Citizen - Auto Dater - No reserve price - AW1507051 - Men - 1964

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This impressive timepiece represents a fascinating era of Japanese horology, combining massive wrist presence with mechanical ingenuity. Boasting an unusually large case profile for the period, this watch commands attention while offering an incredibly sophisticated mid-century aesthetic. The combination of a striking blue dial, a prominent day display at twelve o'clock, and the highly celebrated peripheral automatic movement makes this an exceptional find for collectors of significant vintage Japanese watches. Brand: Citizen Model: Auto Dater Reference Number: AW1507051 Serial Number: 40503694 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Deep blue sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing visible age-related spotting and surface marks Case Size: 42 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1964 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive mechanical preservation Dial and Hands The dial features a captivating deep blue sunburst finish that shifts beautifully in dynamic lighting. It is highly detailed with applied, faceted stainless steel block indices featuring white center channels. At twelve o'clock, a prominent framed aperture displays the day of the week, balanced by a date window at three o'clock with a matching steel frame. The dial is further distinguished by the elegant applied "Citizen Auto Dater" script and a distinctive applied crown logo containing the number seven. Time is indicated by sharp dauphine hands with a central ridge and a slender sweeping seconds hand. Close inspection reveals honest age and environmental exposure. There is visible spotting, dust particles, and localized surface marks scattered across the dial face, particularly noticeable under magnification. The hands also display light oxidation and surface aging consistent with the vintage nature of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The oversized 42 millimeter stainless steel case is a remarkable feature, offering a substantial and modern wearing experience rarely found in watches from this era. The case architecture features a smooth, robust polished bezel and strong, straight lugs that transition cleanly to the mid-case. The caseback is a particular highlight, featuring a deeply engraved and beautifully preserved medallion showcasing the Auto Dater shield flanked by intricate leaf motifs. The inside of the caseback is properly stamped with the Star case maker mark and serial numbers. The watch is fitted with a high-domed acrylic crystal that enhances the vintage profile. The case remains in good vintage condition, exhibiting honest surface scratches, light scuffs, and a gentle softening of the original factory edges consistent with regular wear over the decades. The crystal shows minor superficial wear but remains clear and highly legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the legendary Citizen peripheral automatic movement, famously known among collectors as the Jet caliber. This visually spectacular movement utilizes a large, circular geared rotor that runs along the outer edge of the movement plate, proudly engraved with "CITIZEN AUTODATER SEVEN" and "TWENTY 25 FIVE JEWELS". The movement presents beautifully, with clean plates and exposed brass gearing showcasing the mechanical brilliance of early Japanese automatic engineering. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +20 to +25 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap compliments the sporty yet elegant nature of the large steel case and secures to the wrist with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The oversized case retains its imposing structure while displaying normal, honest signs of use including surface scratches and handling marks. The deeply engraved caseback remains exceptionally crisp. The dial and hands are entirely original but do show noticeable signs of aging, including visible spotting, surface debris, and oxidation on the handset. The peripheral automatic movement is visually clean and operating capably. Dimensions 42 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a vintage Japanese timepiece with a 42 millimeter diameter is an incredibly rare occurrence, making this piece highly desirable for collectors who prefer contemporary sizing without sacrificing authentic mid-century charm. The combination of the striking blue dial, the intricate Jet-style movement, and the sheer presence of the case creates a truly commanding vintage wearing experience. History During the early 1960s, the Japanese watch industry was characterized by rapid innovation and fierce domestic competition. Citizen introduced their unique peripheral rotor automatic movements, commonly referred to as Jet calibers, as a sophisticated alternative to traditional center-mounted rotors. This design allowed for a relatively thin movement profile while providing efficient winding and a highly distinctive sound on the wrist. The Auto Dater Seven line represented a premium tier of these self-winding watches, offering practical day and date complications housed in robust, water-resistant cases. These models remain highly celebrated today for their mechanical creativity and bold mid-century styling. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-ADM-0001