Citizen - Seven Star V2 "Gradient Charcoal Sunburst" 閃影 (Senei) – Flashing Shadow - No reserve price - 4-770889 TA - Men - 1972

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Citizen Seven Star V2 is a captivating example of Japanese watch design from the early 1970s, showcasing the brand's willingness to experiment with bold aesthetics and reliable mechanics. The standout feature of this timepiece is undoubtedly its faceted crystal, which plays with light in a way that perfectly complements the gradient sunburst dial. With its distinctive cushion case and gold-tone accents against a charcoal-to-brown fading background, this watch captures the essence of 1970s retro-futurism. It represents a specific era of Citizen manufacturing where style and substance were given equal weight, making it a delightful conversation piece for any vintage enthusiast. Brand: Citizen Model: Seven Star V2 Reference Number: 4-770889 TA Serial Number: 20710136 Movement: Automatic Caliber 7700 Dial: Gradient charcoal sunburst with faceted crystal Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest vintage aesthetic with visible wear consistent with its age, particularly on the faceted crystal and case. The movement is functioning, with timegrapher readings showing -77 to -82 seconds per day, indicating the movement is operational. Dial and Hands The dial features a stunning gradient effect that transitions from a lighter metallic taupe in the center to a deep charcoal at the periphery. It is adorned with prominent, blocky gold-tone hour markers that add depth and texture to the face. The gold-tone hands are centrally mounted and feature lume inserts which have aged to a darker patina. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, displaying the day in both Kanji and English, a desirable feature for collectors of JDM timepieces. The applied "CITIZEN" logo and the printed "Seven Star V2" insignia remain sharp and legible. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case utilizes a cushion shape that was highly popular during the production era, offering a substantial presence on the wrist without being overbearing. The case flanks show signs of use, including surface scratches and minor dings that attest to the watch's history. The defining characteristic of this model is the faceted "cut glass" crystal. While it adds immense visual flair, the crystal does show scratches and marks on the facets, which is common for protruding crystals of this age. The crown is recessed into the case at the 3 o'clock position, maintaining the sleek silhouette. Movement Powering this timepiece is a 26-jewel Citizen automatic movement, visible under the screw-down caseback. The rotor is signed "CITIZEN JAPAN," and the movement appears clean and free of corrosion. This caliber belongs to the dependable V2 family, known for introducing hacking capabilities and higher beat rates to Citizen's mid-range offerings during the 1970s. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern and matching black stitching. It secures with a silver-tone pin buckle that complements the steel case. The strap is supple and unworn, ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case retains its original geometry but shows general surface wear and marks throughout. The dial is well-preserved, though the lume on the hands shows signs of aging. The faceted crystal has accumulated scratches over the decades, which are visible under direct light but do not obscure the time. The screw-down caseback shows tool marks but remains fully legible with all engravings crisp. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter, providing a classic vintage fit that suits a wide variety of wrist sizes. The lug-to-lug length ensures the cushion case sits comfortably and conforms well to the wrist. Remarks The Seven Star V2 is a testament to the creativity of 1970s horology. The combination of a gradient dial and a faceted crystal was a distinct trend in the Japanese Domestic Market, designed to catch the eye and offer a luxurious feel at an accessible price point. This particular example, with its Kanji day wheel and intact gold accents, offers a charming blend of elegance and funkiness that is becoming increasingly sought after by collectors looking for unique case geometries and dial treatments. History Citizen introduced the Seven Star line in the late 1960s as a superior automatic watch to compete in the highly active Japanese market. The "V2" designation, which stands for "Version 2," signaled an upgrade in movement technology and design diversity in the early 1970s. These watches were part of a fierce competition with Seiko's Lord Matic and Actus lines, driving rapid innovation in dial manufacturing and case finishing. The use of faceted glass crystals became a hallmark of this era, symbolizing the exuberant fashion trends of the decade. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CVS-0007