Citizen - Auto Dater - No reserve price - AW1407051 - Men - 1964

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Citizen Auto Dater represents a fascinating era of Japanese watchmaking, characterized by bold designs and unique mechanical innovations. With its distinctive day-date layout and the renowned Jet-style automatic movement, this timepiece offers a compelling blend of mid-century aesthetics and robust engineering. The presence of the applied '7' logo and the fluted bezel further elevate its visual appeal, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of vintage Japanese horology. Brand: Citizen Model: Auto Dater Reference Number: AW1407051 Serial Number: 41101339 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied indices, day-date complication, and applied '7' logo, exceptionally clean with age-consistent patina on the hands Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: January 1964 Condition: Good vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is remarkably well-preserved, catching the light beautifully and providing a brilliant backdrop for the dial furniture. It features applied, faceted baton indices that add depth and texture to the display. The layout is distinguished by a framed day window positioned at 12 o'clock and a date aperture at 3 o'clock. Above the 6 o'clock position sits the applied '7' crown logo, accompanied by crisp black printing and the distinctive blue "40M" depth rating text. The dial surface remains exceptionally clean, free from significant spotting or moisture damage. The faceted dauphine hands exhibit an attractive, age-consistent oxidation and patina, contrasting nicely against the pristine dial and confirming the authentic vintage nature of the watch. Case and Crystal The 40mm stainless steel case presents a substantial presence on the wrist, an impressive size for its era. It is topped by a sharp fluted bezel that beautifully frames the dial. The lugs retain a strong profile with well-defined lines and a pleasing transition between the polished and brushed surfaces. Honest signs of wear, including light scratches and handling marks, are visible across the case flanks and lugs, consistent with its age. The domed acrylic crystal is clear and offers an unobstructed view of the dial, showing only minor surface wear. The screw-down caseback is a particular highlight, featuring a deeply engraved and highly detailed central medallion showcasing the '7' and crown motif, surrounded by clear factory text. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Citizen 25-jewel automatic movement, famously known for its Jet rotor design. This innovative architecture utilizes a geared outer ring for winding, a distinctive and visually striking mechanism unique to Citizen's mid-century production. The movement presents cleanly, with the jewel bearings and gear train clearly visible beneath the signature rotor. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +50 to +55 seconds per day. Strap The watch is currently paired with a camouflage-patterned suede leather strap, detailed with green contrast stitching that complements the vintage aesthetic while adding a rugged, contemporary touch. Condition This Citizen Auto Dater remains in good vintage condition. The dial is the standout feature, remaining incredibly clean and vibrant, while the hands display a charming, natural oxidation. The case shows honest, age-appropriate wear without any signs of heavy over-polishing, allowing the original case lines and the intricate caseback medallion to remain distinct and highly legible. Dimensions The case measures 40 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, offering a remarkably modern and substantial fit for a vintage timepiece. Remarks Combining a large case size, an iconic fluted bezel, and the mechanically fascinating Jet-style automatic movement, this Auto Dater is a testament to Citizen's bold design language of the 1960s. The pristine condition of the sunburst dial makes it a standout addition to any serious collection of vintage Japanese watches. History During the 1960s, Citizen fiercely competed in the domestic and international markets by introducing innovative mechanical solutions and striking designs. The Auto Dater series was a flagship line that often featured the brand's proprietary Jet automatic movements. These movements, with their ring-shaped, geared rotors, were developed to allow for thinner overall case profiles while maintaining efficient automatic winding. Today, watches equipped with these Jet movements are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the unique mechanical history and the distinctive mid-century styling that defined Citizen's golden era. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT1UVDS72000