The Citizen Homer HO140501

The topic of at present’s article is the Citizen Homer HO140501. It’s a watch that shares its common design with a number of different watches from the model and the interval, however it has some delicate but key variations that we’ll talk about. It’s no secret that classic Japanese watches are at or close to the highest of my favourite subgenres, and this uncommon piece helps to clarify why.

Slowly however certainly, I’m getting round to overlaying the classic Citizen watches that sit inside my assortment. It’s a problem for a few causes. First, there’s the limitless battle of discovering the time to {photograph} and write about these mysterious little gems. Second, there’s the entire thriller half. Usually, once I write a couple of classic watch, there’s an honest quantity of details about its historical past, significance, and so forth. With Citizen, nevertheless, it’s all the time a wrestle, so I find yourself giving my ideas on the watch with out bringing in a complete lot of backstory. Nonetheless, I believe it’s essential to function a watch just like the Citizen Homer HO140501 as a result of, nicely, simply have a look at it.

The Citizen Homer HO140501 you see right here dates to 1964, making it practically 60 years outdated. As a part of the Homer collection, it was an on a regular basis watch with affordable performance because of a modicum of water resistance. The time period “Parawater” on the dial is old-world Citizen converse for this attribute. The watches used a 17-jewel handbook wind motion that was extremely pervasive all through the Citizen lineup. A whole bunch of Homer variants have been produced utilizing this household of actions with the bulk together with a date operate.

A darkish dial with a great deal of lume — a uncommon discover

Citizen watches from the ’60s and ’70s, just like the Homer, have been very a lot consistent with the occasions — more often than not. That meant sterile-looking items with silver dials and no lume. In the event you’ve learn any of my articles up to now, you realize that a majority of these watches aren’t my bag. No, I search for the outliers, and, fortunately, there have been a lot. Citizen did produce watches with lume on these “regular” on a regular basis watches and sporadically launched items with darkish dials. Discovering watches with each is uncommon. Then, as a result of I’m a watch nerd, I naturally gravitate towards non-date fashions. Including this want ups the rarity issue even additional. Enter the Citizen Homer HO140501.

A dial we’ve seen earlier than with a twist

It’s possible you’ll recall the Citizen Auto Dater Uni that I coated a few years again. Curiously, additionally it is from 1964 and has an analogous dial design. The distinction is that it has an automated motion and date. Citizen issued a number of of those watches with shiny black dials and daring lume plots. Most got here with a date operate, although, no matter whether or not they have been with a handbook or automated motion. Due to this fact, I virtually skipped previous this Citizen Homer HO140501 when breezing via considered one of my favourite Japanese public sale websites. I’m glad I took a more in-depth look.

I benefit from the Uni that I referenced above, however this Citizen Homer HO140501 watch is actually one thing. Some key factors stand out on this watch. The true advantage of a dateless watch is the chance for symmetry, and the profit is quantifiable. Moreover, the white printed font in opposition to the shiny black dial supplies simply the correct quantity of distinction. Add to that the combo of cursive and block lettering. Lumed dagger palms work in live performance with the triangular hour markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12.

Pretty particulars

The dial of the Citizen Homer HO140501 is pure magic for me, however the supporting forged is simply as praiseworthy. Citizen selected to outfit this watch with a wildly tall acrylic crystal, and it provides quite a lot of depth to the shiny dial. Then, when seen from the facet, it seems like some type of magnifying glass. The stainless case can be excellent at 37 × 43mm and brings in chamfered lugs — one other element that’s not on all Homers. The lugs are chunky sufficient to make this watch put on nicely even with a slender 18mm strap. Lastly, a big crown helps the watch give off extra sporting vibes. It’s good sufficient to make use of, and the motion winds easily.

Watches just like the Citizen Homer HO140501 don’t strike me as each day items, however they’re glorious to be used now and again. This piece is actually fashionable sufficient size-wise to work today, and it’s enjoyable to know that nobody on the identical continent is probably going carrying something remotely comparable. Such is the enjoyment of gathering oddball items from Japan!

A enjoyable shopping for expertise with service wants

Talking of which, I stumbled upon this Citizen Homer HO140501 on a Japanese public sale web site and had casually informed myself that I’d enter the battle nearer to the ending time. I imagine it was a Sunday, and I used to be puttering round the home once I realized that I had completely forgotten concerning the watch. I grabbed my telephone solely to see that there have been roughly 10 minutes left within the public sale. Fortunately, my good friend Eric was on-line and able to assist in the bidding course of. A few sellers have been buying and selling ¥1,000 blows (about €7) in a battle of attrition, and I made a decision to lift issues abruptly and out of nowhere by one thing like €200. The 2 unhappy warriors quickly retreated into the space, and the Homer was mine.

Upon receiving the watch, it was evident that the Citizen Homer HO140501 had a pleasant dial, palms, and case. The motion and crystal, nevertheless, have been kaput and I required a donor. I managed to discover a comparable watch on the identical web site for roughly $80 that had the identical case design, however with a rotten dial. Fortunately, every part labored out, and watchmaker James Marien in Belgium was in a position to save the day. I’ve worn the watch now and again since receiving it again a number of months in the past, and it’s all the time a satisfying feeling to know that I helped get this uncommon piece again on the street.

Ultimate ideas

I actually don’t have any clue what the market value is for a watch just like the Citizen Homer HO140501 as a result of it’s so seldomly seen. Usually, watches like this promote for anyplace between €600 and €1,200, however I suppose all of it comes all the way down to the bidding group. If one have been situated outdoors of Japan, maybe it can promote for a pittance, whereas the house crowd would clearly bid otherwise.

With its manual-wind motion, darkish dial, lack of a date, and a great deal of lume, the Citizen Homer HO140501 is about pretty much as good because it will get for me. It additionally reveals that there are nonetheless loads of surprises in the case of classic Japanese watches as I had no concept that this one even existed. I am going for lengthy intervals the place I see nothing new after which come across items like this — what’s might be subsequent?