Citizen AutoDater ADSG 51401-T (1960-1969)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This impressive Citizen AutoDater represents a fascinating era of Japanese horology, characterized by ambitious sizing and sophisticated complications. At a commanding 39mm, it wears significantly larger than most of its mid-century contemporaries, offering a substantial and modern wrist presence. The configuration, featuring a prominent day window at the top of the dial and a fluted bezel, draws inspiration from prestigious Swiss designs while retaining the distinct charm and engineering prowess of early 1960s Citizen manufacturing. Brand: Citizen Model: AutoDater Reference Number: ADSG 51401-T Serial Number: 51000011 Movement: Automatic 19 jewels (+19 to +23 seconds per day) Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices and blue accents, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 39 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a stunningly preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial is the undeniable focal point of this timepiece, presenting a brilliant silver sunburst finish that remains exceptionally well-preserved. It features prominent applied gold-tone block indices, each detailed with a striking black central channel. The sharp gold-tone dauphine hands complement the indices perfectly. A distinct, applied pill-shaped frame at the 12 o'clock position houses the Kanji day display, while a rectangular frame at 3 o'clock surrounds the date aperture. The lower half of the dial features a vibrant blue crown logo containing the number 7, sitting neatly above the "para 40M water" script. The dial is in stunning vintage condition, appearing entirely free of notable stains, moisture damage, or spotting, with all printed minute track dots and serif typography remaining crisp and fully intact. Case and Crystal The 39mm gold-plated case features a highly attractive fluted bezel that catches the light beautifully. The case exhibits honest, clear signs of vintage wear consistent with decades of use. There is visible softening to the lug profiles and noticeable plating loss on the lug extremities and case flanks, exposing the base metal beneath. The smooth crown shows similar signs of rounding and age. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that features a distinct internal magnification lens over the date window, remaining clear and allowing an unobstructed view of the pristine dial. The stainless steel snap-on caseback is well-preserved, showcasing sharp, legible factory engravings including the Citizen AutoDater branding, the crown logo, and the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering the watch is a Citizen automatic caliber, visually confirmed through close inspection to feature 19 jewels. The movement plates display a clean, brushed finish, with the rotor clearly engraved with the Citizen name and jewel count. Vivid pink rubies are visible throughout the mechanism. Timegrapher results reflect current performance at +19 to +23 seconds per day. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is paired with a period correct dark brown textured leather strap, accented by prominent yellow contrast stitching and secured with a gold-tone pin buckle. Condition The watch is presented in good vintage condition overall. The case shows moderate to heavy patina and clearly visible handling wear, including plating loss along the sharp edges and lug tips. Conversely, the dial is in near-mint condition, showing incredible preservation, a vibrant sunburst texture, and zero signs of degradation, making for a highly attractive visual experience on the wrist. Dimensions 39 mm case diameter excluding the crown. Remarks Finding mid-century Japanese dress watches with cases approaching 40mm is exceptionally rare, making this AutoDater a highly compelling piece for collectors who appreciate vintage aesthetics but prefer contemporary sizing. The combination of the oversized case, the fluted bezel, and the impeccably clean day-date dial creates a timepiece of remarkable character. History During the 1960s, Citizen vigorously expanded its automatic watch offerings to compete both domestically and internationally. The AutoDater line was positioned to offer robust mechanical performance alongside practical, everyday complications. By incorporating premium visual elements like the 12 o'clock day window and a finely textured dial, Citizen demonstrated its ability to produce highly refined, aspirational timepieces that rivaled the visual impact of their Swiss counterparts. / Second Vintage SKU: CITJ7B5TS0000