Citizen Leopard 28800 静影 (Seiei) 4-771265-K (1974)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable opportunity to own a piece of Japanese horological history with this Citizen Leopard 28800. Produced during the golden era of mechanical innovation in the 1970s, the Leopard line was Citizen's high-beat answer to the competitive domestic market, designed to offer superior precision and striking aesthetics. With its distinct cushion case, mesmerizing gray sunburst dial, and high-frequency movement. Brand: Citizen Model: Leopard 28800 Reference Number: 4-771265-K Serial Number: 40100451 Movement: Automatic Cal. 7710 Dial: Gray Sunburst Case Size: 37 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition with visible wear to the crystal and case, consistent with its age and use. Dial and Hands The watch features a sophisticated charcoal gray sunburst dial that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with applied multifaceted silver hour indices that add depth and character. The hands are a classic baton style with central striping, maintaining excellent legibility. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a red font for Sunday. The dial text remains crisp, proudly displaying the "Leopard" insignia and the "28800" frequency rating, indicating the high-beat movement within. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctive 1970s cushion shape with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The case lines remain defined, though the watch shows signs of honest wear with surface scratches visible throughout the metalwork. The crystal exhibits noticeable scratches and marks consistent with a vintage piece that has been worn and enjoyed over the decades. The signed crown is recessed slightly into the case flank, contributing to the streamlined silhouette. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Citizen Caliber 7710, a robust 24-jewel automatic movement. This represents a significant technical achievement for the era, operating at a high frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour to ensure greater stability and precision. The movement presents well visually with a clean rotor and plates. Timegrapher testing shows a rate of +65 to +76 seconds per day, which indicates an active mechanical movement. Strap The watch is fitted with its original vintage Citizen stainless steel link bracelet. It features a signed folding clasp with the Citizen logo embossed clearly. The bracelet integrates well with the case design and accommodates a wrist size of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. It is an honest example that has not been over-polished, retaining its original geometry. The wear on the case and crystal gives it a true vintage character, while the dial remains the star of the show with excellent preservation. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in width excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage presence that wears comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes due to the cushion case design. Remarks The Citizen Leopard series is often overlooked in favor of its contemporaries but offers exceptional value and build quality. The combination of the high-beat movement and the stunning gray dial makes this a compelling choice for the enthusiast. History Introduced in the late 1960s and produced through the 1970s, the Leopard line was Citizen's flagship high-beat series intended to compete directly with the King Seiko and Grand Seiko models of the time. These watches were celebrated for their "wild" designs and advanced engineering, featuring higher beat rates for improved accuracy. Today, the Leopard stands as a testament to Citizen's dedication to mechanical excellence during one of the most competitive eras in watchmaking history. / Second Vintage SKU: CITED34400000