Citizen Seven Star V2: calibers, dials and the versions worth buying

At 36 mm, the steel 4-780094 TA and 4-771133 TA remain compact, but their tonneau and cushion shapes give more visual weight than a conventional round case. The 37 mm 4-770951 TA makes the green gradient dial feel broader without becoming oversized. Neither measurement includes the crown, so the case silhouette matters more than the nominal one-millimetre difference.

Legibility depends on the dial rather than size alone. The silver sunburst 4-780094 TA uses faceted indices with black center stripes and matching baton hands, while its day-date sits prominently at 12 o'clock. The horizontal color-block 4-771133 TA is more graphic and less conventional. Under a cuff, the unknown thickness prevents a responsible claim about clearance.

The largest value spread sits between a clean, correct graphic dial and a refinished one. Green gradient, silver sunburst and horizontal color-block dials are not interchangeable cosmetic options, because each defines the identity of its reference. A redial costs more than ordinary case wear, especially when the original applied furniture and unusual calendar placement have been altered.

Case definition comes next. A cushion or tonneau case with clear transitions retains the geometry that makes a used Citizen Seven Star V2 recognisably early 1970s; polishing can turn those transitions soft. Between a sharper 36 mm example and a heavily rounded 37 mm example at comparable money, take the 36 mm watch. Movement correctness matters too, but an honest dial cannot be recreated during service.

Start with the dial layout, then use the reference and caliber to confirm that the rest of the watch makes sense. The 4-780094 TA pairs the unusual 12 o'clock day-date with caliber 7280, while handled examples of the 4-770951 TA and 4-771133 TA use caliber 7790. That distinction is more useful than choosing by year alone.

For the strongest expression of the model, the 4-771133 TA offers the horizontal two-tone block dial in a 36 mm cushion case. Against it, the 4-770951 TA gives you a larger 37 mm case and green gradient sunburst finish, while the 4-780094 TA is the choice for an unusual calendar layout. Service history is unknown unless documentation accompanies the individual watch, and without it no mechanical claim should go beyond current test results.