Citizen Auto Dater 7 珠光 (Shūkō) 41002140 (1964)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Citizen Auto Dater 7, a highly collectible timepiece from the mid-1960s featuring the famous "Jet" movement. Distinguished by its substantial 39 mm case size, which was considered oversized for its era, this watch offers a commanding modern wrist presence while preserving its vintage charm. The unique ring-rotor automatic mechanism and the distinctive day-date layout make this a standout piece for serious collectors of Japanese horology. Brand: Citizen Model: Auto Dater 7 Serial Number: 41002140 Movement: Automatic "Jet" Ring Rotor, 19 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with day and date complications Case Size: 39 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1964 Condition: Honest vintage condition with visible marks on the dial and strong mechanical performance. Movement recently serviced. Dial and Hands The watch features a silver sunburst dial that displays applied silver baton indices and sharp dauphine hands for enhanced legibility. There are noticeable marks and signs of age on the dial, lending it a genuine vintage character. The layout remains attractive, featuring an arched day window at the 12 o'clock position and a date window under a cyclops magnifier at 3 o'clock. The dial is signed with the "Citizen AutoDater" script and the distinctive "7" logo inside a crown, indicating the specific model series. The text "para 40M water" refers to Citizen's vintage water resistance standards. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures an impressive 39 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, offering a robust and sporty profile rarely seen in dress watches from this period. The case retains its original lines with thick, defined lugs and shows honest wear consistent with its age, including surface scratches but no significant dents. The crystal is clear and features a dedicated magnification lens over the date window, adding to the vintage character. Movement Powering this timepiece is the celebrated Citizen "Jet" automatic movement, specifically the 19-jewel Auto Dater Seven caliber. This mechanism is famous for its peripheral "ring rotor" design, which differs from standard central rotors and produces a distinctive whirring sound when winding. The movement has been recently serviced and is running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is supple and complements the sporty yet elegant aesthetic of the large steel case, making it ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in honest vintage condition. The dial shows visible marks and patina consistent with its age, while the case remains strong and solid, preserving its architectural shape. Ideally suited for a collector seeking an authentic example of Citizen's innovative 1960s engineering. Dimensions The case diameter is 39 mm excluding the crown, with a lug width that accommodates standard straps. The substantial size gives it a contemporary feel on the wrist despite its vintage production date. Remarks The Citizen Auto Dater 7 "Jet" is a significant model in the history of Japanese watchmaking. Its combination of the unique peripheral rotor movement and the large 39 mm "Jumbo" case makes it a rare and desirable find. This example stands out for its honest condition and vintage character. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Auto Dater series represented Citizen's push into high-quality automatic watches with practical calendar features. The "Jet" movements utilized a ring-shaped rotor that rotated around the movement's periphery, allowing for a theoretically thinner profile and greater winding efficiency. This technology was a hallmark of Citizen's golden era before the industry standardized on central rotors later in the decade. The "7" branding typically denoted a watch with special features, often including the day, date, and automatic winding capabilities. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CAD-0004