In a fascinating exploration of vintage horology, hmmmcamu delves into the distinctive characteristics of the 1977 CITIZEN 52-0110 Challenge 150M Diver. This article highlights the unique dial manufacturing process of early Citizen divers and recounts the incredible true story behind its legendary nickname, 'The watch that defied the Pacific.' hmmmcamu's detailed post offers valuable insights for collectors and enthusiasts interested in the robust history of Citizen's dive watches.
1977
CITIZEN 52-0110 Challenge 150M Diver dial type 1 ref.#: 8210 820719-S
originally paired with
20mm Best Fit SWISS TROPIC MOD DEP diver strap
Misc. Info.
Prior to 1978 CITIZEN used a unibody dial, Citizen took a blank metal disc and STAMPED / PRESSED, all the details containing the logo, date frame and hour markers. They then painted it BLACK then polished all the raised surfaces revealing the metallic details of the dial, the white text was then added.
The
type 1 has the (stamped/pressed) letters of the Citizen logo separated while type 2 with the applied logo has all the letters connected.
The Citizen Diver that has earned the moniker " The watch that defied the Pacific "
A barnacle-covered 1977 Challenge Diver dial type 1 was found In 1983, the long-submerged example was discovered at Long Reef Beach in Sydney despite being lost at sea was still working when it was found ..., it evidently can withstand more than pressure under water. In 1983, a long-submerged example was discovered at Long Reef Beach in Sydney. The 52-0110 was sent to Citizen Watches Australia at Brookvale who forwarded it to the Tokyo Head Office where they determined at the Product Quality Section of their Tanashi Factory that the watch was a CITIZEN 52-0110 Challenge 150M Diver dial type 1 made in 1977. It is unclear for how long it stayed submerged into the salty waters of the Pacific Ocean. Some researchers think that based on the way it looks we can assume it was “diving” for maybe 2-3 years perhaps more.
