Citizen - Auto Dater 冴影 – Saekage – Crisp Shadow - No reserve price - ADSS 51302-Y - Men - 1965

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Citizen Auto Dater from 1965 represents the pinnacle of Japanese mid-century design, combining robust engineering with elegant aesthetics. Known for its "Para Water" technology, which marked Japan's first serious foray into water-resistant timepieces, this specific example features the highly desirable "Seven" shield logo, indicating it was part of the premium lineup boasting seven distinct features including an automatic movement and shock resistance. The combination of a deep glossy black dial, gold-tone accents, and a fluted bezel gives this timepiece a sophisticated presence on the wrist that rivals its Swiss counterparts of the era. Brand: Citizen Model: Auto Dater Reference Number: ADSS 51302-Y Serial Number: 505003318 Movement: Automatic Dial: Black with concentric texture Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel and Gold Tone Production Year: 1965 Condition: Stunning vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest case wear, accompanied by timegrapher data indicating strictly vintage performance. Dial and Hands The highlight of this timepiece is the stunning glossy black dial, which features a subtle yet intricate concentric guilloché texture that catches the light beautifully. The dial is adorned with applied gold faceted hour markers and sharp gold dauphine hands, creating excellent legibility and contrast. A unique arched day window sits at the 12 o'clock position, displaying the full day name, while a gold-framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The "Citizen Auto Dater" script and the applied crown logo featuring the number "7" remain crisp and bright. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel case offers a substantial vintage presence, distinguished by a gold-tone fluted bezel that adds a layer of dressy sophistication. The case lines remain defined, showing honest vintage wear consistent with its age. The caseback features the iconic Citizen medallion and clearly visible reference and serial numbers. The acrylic crystal is fitted with a magnification cyclops over the date window, enhancing readability and maintaining the period-correct profile. Movement Powering the watch is a Citizen automatic movement with 25 jewels, visible through the caseback opening in the photos. The rotor and bridges are clean, showcasing the build quality of 1960s Japanese horology. Timegrapher testing indicates a daily rate between -56 and -64 seconds per day, confirming the movement is operational and running. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring contrasting brown stitching, which complements the black dial and gold accents perfectly. The strap is supple and ready for immediate wear, securing with a gold-tone buckle. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, free from major spotting or damage, retaining a deep glossy finish. The gold plating on the bezel shows a warm patina. The stainless steel case exhibits normal handling marks but no signs of abuse. The movement is functioning, with accuracy results as noted in the movement section. Dimensions The case measures 37mm in diameter excluding the crown, making it a versatile size for modern wrists. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable fit, while the thickness provided by the automatic movement and domed crystal gives it a classic profile. Remarks This Citizen Auto Dater is a fantastic example of the "Jet" era aesthetic, even as it transitioned to more modern central-rotor movements. The "Para Water 40M" designation on the dial is a proud nod to Citizen's technical achievements in waterproofing. With its fluted bezel and black dial configuration, it offers a distinctive look that is highly sought after by collectors of vintage Japanese watches. History Introduced in the 1960s, the Auto Dater line was one of Citizen's most successful series, helping to establish the brand as a global competitor. The "Seven" branding seen on this dial referred to seven key selling points: automatic winding, date display, day display, water resistance, shock resistance, an unbreakable mainspring, and accurate timekeeping. This 1965 model sits at the intersection of these innovations, representing a time when Citizen was rapidly advancing its technical capabilities and design language. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CAD-0005