Citizen Blackie Alarm Diver 4-310179Y from 1971 (Serviced)

For Sale: Citizen 4-310179Y “Blackie” Alarm Diver

Every once in a while, a vintage watch surfaces that reminds us just how deep Citizen’s dive watch archive truly runs. The Citizen 4-310179Y, part of the elusive “Blackie” collection, is one of those pieces. And yes—it’s as cool as it sounds.

Produced during a time when Citizen was actively experimenting with case materials and coatings, the 4-310179Y features an aluminum alloy case finished in a stealthy black coating—designed not just for aesthetics, but to increase scratch resistance. The result is a purpose-built alarm diver with a distinct, tactical edge that feels surprisingly modern even decades later.

The faceted cushion-shaped case wears comfortably on the wrist despite its 42.2mm width, thanks in part to a compact 42.5mm lug-to-lug distance and the lightweight nature of its aluminum construction. For smaller wrists (under 6”), this piece remains perfectly wearable—never bulky or overbearing.

A standout feature is the inner rotating bezel, operated via the crown at 2 o'clock, featuring a count-up scale from 0 to 60. The first 20 minutes are marked in high-contrast silver, while the remaining 20–60 minute markers glow in a warm honey orange—offering legibility and charm in equal measure.

Luminous paint was applied generously to the hour markers and handset, ensuring visibility even in low-light conditions—true to its tool-watch roots. Of course, it’s the mechanical alarm function that sets this piece apart. In today’s smartphone age, mechanical alarm watches have become something of a rarity, with only a handful of brands (think Jaeger-LeCoultre or Tudor) still exploring this complication—often at a significant premium.

That’s precisely what makes this Citizen such a compelling find. The V2 Custom Alarm Date movement within provides an audible and tactile alert—a nostalgic and deeply analog experience that collectors increasingly seek out.

This particular example shows honest signs of wear, with light paint loss on the case and gentle aging visible on the dial and hands. It was serviced in December 2020 and remains in strong running condition. It comes fitted on a brand new NATO strap with matching black PVD hardware—ready to be enjoyed right out of the box.

The serial number had been covered in the accompanying photo for privacy.

A sleeper hit among vintage Japanese tool watches—and a rare opportunity to own a piece of Citizen’s experimental dive watch legacy.

Specifications

Case Width: 42.2mm
Lug-to-Lug: 42.5mm
Thickness: 14.3mm
Lug Width: 18mm