz day-date movement.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Quartz Crisis' impact on the global market, where reliable, gold-toned Japanese watches became the benchmark for the rising middle-class professional in the 1980s.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible wear to the gold plating on the bracelet center links (loss of color to base metal), surface scratches on the bezel, and signs of use on the crystal. Movement functionality is unknown without a battery test.
Value Estimate
Resale value is primarily in horological interest, not gold content. Estimated market value: $30 - $75 USD. It contains negligible melt value as the gold is only a microscopic surface layer.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemicals that accelerate plating wear (cologne, sweat). Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Do not submerge in water unless gaskets are pressure-tested, as vintage seals degrade over time.
Similar Items
Seiko 5 Two-Tone Automatic, Casio Vintage Gold Series, or Omega Constellation (the luxury inspiration for this integrated link style).
Interesting Facts
The 'CQ' logo was a specific branding tool for Citizen to highlight their precision quartz technology when it was still a relatively new and superior alternative to mechanical watches.