Citizen - Auto Dater 520 結影 (Ketsuei) – Bound Shadow - No reserve price - AD10825 - Men - 1966

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Discover a distinct piece of Japanese horological history with this Citizen Auto Dater 520 from the mid-1960s. This model stands out with its unique day-date configuration and a charismatic fluted bezel that captures the light beautifully. It is a testament to Citizen's innovative design language during a golden era of watchmaking, offering a robust stainless steel construction paired with a sophisticated aesthetic that transitions effortlessly from casual to formal wear. Brand: Citizen Model: Auto Dater 520 Reference Number: AD10825 Serial Number: 60916337 Movement: Automatic Caliber, 21 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with Day at 6 o'clock Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1966 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honestly with visible aging on the dial and case wear consistent with its age, while the movement remains in strong running order. Dial and Hands The watch features a classic silver sunburst dial that plays with the light. It is furnished with polished applied baton indices and sharp dauphine hands that provide excellent legibility. A distinctive feature of this reference is the framed day window positioned at the 6 o'clock mark, balanced by a date window at 3 o'clock under a cyclops magnifier. The dial shows signs of vintage character, with visible surface marks and scratches present across the face, particularly near the center and left side, adding to its honest vintage appeal. Case and Crystal The stainless steel cushion-shaped case measures a comfortable 37mm and features a striking fluted bezel that gives the watch a substantial and dressy presence. The case lines remain defined, though there are visible scratches and signs of wear throughout the metal surfaces commensurate with its age. The screw-down caseback prominently displays the "Para Water" designation along with the Citizen Auto Dater nomenclature and star logo, all of which are deeply engraved and clearly legible. The crystal features a date magnifier and is in presentable condition. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Citizen automatic movement with 21 jewels. The rotor is signed and the movement appears clean and well-maintained. The watch is currently running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results showing approximately +12 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring an embossed grain pattern. It pairs elegantly with the silver tones of the case and dial, secured by a silver-tone buckle. The strap is in good condition and ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in Good vintage condition. It shows clear signs of its history, including marks on the dial and scratches on the case, which are fully disclosed in the accompanying imagery. Despite these cosmetic signs of age, the watch retains a strong overall appearance and mechanical integrity. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a vintage size that sits prominently on the wrist due to the cushion case shape and fluted bezel design. Remarks This Auto Dater 520 is a charming example of 1960s Citizen design. The combination of the "Para Water" caseback, the specific 520 branding, and the unusual placement of the day complication makes it a collectible piece for enthusiasts of Japanese vintage watches. It offers a wonderful entry point into vintage collecting with a watch that has clearly been worn and enjoyed, yet continues to perform. History Citizen, established in 1918, has long been a rival to Seiko in producing high-quality, innovative timepieces. The Auto Dater line was a significant series for the brand in the 1960s, showcasing their capability in manufacturing robust automatic movements with practical calendar complications. The "Para Water" marking on the caseback is historically significant as it was Citizen's terminology for water resistance before the industry standardized nearly a decade later. This specific model dates to 1966, a period when Citizen was rapidly expanding its global influence. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CAJ-0004