Citizen - Automatic Day-Date - No reserve price - 4-650344 Y - Men - 1972

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Discover a quintessential piece of 1970s Japanese horology with this charming Citizen Automatic. This timepiece perfectly captures the funky yet elegant design language of the era, featuring a distinctive cushion-shaped case and a mesmerizing gradient dial. It represents the golden era of Citizen mechanical watchmaking, where robust engineering met bold aesthetic choices. With its compact dimensions and striking visual presence, this watch offers a unique vintage wearing experience that stands out from the typical round-case designs, making it a fantastic conversation starter and a reliable daily companion. Brand: Citizen Model: Automatic Day-Date Reference Number: 4-650344 Y Serial Number: 20405771 Movement: Automatic Dial: Gradient Brown Fumé Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear to the case consistent with its age, while the dial remains in lovely condition. The timegrapher results below indicate exceptional performance for a vintage piece. Dial and Hands The highlight of this timepiece is undoubtedly the stunning fumé dial, which features a gradient effect transitioning from a radiant gold-bronze center to a deep chocolate brown at the periphery. The dial is adorned with applied faceted baton indices that catch the light beautifully. A framed day and date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, adding practical utility. The gold-tone hands provide excellent contrast and coordinate perfectly with the warm tones of the dial. The dial text remains crisp and legible, preserving the classic Citizen typography. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion or "TV-screen" shape that defines the 1970s aesthetic. The top surface of the case features a vertical brushed finish which contrasts elegantly with the polished sides. There are visible surface scratches and scuffs throughout the case and bezel, characteristic of a watch that has been enjoyed over the decades. The crown is recessed at the 4 o'clock position, a signature design choice for Citizen automatics of this period, and appears in a contrasting gold tone. The crystal is clear but may show minor handling marks commensurate with the case condition. Movement Powering the watch is a robust Citizen automatic movement with 21 jewels, visible through the caseback. The movement is clean and the rotor swings freely. The watch is currently running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results showing -3 to -5 seconds per day with strong amplitude, which indicates healthy movement mechanics and reliable performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring an alligator-style grain pattern. The strap is in excellent, ready-to-wear condition and creates a classic contrast against the steel case and brown dial, suitable for both casual and dressier occasions. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the stainless steel case exhibits scratches and signs of wear typical of a 50-year-old tool watch, the structural integrity remains strong. The dial is the standout feature, preserved beautifully without significant blemishes or moisture damage. The movement is performing remarkably well for its age. Dimensions The case measures approximately 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, which was a standard size for men's watches in this era and works perfectly as a unisex size today. The cushion shape gives it a slightly larger wrist presence than the dimensions suggest, sitting comfortably and prominently on the wrist. Remarks This Citizen features the historic "PARA WATER" marking on the caseback, a terminology used by Citizen prior to the industry standardization of "Water Resistant" in the early to mid-1970s, which helps confirm its early 70s provenance. The recessed crown position at 4 o'clock not only protects the crown from impacts but also enhances wearing comfort by preventing it from digging into the wrist. History Founded in 1918, Citizen has long been a pillar of Japanese watchmaking, known for bringing reliable and innovative timepieces to the global market. The early 1970s was a particularly vibrant period for the brand, as they experimented with bold case shapes and colorful dials to compete in the automatic watch market. This specific model, dating to April 1972, showcases the high-volume yet high-quality production capabilities that allowed Citizen to become a household name worldwide. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CAJ-0007