Citizen 'Skeleton' 4-385276 Y (1974)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This captivating Citizen is a brilliant representation of 1970s avant-garde watchmaking, perfectly capturing the era's fascination with bold geometry and mechanical transparency. By stripping away the traditional dial, Citizen transformed the caliber itself into the primary visual element, allowing the wearer to observe the beating heart of the timepiece. Encased in a sharp, distinctive cushion case and topped with a dramatic faceted mineral crystal, this watch is a highly expressive and mechanically engaging vintage piece that stands out in any collection. Brand: Citizen Reference Number: 4-385276 Y Serial Number: 40902995 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 8060A, 21 Jewels Dial: Skeletonized gold-tone mainplate with silver outer chapter ring, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: September 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, well-preserved geometry with a pristine display Dial and Hands The dial of this timepiece is a striking exercise in skeletonization, utilizing the meticulously cut, gold-tone movement mainplate as the canvas. This allows for an unobstructed view of the gear train, keyless works, and the rhythmic oscillation of the balance wheel. A contrasting silver-toned outer chapter ring frames the mechanical display, featuring crisp, perfectly preserved black printed minute markers for practical time reading. The polished baton-style hands are fitted with clean white inserts, providing excellent legibility against the complex, golden mechanical backdrop. A detailed inspection reveals that the entire dial area is exceptionally well-preserved, free from any moisture marks, spotting, or oxidation, presenting a remarkably clean and vibrant aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 38mm stainless steel case features a robust, tonneau-style cushion profile that embodies the bold design language of the 1970s. The case retains incredibly sharp lug profiles and distinct, factory-correct transitions between the vertically brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks. Honest, light signs of wear are present, but the overall geometry remains crisp and unpolished in appearance. The fluted crown, uniquely positioned at 4 o'clock for ergonomic comfort, is correctly signed "CTZ". The watch is fitted with a spectacular faceted mineral crystal featuring dramatic geometric cuts across its surface, creating a mesmerizing play of light and amplifying the depth of the skeletonized movement beneath. The screw-down stainless steel caseback is in excellent condition, with all factory engravings, including the reference and serial numbers, remaining deep and highly legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the in-house Citizen caliber 8060A, a 21-jewel automatic movement. The movement is heavily modified for this skeletonized application, featuring a rich gold-tone finish across its plates and bridges, which contrasts beautifully with the steel components. The exhibition-style design continues to the rear, where the signed gold-tone rotor and automatic winding mechanism are clearly visible when the caseback is removed. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results show a deviation of -42 to -46 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on its original stainless steel bracelet, featuring a classic multi-link design that complements the angularity of the case. The fold-over clasp is prominently signed with the Citizen logo in relief. The bracelet shows honest, normal surface wear consistent with its vintage age, while remaining structurally sound and comfortable on the wrist. It will accommodate a wrist size of up to 17.5 cm. Condition This watch is in excellent vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains its sharp lines and original finishing techniques, showing only minor, expected handling marks. The skeletonized dial and hands are flawlessly preserved, and the dramatic faceted mineral crystal remains a standout feature. The original signed bracelet completes this highly authentic and well-cared-for vintage package. Dimensions Case Size: 38 mm Wrist Size: 17.5 cm Remarks A fantastic and highly collectible example of Japanese horological creativity. The combination of a fully skeletonized movement, a faceted mineral crystal, and an angular cushion case makes this Citizen a true conversation piece and a superb addition to any vintage watch enthusiast's collection. History During the 1970s, the Japanese watch industry experienced a period of explosive creativity, challenging traditional Swiss design norms with futuristic shapes, vibrant dials, and innovative materials. Citizen was at the forefront of this movement, producing watches that were not only technologically reliable but also visually spectacular. Skeletonized models from this era were particularly celebrated for turning the utilitarian movement into a work of art, reflecting a broader cultural fascination with technology and transparent design. Today, these expressive vintage pieces are highly sought after for their unique character and historical significance. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-AXX-0002