Citizen - 1872-1972 Limited Edition [100 Years Anniversary Watch] - No reserve price - 4-673760-K - Men - 1972

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Citizen is a fascinating and highly unusual vintage timepiece, featuring a striking commemorative dial that immediately captures attention. Designed to mark the 100th anniversary of Japanese railways (1872-1972), the dial is a deeply embossed, three-dimensional artwork showcasing a classic D51 steam locomotive powering through billowing clouds of smoke. The level of detail achieved in the stamping is remarkable, offering a tactile and visual depth rarely seen in standard watch dials. Housed in a classic 33mm stainless steel case with a distinctive coin-edge bezel, this watch is a unique intersection of horology and industrial history. The presence of the original caseback sticker adds a layer of collectability to this already intriguing piece. Brand: Citizen Model: 1872-1972 100 Years Anniversary Watch Reference Number: 4-673760-K Serial Number: 20902268 Movement: Manual Winding, 23 Jewels Dial: Intricately embossed silver-tone dial commemorating the 100th anniversary of Japanese railways, featuring a highly detailed D51 steam locomotive and Japanese characters. The dial shows light, even surface wear consistent with age, maintaining excellent three-dimensional definition. Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Precise Date: September 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition. Well-preserved case with sharp coin-edge bezel, detailed commemorative dial, and caseback retaining its original factory sticker. Dial and Hands The dial is the undeniable centerpiece of this watch, featuring a stunning, three-dimensional embossed design. Executed in a silver-tone finish, it depicts a highly detailed D51 steam locomotive emerging from a cloud of steam. The precision of the stamping captures the intricate mechanical details of the train, from the boiler rivets to the front grille and number plate. Above the locomotive, raised Japanese characters and the dates "1872-1972" commemorate the 100th anniversary of the railway system. The Citizen brand name is subtly embossed near the bottom edge. The dial surface exhibits fine, directional brushing that interacts beautifully with the light, enhancing the depth of the embossed figures. Small, applied black dot indices mark the hours, maintaining a minimalist approach that allows the central artwork to dominate. The hands are simple, blackened stick hands that provide excellent contrast against the silver dial without obscuring the intricate design beneath. The dial shows minor surface wear and light scratches visible under magnification, consistent with its vintage nature, but remains highly legible and visually impactful. Case and Crystal The 33mm stainless steel case presents a classic, elegant profile that contrasts nicely with the industrial theme of the dial. The most prominent feature is the finely fluted coin-edge bezel, which adds a touch of refinement and catches the light beautifully. The lugs are straight and relatively sharp, showing normal signs of wear, including light scratches and minor scuffs consistent with careful use over the decades. The polished sides of the case maintain a bright finish, transitioning smoothly to the lugs. The crown is appropriately sized and features the "CTZ" signature, indicating originality. The watch is fitted with a flat crystal that sits flush with the bezel, providing a clear and undistorted view of the remarkable dial beneath. The crystal appears clean, with only very minor, superficial handling marks visible upon close inspection. Movement Turning the watch over reveals a solid stainless steel caseback that is remarkably well-preserved, retaining its original, protective factory sticker. The sticker clearly displays the Citizen branding, the reference number 4-673760-K, the material designation, and the serial number 20902268, which corresponds to the engraving beneath it. Inside, the watch is powered by a Citizen manual-winding movement, clearly marked with "JAPAN," "CITIZEN," and "23 J." indicating a 23-jewel construction. The movement exhibits a clean, industrial finish with visible gears and ruby jewels set in golden chatons. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result is -40 to -44 seconds per day. Strap The watch is currently paired with a period-correct, dark brown leather strap featuring an alligator-grain pattern. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. The deep brown tone of the leather complements the silver case and dial nicely, offering a classic and versatile look suitable for various occasions. The strap shows signs of light wear but remains supple and ready for use. Condition This Citizen commemorative watch is in good vintage condition. The case retains its structural integrity with a well-defined coin-edge bezel and legible caseback engravings, further protected by the original factory sticker. The dial is the standout feature, maintaining excellent three-dimensional detail and clear typography, despite showing some light, age-appropriate surface wear. The blackened hands remain crisp and offer good contrast. The manual-winding movement is clean and operational. Overall, it is a well-preserved piece that successfully combines horological interest with a unique piece of Japanese industrial history. Dimensions Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This watch represents a rare opportunity to acquire a timepiece that is as much a historical artifact as it is a functional instrument. The commemorative nature of the dial, celebrating a century of Japanese railway advancement, makes it a compelling piece for both watch collectors and railway enthusiasts. The presence of the original caseback sticker is a significant bonus, indicating a life of careful preservation. History Founded in 1918 as the Shokosha Watch Research Institute, Citizen has grown into one of the most prolific and innovative watch manufacturers globally. The brand has a long history of producing reliable, well-engineered timepieces for the domestic Japanese market and beyond. During the 1960s and 1970s, Citizen frequently released special editions and commemorative watches to mark significant national events and corporate milestones. This specific model, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Japanese railway system (established in 1872), highlights Citizen's connection to Japan's industrial and technological progress, utilizing advanced dial manufacturing techniques to create a memorable and lasting tribute. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CXX-0003