Citizen watches | Pre-owned & vintage
Discover our selection of Citizen watches available online. Pre-owned and vintage models.
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A selection of citizen watches for men & women
Every day, Watch-Deal selects the best citizen watches available online. You will find the Citizen of your dreams in our range of Citizen watches. Click on it, it will redirect you to the site where you will be able to get it. We propose watches for men and for women, and interesting vintage Citizen watches.
RARE CITIZEN WATCHES FOR COLLECTORS :
The best Citizen watch models.
Are you looking for an Eco-Drive ? A black-dial Citizen ? A Bullhead Chronograph ? A Citizen Promaster ? We select all the best vintage watches, including Citizen Blue Angels Skyhawk and Navihawk. Citizen collectors are focusing on these glorious models, that's why we select a lot of these in our page, especially Citizen Eco Drive watches.
Find nice Citizen Watches on Watch-Deal.com
Everyday, hundreds of watch collectors use Watch-Deal to find rare watches available. We help you find them online. Our team selects the rarest models. Our selection is daily updated, so add this page to your favorites and check this page from time to time if you are a Citizen watch collector.
A fine vintage Citizen Walter Wolf from the 1980s
How to find authentic Citizen watches?
Finding authentic vintage Citizen watches takes patience and a keen eye. We always recommend starting with reputable dealers who specialize in pre-owned timepieces. Last year, I nearly purchased what appeared to be a 1980s Citizen Eagle 7 from an online marketplace, only to notice inconsistencies in the dial font upon closer inspection.
Certified retailers offer peace of mind, though they typically charge premium prices for that security. Many collectors in our community have built relationships with trusted jewelry shops that occasionally acquire estate collections containing vintage Citizens.
Authentication becomes easier when you know what to look for. Serial numbers on genuine Citizen watches follow specific patterns and locations depending on the era. The caseback should display proper markings, including model numbers that match the dial and movement.
Online forums like WatchUSeek and the Citizen Watch Forum have become invaluable resources for verification. We've seen countless members post detailed photos before purchasing, saving them from costly mistakes.
Here are essential verification steps for any vintage Citizen purchase:
- Check serial number placement and format
- Verify movement matches the model and era
- Examine dial printing quality and alignment
- Research the specific model's production details
- Request detailed photographs of all components
Original boxes and documentation dramatically increase both authenticity confidence and value. However, many legitimate vintage Citizens circulate without papers, so their absence isn't automatically suspicious.
What types of Citizen watches are available?
We've seen the Citizen collection evolve dramatically over decades, offering something for every collector's taste. The vintage Citizen lineup spans an impressive range that many newcomers don't initially appreciate. A friend in our collector's circle recently discovered a 1960s Citizen Jet automatic in his grandfather's estate - a timepiece now worth several times its original value.
Promaster models remain among the most sought-after in the pre-owned market. These professional-grade watches include the iconic Aqualand dive watches from the 1980s and early Promaster Altichrons that mountain climbers relied on.
Men's Eco-Drive watches represent Citizen's innovative light-powered technology. Early Eco-Drive models from the 1990s show fascinating design evolution and have developed a dedicated following. Their solar powered movements eliminated battery changes while maintaining impressive accuracy.
Chronograph watch options showcase Citizen's technical prowess. The vintage "Bullhead" chronographs from the 1970s command premium prices when found in good condition. Their distinctive pusher placement at the top of the case makes them instantly recognizable.
Digital watches from Citizen's experimental period in the 1980s offer retro charm. The Windsurfer models and early ana-digi designs appear frequently in vintage collections.
For traditional collectors, the automatic watches from pre-quartz crisis eras present the greatest historical significance. These include:
- Super Jet/Jet automatic series (1960s-70s)
- Crystal Seven models (1965-1975)
- Eagle 7 series (1970s-80s)
- Leopard high-beat automatics (1970s)
- Custom V2 watches (1970s)
Solar-powered models beyond the Eco-Drive line demonstrate Citizen's early environmental commitment. Their technological heritage makes them increasingly interesting to collectors focused on horological innovation.
Where to buy pre-owned citizen watches?
We've explored numerous sources for pre-owned Citizen watches over the years, each with distinct advantages. Finding the right marketplace can make all the difference in securing that elusive model you've been hunting. A collector friend recently scored a mint condition 1970s Citizen Challenge Timer at an estate sale for a fraction of its market value.
eBay remains the largest marketplace for vintage Citizens, offering incredible variety. However, buyer protection has improved significantly, making it safer than in previous decades. We recommend filtering by sellers with extensive positive feedback specifically for watch sales.
Specialized watch forums often have dedicated buy/sale sections where knowledgeable collectors trade pieces. WatchUSeek and WatchPatrol feature pre-owned Citizen watches with detailed histories and condition reports.
Traditional brick-and-mortar shops shouldn't be overlooked in your search. Many jewelry stores maintain pre-owned sections with occasional Citizen gems hiding among more common brands.
Auction houses have increasingly recognized the value of vintage Citizen timepieces. Beyond the major houses like Christie's and Sotheby's, regional auctions sometimes yield remarkable deals on authenticated pieces.
Here are our recommended sources ranked by reliability and value:
- Dedicated vintage watch dealers with established reputations
- Watch forum marketplaces with seller feedback systems
- Curated online platforms like Chrono24 and WatchBox
- eBay sellers with extensive watch-specific feedback
- Local watch shops with knowledgeable staff
Availability varies significantly by model and condition. Patience often rewards the persistent collector with better deals than rushing into the first available example. We've learned that saving search alerts across multiple platforms can notify you when rarely available models suddenly appear for sale.
The value of pre-owned Citizen watches
We've watched used Citizen wrist watch values steadily climb as collectors recognize their historical significance and quality. Understanding what drives these values helps make smarter acquisitions for your collection. Just last month, a 1970s Citizen Chronograph Challenge Timer 67-9011 in original condition sold at auction for $4,800 - nearly triple the $1,700 similar examples commanded just five years ago, highlighting the growing appreciation for these timepieces.
Condition plays the most crucial role in determining value. Original dials without restoration generally command significant premiums over refinished examples. A well-preserved 1960s Citizen Super Jet ALDS52901-Y with minimal wear can fetch $1,200-1,500, while a heavily polished example might struggle to reach $600.
Rarity significantly impacts pricing in the pre-owned Citizen market. Limited production models like the Citizen Leopard Chronometer with 36,000 bph high-beat movements have seen values increase from around $800 in 2018 to $2,000+ today as collectors compete for the few well-preserved examples.
Provenance and complete sets enhance desirability considerably. Original boxes, papers, hang tags, and even period-correct bracelets can increase a vintage Citizen's value by 30-50% compared to the watch alone. A 1970s Eagle 7 worth $250 by itself might command $400+ with complete documentation.
Historical significance drives certain models to premium status. The early Citizen Aqualand C022 dive watches from 1985 that pioneered depth measurement technology now sell for $600-900 in good condition, far beyond their original $300 retail prices.
Market trends for vintage Citizens include:
- Rising values for 1960s-1970s Crystal Seven models ($400-900 depending on dial variant)
- Growing interest in first-generation Eco-Drive examples from 1995-1996 ($150-300)
- Premium prices for 8110A-powered chronographs ($1,500-3,000 based on model)
- Increasing collector attention to JDM Homer Date models ($300-450)
- Stable appreciation for NY0040 divers ($300-450 for early examples)
Investment potential varies widely across the Citizen catalog. While not typically considered investment-grade like certain Swiss luxury brands, select vintage Citizen models have demonstrated impressive appreciation. The Citizen Chrono Master models from the late 1960s have climbed from $800 to over $2,500 in just seven years, showing how identifying historically significant pieces before broader market recognition can reward patient collectors.
On eBay you can use the "Best Offer" option to get a discount. If you make a reasonable offer, the seller may accept it. This way, you can make some great deals online.
The famous features of Citizen Eco-Drive watches
We've seen Citizen's Eco-Drive technology revolutionize the watch industry since its introduction in 1995. These innovative timepieces harness light energy through a remarkable solar conversion system that eliminates the need for battery changes. I remember when a fellow collector showed me his first-generation Eco-Drive from 1996 that still functions perfectly—over 25 years of continuous operation without ever opening the case!
Stainless steel construction provides the durability that has made Eco-Drive watches trusted companions for adventurers and professionals alike. The combination of corrosion resistance and precision engineering allows these watches to withstand decades of daily wear.
Black dial variants remain particularly sought-after in the pre-owned market. The Eco-Drive BL5250-53L with its distinctive black face and chronograph functions typically commands $250-350 in excellent condition, significantly retaining its original value.
The quartz movement accuracy combined with solar power creates a uniquely maintenance-free timepiece. Unlike traditional quartz watches requiring battery service every 2-3 years, Eco-Drive models can run for decades without intervention.
Power reserve capabilities have evolved impressively across Eco-Drive generations. Early models stored enough energy for 180 days in darkness, while modern versions like the Caliber 8635 can function for up to 7 years without light exposure.
Notable Eco-Drive features that collectors value include:
- Perpetual calendars that automatically adjust for leap years (Caliber 8700 models, $300-450)
- Radio-controlled timekeeping for atomic precision (Skyhawk A-T series, $200-350)
- Titanium case options offering strength with 40% less weight (Promaster Tough models, $250-400)
- Specialized diving features with depth sensors (Promaster Aqualand, $300-500)
- Chronograph functionality with 1/20 second precision (CA0649 series, $180-280)
Movement innovations continue to distinguish Eco-Drive watches in the collector market. The development of the ultra-thin Caliber 8826 movement allowed Citizen to create dress watches like the Stiletto AR3010-57E that measure just 4.7mm thick while maintaining solar functionality, now valued at $220-280 for pre-owned examples in excellent condition.
Warranty on pre-owned Citizen watches found on ebay
We often get asked about warranties when buying pre-owned Citizen watches on eBay, and the situation isn't always straightforward. Most vintage and pre-owned Citizen watches sold on eBay come with no manufacturer's warranty remaining. The official Citizen warranty is non-transferable and typically expires after 5 years from original purchase date, leaving most pre-owned pieces without factory coverage.
Individual sellers rarely offer personal warranties, though some provide a brief 30-day return window for functionality issues. I recently helped a friend navigate a return when his newly acquired Citizen Nighthawk arrived with an erratic second hand—the seller honored the return policy without question.
Professional eBay dealers sometimes offer their own 3-6 month limited warranties covering movement issues. These seller-backed guarantees typically exclude water resistance and damage from misuse. Established sellers like WatchGooroo and AZ Fine Time maintain reputation through consistent warranty support.
Shipping estimates for pre-owned Citizens on eBay generally range from 3-7 business days for domestic deliveries, with tracking included. International shipping can extend to 2-3 weeks depending on customs procedures.
Many reputable sellers offer free shipping on pre-owned Citizen watches over certain price thresholds ($100-150). This can represent a $15-25 savings that many collectors appreciate, especially when purchasing multiple watches.
Alternative purchase protection options include:
- eBay's Money Back Guarantee providing 30 days of basic protection
- PayPal Purchase Protection offering an additional layer of security
- Credit card extended warranty benefits (some cards add 1 year coverage)
- Third-party watch insurance for valuable vintage Citizens
- Independent watchmaker service agreements for 1-2 years
The absence of manufacturer warranty shouldn't necessarily deter purchase if the watch shows signs of proper maintenance. Many pre-owned Eco-Drive models from 10+ years ago continue functioning perfectly, showing the remarkable reliability of Citizen's technology even long after any warranty period has expired.
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