Citizen Caliber 4811: Compact Quartz Digital Movement for Time and Calendar Display

The Citizen Caliber 4811 represents a classic era of digital quartz watchmaking. Designed with a focus on compactness, reliability, and essential digital features, this movement was commonly used in early digital wristwatches. It combines quartz oscillator technology with a liquid crystal (LC) display, offering both timekeeping and calendar functions in a thin profile, ideal for lightweight digital watches.

Core Specifications

• Caliber Number: 4811

• Display Type: Digital (LC display)

• Oscillator Type: Quartz crystal

• Oscillation Frequency: 32,768 Hz

• Functions:

  • Digital time display

  • Calendar display

• Dimensions: 18.0 mm × 17.0 mm × 3.25 mm (thickness)

The size of the caliber makes it suitable for compact digital timepieces, including unisex and women’s models, or early LCD watches emphasizing portability and a minimalist build.

Functional Characteristics

The Citizen 4811 is a basic quartz digital movement powered by a standard battery and built around a digital integrated circuit (IC). It offers:

• Time Display: Hours, minutes, and seconds via LC panel

• Calendar Function: Likely day and date, though specifics are limited

• Thin Profile: At only 3.25 mm thick, it enables low-profile watch designs

• Energy Efficiency: Utilizes a low-frequency oscillator to minimize power consumption

Although it does not feature alarms, stopwatch, or backlight, its simplicity is its strength—ideal for watches focused purely on digital time and calendar readouts.

Key Components and Parts

The caliber is assembled using precision-engineered components that are serviceable and replaceable. Important parts include:

• Quartz Crystal Oscillator – The heartbeat of the movement, ensuring accuracy.

• IC Display Panel Connection Rubber (Part No. 268-86) – Provides contact between the integrated circuit and display panel.

• LC Display Panel (Part No. 281-805) – Displays digital time and calendar.

• Power Cell (Part No. 280-45) – Standard battery cell powering the movement.

• Power Cell Insulator (233-203) and Insulator Sheet (235-187) – Protect the battery and internal circuitry.

• Power Cell Connector Spring (231-118) – Ensures stable electrical connection.

• Supporter for LC Display Panel (226-178) – Maintains secure positioning of the panel.

• Plate Complete Assembly (750-850) – Forms the structural base of the movement.

Each part is identified by a catalog reference, streamlining the repair and assembly process for watchmakers.

Application and Design Suitability

The Caliber 4811 was primarily used in:

• Slim digital watches

• Classic LC display models

• Retro-inspired digital timepieces

• Entry-level or mass-market digital watches

Its no-frills design ensures dependable timekeeping with essential calendar features. It was likely popular in both men's and women's digital watches during the early phase of LCD technology’s adoption in horology.

Serviceability and Modularity

Citizen designed this caliber with modularity in mind. The movement can be disassembled to access the:

• Display panel

• Power cell compartment

• Integrated circuit connections

Service professionals can easily replace the display, battery, or connection rubber without affecting the structural integrity of the rest of the movement. This straightforward layout reduces servicing costs and supports long-term usability.

Conclusion

The Citizen Caliber 4811 showcases the brand’s expertise in merging compact digital technology with precision quartz engineering. Its reliable performance, LC display, and simple calendar functions made it a staple in early digital timepieces. Though modest in features, it remains a functional and serviceable solution in the world of vintage and retro-style digital watches.