Citizen - Crystal Date - No reserve price - ACSS 2924-Y - Men - 1977

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This striking vintage Citizen Crystal Date captures the bold design language and mechanical ambition of Japanese watchmaking during its mid-century golden era. Housed within a substantial cushion case, the true centerpiece of this timepiece is its mesmerizing sunburst blue dial, which shifts beautifully depending on the light. Boasting a robust 33-jewel automatic movement and a distinctively robust case architecture, this Crystal Date offers collectors a superb blend of everyday wearability and undeniable vintage charm. Brand: Citizen Model: Crystal Date Reference Number: ACSS 2924-Y Serial Number: 70800187 Movement: Citizen 33-jewel automatic Dial: Vibrant sunburst blue dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1977 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial is a stunning deep sunburst blue that radiates brilliantly under direct light, presenting in exceptionally clean condition with no visible spotting, stains, or print loss. It features applied, faceted silver-tone baton indices that catch the light beautifully, complemented by an applied silver-tone Citizen crest positioned just above the six o'clock marker. The dial text, including the elegant script of the Crystal Date branding, remains crisp and fully intact. A framed date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. The silver-tone dauphine hands exhibit a sharp profile, housing thin luminescent strips that have aged to a subtle, attractive creamy tone, matching the small luminescent plots located at the inner edge of each hour marker. Case and Crystal The 36 millimeter stainless steel cushion case retains strong, well-defined lines, showcasing a highly attractive transition between the vertically brushed upper surfaces and the smoothly polished case flanks. The polished bezel ring provides a sharp visual contrast against the brushed case top. Honest signs of vintage wear are present, consisting of fine, superficial hairline scratches consistent with careful use over the decades, without any deep gouges or signs of heavy over-polishing. The watch is fitted with a flat crystal that provides a clear and unobstructed view of the vibrant dial beneath. The original signed crown, bearing the classic Citizen 'C' logo, remains firmly in place and features sharp knurling for easy operation. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Citizen crest, model reference, and serial number. Movement Inside beats a robust Citizen automatic caliber, proudly displaying its impressive 33-jewel count with orange-filled engravings on the winding rotor. The movement presents cleanly in the photographs, with the balance wheel, shock protection system, and gear train all clearly visible and visually well-preserved. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a performance of -34s/day. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome black textured leather strap featuring contrasting white edge stitching. This strap complements the vintage aesthetic perfectly and is secured with a classic stainless steel pin buckle, offering immediate comfort and a refined presence on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undisputed highlight, remaining flawlessly vibrant and free of the typical degradation often seen in watches of this era. The case exhibits normal, honest vintage wear with fine surface scratches that do not detract from the strong overall architecture of the cushion profile. The movement is clean and operational, making this a highly attractive and well-preserved example for the discerning collector. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 millimeters in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The cushion case design provides a substantial and highly wearable footprint, ensuring a commanding yet comfortable presence on the wrist. Remarks The Citizen Crystal Date represents a fantastic era of Japanese horology where high jewel counts and bold, colorful dials began to take center stage. The combination of the deep blue sunburst finish and the architectural cushion case makes this specific configuration particularly desirable. It stands as a testament to Citizen's dedication to both mechanical reliability and striking aesthetic design. History During the mid-twentieth century, Citizen emerged as a powerhouse of horological innovation, fiercely competing to produce watches with higher jewel counts, better water resistance, and more striking designs. The Crystal Date line was introduced to offer a premium automatic experience, often featuring robust cases and sophisticated dials aimed at an increasingly modern and style-conscious consumer base. These timepieces remain highly celebrated today for their distinctive character and enduring build quality. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CCD-0001