Citizen - Leopard 28800 - No reserve price - 4-770706 Y - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of 1970s Japanese horology, this Citizen Leopard 28800 showcases the bold design language and technical innovation that defined the era. Renowned for its high-beat movement architecture and expressive styling, the Leopard series remains a standout favorite among vintage collectors. This particular reference 4-770706 Y distinguishes itself immediately with a mesmerizing gradient fumé dial, offering a rich interplay of color that shifts dynamically under different lighting conditions while housing a sophisticated 28,800 bph automatic caliber. Brand: Citizen Model: Leopard 28800 Reference Number: 4-770706 Y Serial Number: 40902569 Movement: Automatic Caliber 7700, 24 Jewels Dial: Striking golden-brown gradient fumé dial with applied faceted indices, showing excellent preservation Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably clean and vibrant dial Dial and Hands The dial is a masterful execution of the 1970s fumé aesthetic, featuring a brilliant golden-mustard center that gradients smoothly into a deep, rich brown at the outer edges. The typography is sharp and intact, with an applied silver-toned "CITIZEN" logo positioned above the printed "AUTOMATIC" text, and the stylized "28800 LEOPARD 24 JEWELS" beautifully rendered above six o'clock. The dial furniture includes tall, applied faceted baton indices featuring subtle black central stripes, creating excellent legibility. A framed day-date complication sits at the three o'clock position, showcasing a Kanji and English day wheel. Close inspection reveals an exceptionally clean dial surface free of moisture stains, spotting, or surface damage, while the metallic index surfaces exhibit a very mild, attractive oxidation consistent with honest vintage aging. The faceted baton hands mirror the indices with matching black center stripes and remain in excellent visual condition alongside a slender silver-toned sweep seconds hand. Case and Crystal The 37 mm stainless steel case features a classic cushion or tonneau profile with integrated, hooded lugs characteristic of the decade. The case architecture demonstrates a pleasing transition between the radially brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks, topped by a smooth polished bezel ring. The factory lines and lug profiles remain strong and well-defined, displaying normal, honest surface scratches and handling marks indicative of careful wear over the decades without heavy over-polishing. The original knurled crown sits flush against the case side. The screw-down stainless steel caseback is thoroughly engraved, clearly displaying the model, reference, and serial numbers alongside the "WATER RESISTANT GN-4-S" factory markings. The crystal presents clearly and is free from visually distracting scratches, offering an unobstructed view of the vibrant dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the impressive Citizen in-house Caliber 7700, a 24-jewel automatic movement operating at a high-beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Close-up visual inspection of the movement reveals clean metallic plates, distinct jewel settings, and a smoothly finished rotor proudly stamped with "CITIZEN 24 JEWELS." Timegrapher results reflect current performance; the movement is running and operational, showing a deviation of -61s to -66s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome, deep brown textured leather strap featuring contrast stitching and a classic polished stainless steel tang buckle. The strap perfectly complements the warm, earthy tones of the gradient dial and remains in excellent, highly wearable condition. Condition This Citizen Leopard survives in excellent vintage condition. The absolute highlight is the pristine condition of the original gradient dial, which remains vibrant and remarkably free of the deterioration often seen in colored dials of this vintage. The stainless steel case displays normal vintage wear with moderate handling marks but retains strong structural integrity and appealing finishes. The movement is visually clean, highly detailed, and operational. Dimensions The cushion case measures 37 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, offering a substantial yet incredibly comfortable presence on the wrist thanks to its lugless case geometry. Remarks Combining a sophisticated high-beat automatic caliber with one of the most visually striking dial executions of the 1970s, this Citizen Leopard 28800 is a compelling find. The combination of the golden fumé dial, the crisp applied indices, and the robust tonneau case makes this an essential acquisition for enthusiasts of premium vintage Japanese timepieces. History Introduced in the late 1960s and flourishing throughout the 1970s, the Citizen Leopard line was conceived as a direct, high-performance competitor to the high-beat offerings from rival Japanese manufacturers. Engineered for exceptional precision and everyday reliability, the Leopard series utilized advanced 28,800 and 36,000 bph movements. Beyond their technical prowess, Leopard models were celebrated for their daring, progressive case designs and expressive dials, perfectly capturing the futuristic and colorful horological zeitgeist of the 1970s. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CAJ-0006