Citizen - Crystal Date - No reserve price - AUDS 2802-Y - Men - 1967

Available now on auction by Second Vintage The mid-century era of Japanese horology represents a golden age of mechanical innovation and refined design, beautifully encapsulated by the Citizen Crystal Date. Positioned as a sophisticated yet robust timepiece for the discerning gentleman, this model showcases Citizen’s dedication to precision engineering and elegant aesthetics. With its high-jewel count automatic movement and classic proportions, the Crystal Date remains a testament to the brand's enduring legacy in crafting reliable, beautifully finished watches that stand the test of time. Brand: Citizen Model: Crystal Date Reference Number: AUDS 2802-Y Serial Number: 70210971 Movement: Automatic 27 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, displaying light age-consistent spotting and edge patina Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: February 1967 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear Dial and Hands The watch features a striking silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully, providing a dynamic backdrop for the applied dial furniture. Prominent faceted baton indices, detailed with black center channel inserts, offer excellent legibility and a sharp, mid-century architectural aesthetic. The dauphine hands mirror this design language perfectly, incorporating matching black stripes down their centers. An applied, block-letter Citizen logo sits proudly below the twelve o'clock position, complemented by the elegant cursive "Crystal Date" script printed just beneath it. A classic metal-framed date aperture is positioned at three o'clock. Upon close visual inspection, the dial remains highly attractive but exhibits honest signs of its age, including minor scattered spotting and slight edge patina particularly noticeable around the lower left quadrant. These subtle imperfections do not detract from the overall presence of the watch but rather confirm its authentic vintage journey. Case and Crystal The 35 millimeter stainless steel case features a timeless, well-proportioned profile with gracefully sweeping lugs. The transition between the polished bezel and the lug surfaces remains distinct, though the case exhibits an honest array of micro-scratches and light handling marks entirely consistent with decades of wear. The original crown is deeply signed with the "CTZ" logo, a charming detail for collectors. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback with crisp, highly legible factory engravings, including the Citizen Crystal Date branding, serial number, and the distinctive "PARA WATER" and "STAR" designations. The watch is fitted with a domed crystal that protects the dial while adding a pleasing vintage distortion at acute viewing angles, showing only minor surface wear. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust Citizen automatic movement, impressively jeweled with 27 rubies to ensure longevity and smooth operation. The movement presents cleanly in the macro photographs, featuring a central rotor distinctly engraved with "CITIZEN 27 JEWELS" filled in a vibrant orange enamel. The balance wheel assembly and shock protection system are clearly visible and well-preserved. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -40 to -47 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on a thick, robust black leather strap. This strap features prominent, heavy white contrast stitching that perfectly complements the black and silver aesthetic of the dial indices and hands. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle, offering a comfortable and secure fit for daily wear. Condition This Citizen Crystal Date is offered in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains its fundamental geometry and original lines, displaying normal, age-appropriate surface wear without any signs of heavy over-polishing. The dial has aged nicely, presenting an authentic vintage character with its light spotting and subtle edge patina. The caseback engravings are exceptionally deep and well-preserved. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a classic 35 millimeters in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The proportions are inherently elegant, allowing the watch to sit comfortably on the wrist while maintaining a refined, understated profile suitable for both casual and formal settings. Remarks This piece represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a character-rich, high-jewel Japanese vintage dress watch. The combination of the intricate dial details, the signed crown, and the robust automatic caliber make this Crystal Date a compelling addition to any collection focused on the golden era of mechanical watchmaking. History During the 1960s, Citizen Watch Company aggressively expanded its lineup of mechanical timepieces, directly competing with its domestic rivals to produce watches of exceptional quality and reliability. The introduction of the Crystal Date line marked a significant achievement, offering consumers a premium automatic watch with a high jewel count and sophisticated styling. These models were designed to be both elegant enough for the boardroom and durable enough for daily wear, proudly bearing the "Para Water" designation that signified Citizen's early advancements in water-resistant case technology. Today, these early automatic models are highly respected by collectors for their historical significance and enduring build quality. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CCD-0002