Citizen - Leopard Super Beat 8 - No reserve price - 4-720383 Y - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Citizen Leopard series represents a fascinating chapter in Japanese horology, born during an era of fierce domestic competition to produce highly accurate, high-frequency mechanical timepieces. This Leopard Super Beat 8 stands as a proud testament to Citizen's engineering prowess in the early 1970s. Featuring a robust cushion case and a high-beat movement operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, this model perfectly encapsulates the bold aesthetic and technical ambition of its time, offering collectors a striking and historically significant mechanical watch. Brand: Citizen Model: Leopard Super Beat 8 Reference Number: 4-720383 Y Serial Number: 00622115 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 7210, 26 Jewels Dial: Deep blue sunburst dial with applied indices, showing visible edge wear and localized spotting Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: June 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and characterful dial aging Dial and Hands The watch features a captivating deep blue sunburst dial that plays beautifully with the light, providing a rich backdrop for the intricate dial furniture. It is adorned with applied, faceted silver-tone indices that offer excellent depth, complemented by the proudly applied Citizen and leaping Leopard logos in the upper half. The typography is crisp, with "SUPER BEAT 8" and "26 JEWELS" printed directly above the distinctive vertical day-date aperture at the 6 o'clock position, which displays the day in Japanese Kanji. The dial exhibits noticeable age-related wear, specifically spotting and surface finish degradation concentrated along the outer minute track between the 7 and 9 o'clock positions, along with scattered minor marks across the surface. The silver-tone baton hands feature central luminous strips showing age-appropriate darkening, paired with a slender needle seconds hand. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel cushion case showcases the robust, geometric design language typical of the era. It features a brushed finish on the upper surfaces that transitions into polished case flanks. The case remains well-defined but displays honest signs of vintage wear, including scattered surface scratches, minor dings, and handling marks throughout the bezel and lugs. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Parawater designation, reference 4-720383 Y, and serial number 00622115. The dial is protected by a slightly domed mineral crystal that sits cleanly above the bezel, showing minor superficial wear consistent with the rest of the timepiece. Movement Inside beats the Citizen Caliber 7210, a sophisticated 26-jewel automatic movement renowned for its "Super Beat 8" high-beat operation. The movement presents cleanly in the photographs, with the rotor distinctly signed "CITIZEN 26 JEWELS" and the caliber number clearly stamped beneath the balance wheel. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a performance of -55 to -62 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a robust black leather strap featuring prominent, contrasting white cross-stitching along the edges, secured by a standard steel pin buckle. Condition Good vintage condition. The case retains its fundamental geometry while displaying expected scratches and marks from regular use over the decades. The dial's rich blue tone remains highly attractive, though it bears clear signs of aging, particularly the spotting and finish loss along the lower-left edge. The movement is operational and visually well-preserved. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Citizen Leopard Super Beat 8 is a fantastic representation of vintage Japanese high-beat horology. Its combination of a striking blue dial, unique 6 o'clock day-date window, and robust cushion case makes it a compelling piece for collectors of 1970s mechanical innovation. History Introduced in the late 1960s and flourishing through the 1970s, the Citizen Leopard line was conceived as a direct competitor to Seiko's high-beat ranges. The "Super Beat" designation highlighted Citizen's mastery of high-frequency movements, offering variations at 28,800 bph and 36,000 bph. These watches combined advanced mechanical performance with bold, contemporary designs, cementing Citizen's reputation as a powerhouse of precision watchmaking during the golden age of mechanical calibers. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT2Q2RCJ0000