Citizen - Crystal Seven - No reserve price - 4-520343 Y 風華 – Fūka – Wind Elegance - Men - 1968

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a highly collectible 1968 Citizen Crystal Seven, a model that played a pivotal role in the Japanese watchmaking history of the 1960s. Known for being one of the first mass-produced watches to feature a hardened mineral glass crystal instead of the standard acrylic, the Crystal Seven offers a flatter, more modern profile that feels significant on the wrist. This specific example features the desirable "Jumbo" 38mm case and the signature day compilation uniquely positioned at 9 o'clock, a design quirk that has made this reference a favorite among vintage Japanese watch enthusiasts. Brand: Citizen Model: Crystal Seven Reference Number: 4-520343 Y Serial Number: 8071223 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5204 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest and attractive aesthetic with a well-preserved dial and normal signs of wear on the case, consistent with a cherished timepiece of this era. Dial and Hands The dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a stunning silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied, faceted block indices featuring black inlays that match the handset, providing excellent legibility and a cohesive mid-century modern look. The signature Crystal Seven shield logo with the "7" emblem is applied at the 6 o'clock position, balancing the unique layout. The day window is distinctly placed at 9 o'clock, while the date sits traditionally at 3 o'clock, creating a symmetrical horizontal axis that sets this model apart from its contemporaries. The hands are sharp baton-style with original luminous material that has aged naturally. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures a substantial 38mm, giving it a commanding presence that was considered large for the late 1960s and translates perfectly to modern tastes. The case retains its original geometry with gently curving lugs and a polished finish. There are visible surface marks and light scratches throughout the case and bezel, which is to be expected from a watch of this vintage. The crown is original and signed with the "C" logo. The defining feature, the flat mineral glass crystal, is in fair condition with some visible scratches and marks that do not obscure the dial but attest to its history. The caseback features the "Para Water Star" engraving and all relevant reference numbers are clearly legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust Citizen automatic caliber, likely from the 5204 family, featuring 21 jewels. The movement looks clean and the rotor swings freely. It is currently running at +53 to +56 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement with an active beat rate, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring an embossed alligator pattern. The strap is in excellent condition and pairs elegantly with the silver dial, secured by a polished silver-tone steel buckle. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The dial remains remarkably clean and attractive, serving as a strong focal point. The case shows honest wear with scattered scratches and nicks, particularly on the polished bezel and case sides, preserving the character of the watch. The crystal shows signs of use but remains original to the design concept. Dimensions With a diameter of 38mm excluding the crown, the watch wears comfortably and prominently on the wrist. The lug-to-lug length ensures a balanced fit, making it suitable for a wide variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Citizen Crystal Seven is often regarded as Citizen's answer to the Seiko 5 and the Seikomatic, but with higher specifications due to the use of mineral glass. This particular example, dating to July 1968, captures the essence of "Space Age" design with its sharp indices and clean lines. Finding a Crystal Seven in this larger case size with the distinctive 9 o'clock day window is becoming increasingly difficult, making this a smart acquisition for collectors of Japanese horology. History Introduced in 1965, the Crystal Seven series was a technological breakthrough for Citizen. It was the world's first watch to use crystal glass (hardened mineral glass) as a standard feature, allowing for a significantly thinner profile compared to watches with domed acrylic crystals. This innovation was a major selling point and helped establish Citizen as a leader in material engineering. The series became one of Citizen's best-selling lines, celebrated for its durability and the unique positioning of the day and date complications. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CCS-0001