Citizen 100 Years Anniversary 4-673760-K (1972)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This remarkable timepiece stands as a brilliant intersection of horology and industrial history, crafted to celebrate a monumental milestone in Japanese infrastructure. Featuring an extraordinary bas-relief dial that immortalizes the legendary D51 steam locomotive, this watch transcends traditional timekeeping to become a wearable piece of art. The intricate detailing of the train and billowing smoke showcases Citizen's exceptional manufacturing capabilities during the early 1970s, making it an absolute prize for both dedicated watch collectors and railway enthusiasts alike. Brand: Citizen Model: [Limited] 100 Years Anniversary Watch Reference Number: 4-673760-K Serial Number: 20903667 Movement: Manual wind, 23 jewels Dial: Silvered bas-relief steam locomotive commemorative dial, showing visible fine surface scratches and light perimeter spotting Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and visible dial character Dial and Hands The dial is a stunning display of three-dimensional metallic artistry, dominated by a highly detailed, embossed depiction of the iconic D51 steam locomotive powering through billowing clouds of smoke. The upper right quadrant features crisp, painted black kanji and numerals reading the Japanese Railway 100 Year Anniversary from 1872 to 1972. Time is indicated by applied black dot hour markers positioned around the outer perimeter, paired with slender black baton hands and a fine needle seconds hand that provide excellent contrast against the silvered backdrop. Careful inspection reveals visible, multi-directional fine surface scratches across the flat silvered background, most prominently in the upper left quadrant near the smoke motif. Additionally, there are minor dark spots located near the dial edge. Despite these signs of age and handling, the intricate relief work of the train remains incredibly sharp and visually commanding. Case and Crystal The 34 millimeter stainless steel case is elegantly proportioned, characterized by straight lugs and a magnificent, finely milled coin-edge bezel that perfectly frames the commemorative dial. The case flanks transition smoothly into the lug profiles, exhibiting honest, age-consistent surface scuffs and light handling marks typical of a vintage timepiece. The watch retains its original factory crown, deeply signed with the CTZ hallmark. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback with crisp, clearly legible engravings, including the Citizen signature, the 6700 caliber family box logo, reference 4-673760-K, and the serial number 20903667. The domed acrylic crystal presents clearly, showing only minor, superficial signs of vintage wear that do not obstruct the view of the magnificent dial beneath. Movement Powering this commemorative edition is a robust Citizen manual wind movement, featuring 23 jewels. Visual inspection of the caliber reveals a clean overall architecture, with the bridge proudly displaying gold-filled engravings reading JAPAN CITIZEN 23 J. The internal casing ring and some minor steel components exhibit light, age-appropriate oxidation that is entirely consistent with a watch of this era. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -41 to -50 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct black leather strap featuring a classic crocodilian grain pattern. The strap is secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle, complementing the vintage aesthetic of the timepiece perfectly. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains strong structural integrity, and the distinctive coin-edge bezel remains sharp and well-defined. As noted, the highly detailed bas-relief dial does exhibit visible surface scratches and localized dark spotting along the perimeter, though the central artistic motif remains striking and highly attractive. The manual wind movement is clean and fully operational, making this a wonderful, honest survivor of a specific historical celebration. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. Remarks This Citizen represents a highly specific and captivating genre of horology where national pride and watchmaking converge. The depth and texture of the D51 locomotive dial offer a visual experience rarely found in standard production models, ensuring it will be a standout conversation piece in any discerning collection. History In 1972, Japan celebrated the centenary of its national railway system, marking one hundred years since the very first train line connected Shimbashi in Tokyo to Yokohama in 1872. To honor this profound milestone in Japanese modernization and industrial growth, Citizen released this special commemorative timepiece. The dial pays homage to the D51, affectionately known as the Degoichi, which was the most widely produced and relied-upon steam locomotive in Japanese history. This watch serves as an enduring tribute to the engineering marvels that built modern Japan. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CXX-0002